TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: Cameroon, a biodiversity-rich nation in central Africa, has taken a significant step toward ensuring fair and equitable sharing of benefits from its vast biological resources.

EXPLANATION:

• The adoption of the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing reflects the country’s commitment to addressing historical exploitation and promoting sustainable practices.
• This protocol, an offshoot of the Convention on Biological Diversity, aims to establish a framework for the just distribution of benefits derived from genetic resources and traditional knowledge.

Cameroon’s Biodiversity Landscape:

• Biodiversity Hotspot:
  • Cameroon boasts an estimated 11,000 plant, animal, and microorganism species, making it a biodiversity hotspot.
  • The genetic information and resources within these species hold value for bioprospecting activities, including the development of medicines and crops.
• Traditional Knowledge Significance:
  • Indigenous and local communities in Cameroon possess valuable traditional knowledge related to genetic resources, enhancing the country’s bioprospecting potential.

Nagoya Protocol: A Framework for Fairness:

• Overview of Nagoya Protocol:
  • The Nagoya Protocol, an extension of the Convention on Biological Diversity, addresses fair and equitable benefit sharing in biodiversity access.
  • It aims to rectify imbalances where foreign companies have historically exploited resources without providing equitable benefits to local communities.
• Example of Prunus Africana:
  • The case of Prunus Africana highlights the disparity, with foreign companies buying the plant for a minimal amount but selling the derived drugs at a significantly higher price.
  • The adoption of the Nagoya Protocol is expected to rectify such inequities.

Challenges and Initiatives:

• Challenges Faced by Cameroon:
  • Despite enacting laws and decrees to implement the Nagoya Protocol, Cameroon faces challenges such as a lack of implementing instruments, institutional capacity, and research and development on the biodiversity value chain.
• Global Environment Facility Support:
  • To address these challenges, the Global Environment Facility is funding a project titled ‘Support to Nagoya Protocol Implementation, Research and Development on Biodiversity Value chain for small holders in the South West and Far North Regions of Cameroon.’
  • The project aims to enhance research, bioprospecting, and the overall understanding of biodiversity value chains.

Focus on Bush Mango and Indigenous Species:

• Bioprospecting Initiatives:
  • The project supports bioprospecting activities on selected species, including Irvingia wombulu (bush mango), Monodora myristica, Balanites aegyptiaca, and Acacia nilotica.
  • Bush mango, a significant biological resource in Cameroon, holds medicinal properties and is crucial for traditional medicine and culinary practices.
• Economic Opportunities and Export Potential:
  • Bush mango has attracted interest from European pharmaceutical and cosmetic companies.
  • Farmers, such as Thomas Arrey Ayuk, anticipate increased value for their produce, better export opportunities, and potential benefits for community development.

Strategic Agreements and Economic Potential:

• Cameroon’s Agreements with French and Swiss Companies:
  • Cameroon has signed agreements with French and Swiss cosmetic businesses under the Nagoya Protocol.
  • These agreements involve research and development on indigenous species and set the stage for future commercial activities.
• Unlocking Africa’s Economic Potential:
  • The Nagoya Protocol is seen as a tool for African nations to master the true value of their biological resources, empowering them in negotiations with companies.
  • Recognizing and exploiting these resources in alignment with the protocol is viewed as a key to unlocking Africa’s economic potential.

Conclusion:

• Cameroon’s adoption of the Nagoya Protocol represents a pivotal move towards just and sustainable practices in utilizing its biological wealth.
• By addressing historical imbalances and promoting fair benefit-sharing, the country aims to harness the economic potential of its biodiversity, emphasizing the need for responsible exploitation and conservation efforts.
• The collaborative initiatives and agreements signal a commitment to a more equitable and mutually beneficial relationship between Cameroon’s biological resources and global industries.

SOURCE: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/world/cameroon-adopts-nagoya-protocol-to-benefit-from-its-rich-biodiversity-94288

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: The recently concluded two-day synchronised bird census in wetlands and bird sanctuaries in Villupuram district, organized by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department in collaboration with the Universal Eco Foundation, revealed a decline in the number of wetland birds compared to the previous year.

EXPLANATION:

• The census, conducted on January 27 and 28, covered 18 wetlands, including Oussudu and Kazhuveli bird sanctuaries.

Census Methodology and Participants:

• Point Count and Line Transect Method:
  • The census employed the Point Count and Line Transect method, a widely accepted approach in ornithology, conducted by more than 12 teams of volunteers, bird watchers, and ornithologists.
  • The survey took place from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., capturing a snapshot of the bird population during these crucial hours.
• Technical Support and Collaboration:
  • Technical support for the census was provided by the Universal Eco Foundation, a Puducherry-based biodiversity conservation organization.
  • Collaboration between the Forest Department and conservation organizations highlights the importance of concerted efforts in preserving biodiversity.

Findings from Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary:

• Decline in Numbers:
  • A notable decline was observed in the bird population at Kazhuveli bird sanctuary, with 3,909 birds of 90 species recorded this year, compared to over 21,000 birds of 150 species in the previous year.
  • Glossy Ibis (779), Northern pintail (512), and Eurasian Coot (295) were among the most abundant species.
• Rare Bird Sightings:
  • Despite the decline, the census recorded sightings of rare birds such as the Knob-billed duck and Black Bittern in Kazhuveli.
  • The identification of rare species underscores the ecological significance of the area.

Wetland Census Across Villupuram District:

• Oussudu Sanctuary:
  • Oussudu sanctuary recorded 2,080 birds of 64 species during the census.
• District-Wide Numbers:
  • Kallakurichi district reported 7,205 birds of 124 species.
  • Cuddalore district documented 14,414 birds of 118 species.

Conservation Implications and Future Phases:

• Concerns Over Decline:
  • The decline in bird numbers raises concerns about the health of wetland ecosystems in Villupuram district.
  • Conservation efforts may need to be intensified to address potential threats to these habitats.
• Upcoming Census Phase:
  • The second phase of the census is scheduled for March 2 and 3, focusing on terrestrial birds.
  • This multi-phase approach provides a comprehensive understanding of the avian diversity across different habitats.

Conclusion:

• The wetland bird census in Villupuram district serves as a crucial annual assessment, revealing shifts in bird populations and highlighting areas that may require conservation attention.
• The collaborative efforts of volunteers, the Forest Department, and conservation organizations contribute to the ongoing monitoring and preservation of the region’s rich biodiversity.
• The identified decline emphasizes the need for sustained conservation measures to protect these vital ecosystems.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/wetland-bird-census-146-species-recorded-in-18-wetlands-in-villupuram-district-numbers-lower-than-last-year/article67813289.ece

TAG: GS 1: GEOGRAPHY

THE CONTEXT: The Himalayan Mountain range, an awe-inspiring geological marvel, is a result of the ongoing collision between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates.

EXPLANATION:

• The recent research is conducted by a collaborative team of Chinese and U.S. scientists.
• It sheds light on intriguing dynamics beneath the Earth’s surface.
• It suggests not only the continuation of the collision but also the potential cleaving of Tibet due to the unexpected behavior of the Indian plate.

Understanding the Tectonic Collision:

• Tectonic Plate Interaction:
  • The collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates, a process spanning approximately 60 million years, has been known to create the Himalayas.
  • Previous understanding emphasized the buckling and twisting of the Eurasian plate’s edge.
  • However, the specific underground processes remained a mystery.
• Indian Plate’s Behavior:
  • The study proposes that the Indian plate is plunging beneath the Eurasian plate during the subduction process.
  • Unexpectedly, part of the Indian plate is found to be splitting apart under Tibet, with the eastern section tearing away from the western portion.

The Earth’s crust is divided into distinct “tectonic plates” that are always slowly moving. Earthquakes are concentrated along these plate boundaries

Implications of Plate Cleaving:

• Seismic Hazards:
  • The study suggests that as the Indian plate cleaves below ground, it may create a zone of weakness, potentially leading to earthquakes and other geological hazards in the region.
  • A professor at the University of California, Berkeley, sees the tear as a potential epicenter for large earthquakes accommodating the motion of the Indian plate.
• Zone of Weakness:
  • The tear in the Indian plate is considered a “zone of weakness,” indicating vulnerability to seismic activities.
  • The implications of such a tear raise concerns about the stability of the region and the potential risks associated with continental collisions.

Scientific Controversies and Perspectives:

• Debates in Scientific Community:
  • The scientific community lacks a consensus on the exact nature of the collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates.
  • Divergent opinions exist on whether the Indian plate is pushing horizontally beneath Tibet or diving vertically.
• Unique Geological Laboratory:
  • The Himalayan region holds a unique status as the only place where a continental plate collision is occurring in real-time.
  • Geophysicists acknowledge the scarcity of such opportunities to study continental collisions, considering it a “vanishingly short snapshot in time.”

Conclusion:

• The research provides a captivating glimpse into the intricate processes shaping the Himalayas and the potential consequences of the Indian plate’s unexpected behavior.
• As scientists continue to unravel the mysteries beneath the Earth’s surface, the study underscores the complexity of tectonic interactions and their profound impact on geological formations, seismic activities, and the overall dynamics of our planet.

SOURCE: https://www.nbcnews.com/science/science-news/earths-tectonic-plates-made-himalayas-rip-apart-rcna135622

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) has unveiled the Biodiversity Standard, a robust framework aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability in reporting the global response to the biodiversity crisis.

EXPLANATION:

• It is developed by the Global Sustainability Standards Board (GSSB).
  • The standard addresses the urgent need for organizations worldwide to understand and disclose their impacts on biodiversity, considering the escalating pressures on the environment.

Key Components of GRI Biodiversity Standard:

• Background and Development:
  • The GRI Biodiversity Standard is a pivotal update known as GRI 101: Biodiversity 2024, designed to be adopted globally by businesses.
  • Developed by GSSB, the document reflects vital inputs from representative organizations and aligns with key global developments in biodiversity, including the UN Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the Science-Based Target Network, and the Taskforce on Nature-Related Financial Disclosures.
• Implementation Timeline:
  • The standard will officially come into effect for reporting purposes from January 1, 2026.
  • GRI plans a two-year pilot phase with early adopters, emphasizing community engagement and participation in shaping the application of the standard.
• Transparency and Supply Chain Impact:
  • The GRI Biodiversity Standard prioritizes transparency throughout the supply chain to address underreported biodiversity impacts.
  • It mandates disclosure of location-specific impacts, including countries and jurisdictions, and details about operational sites.
• Drivers of Biodiversity Loss:
  • Organizations are required to report direct drivers of biodiversity loss, such as land use, pollution, invasive species, and climate change.
  • This emphasis on identifying and managing significant impacts aims to enhance understanding of dependencies and risks.
• Impacts on Communities and Indigenous Peoples:
  • The standard places a noteworthy focus on impacts on communities and Indigenous Peoples.
  • Organizations must disclose their communication strategies with local groups and efforts to aid in the restoration of affected ecosystems.
• Alignment with Global Goals:
  • Carol Adams, Chair of GRI GSSB, emphasizes that the updated standard raises the bar for transparency and identifies an organization’s most significant impacts.
  • Biodiversity loss is linked to the UN-mandated Sustainable Development Goals, with consequences for both people and the climate crisis.
• Nature Positive Initiative Endorsement:
  • Convener of the Nature Positive Initiative recognizes the importance of standards and metrics in assessing and reporting negative and positive impacts.
  • Convener emphasizes the need for collective action and accountability to achieve the global goal of halting and reversing biodiversity loss.

Conclusion:

• The GRI Biodiversity Standard emerges as a crucial tool in addressing the biodiversity crisis by providing a comprehensive framework for organizations to transparently report and manage their impacts.
• With a focus on supply chain transparency, drivers of biodiversity loss, and impacts on communities, the standard aligns with global initiatives and goals, emphasizing the urgency of collective action for a nature-positive future.

SOURCE: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/wildlife-biodiversity/new-gri-biodiversity-standard-demands-reporting-of-drivers-of-biodiversity-loss-impact-on-indigenous-peoples-94268

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: Climate change remains a pressing concern, with various factors contributing to the rising global temperatures. In this installment, we delve into a commonly asked question: “Is the Sun behind the rising global temperatures?” Let’s explore the intricate relationship between the Sun and Earth’s climate.

EXPLANATION:

• The Sun, a middle-aged star, serves as the primary source of energy for Earth’s biological and physical processes.
• Its radiant heat plays a pivotal role in maintaining liquid water, fostering plant growth, and influencing the planet’s weather systems.
• However, the Sun’s brightness is not constant, undergoing an 11-year cycle of high and low activity due to magnetic pole reversals.

Solar activity

Solar Variability and Historical Changes

• NASA reports indicate that during each solar cycle, the Sun undergoes fluctuations in radiation levels, material ejected into space, sunspots, and solar flares.
• Historical data reveals a small increase in sunlight reaching Earth between the late 1800s and mid-1900s.
• It contributes to a minor fraction of the observed warming (0.1 degree Celsius) since the pre-industrial era.

Debunking the Sun as the Driving Force

• Despite historical variations in solar activity, the Sun is not the primary driver of current global warming.
• Over the past five decades, Earth’s average temperature has surged to unprecedented levels, but the Sun’s energy output has only fluctuated by a mere 0.1%, as confirmed by NASA’s 2019 report.
• This negligible change discounts the Sun as a major contributor to contemporary global warming.

Atmospheric Observations: Greenhouse Gases vs. Solar Influence

• Contrary to the hypothesis that increased solar energy output would warm all layers of Earth’s atmosphere, recent observations paint a different picture.
• While the lower atmosphere experiences warming, the upper atmosphere has displayed cooling trends.
• This disparity aligns more closely with the effects of greenhouse gases, challenging the notion of the Sun as the primary culprit.

Human Activities and Global Warming

• A pivotal revelation emerges when examining the timeline of global temperature increases since 1975.
• Earth has warmed at a consistent rate of approximately 0.15 to 0.20 degrees Celsius per decade.
• The correlation between this warming trend and the escalating levels of greenhouse gases strongly implicates human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes, as the driving forces behind the current phase of global warming.

Conclusion

• In summary, while the Sun’s variability has historically contributed to slight temperature fluctuations, it is not the driving force behind the recent surge in global temperatures.
• Human-induced factors, notably the emission of greenhouse gases, emerge as the primary culprits.
• Understanding these dynamics is crucial for implementing effective strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change and work towards a sustainable future.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-climate/is-sun-behind-rising-global-temperatures-climate-change-9145524/