On 28 October 2026, India released four biodiversity publications at CBD COP-17 in Yerevan, Armenia. The Environment Ministry (MoEFCC) organised the side event with the National Biodiversity Authority and UNDP. Also, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav gave the keynote address. Hence, the titles show how India plans to turn global targets into action.
Four Publications Released in Yerevan
- I-OECM Guidelines 2026: These guidelines help India recognise conservation beyond protected areas.
- Biosafety: Also, the 5th National Report on Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety reflects transparent reporting.
- CBD Handbook: Next, the CBD Handbook: Reference Guide and Indian Perspective explains the CBD process.
- ABS book: Finally, India’s ABS Success Story presents India as a leader in Access and Benefit Sharing.
Yadav’s Call for Implementation
Yadav said global commitments need effective implementation, sustained finance and lasting results. According to PIB, countries must build capacity and mobilise resources, not just adopt targets. Further, he wanted progress measured by “implementation, benefits delivered and sustained conservation outcomes”. Also, he highlighted the LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) principle. Finally, he sought international cooperation, including South-South learning.
Praise from the COP-17 Presidency
Notably, COP-17 President Hambardzum Matevosyan, Armenia’s Environment Minister, attended the event. Likewise, Dr Taukondjo Shikongo, Head of the CBD Secretariat’s ABS Unit, joined it. Both appreciated India’s efforts on conservation and ABS. Meanwhile, COP-17 runs from 19 to 30 October 2026.
What Are OECMs?
An OECM is a defined area other than a protected area. Still, it delivers lasting outcomes for in situ conservation of biodiversity. The CBD adopted this definition through Decision 14/8 in 2018. Moreover, Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) counts OECMs towards “30×30”. So, the target aims to conserve at least 30% of land and sea areas by 2030.
About the CBD and Its Protocols
The CBD opened for signature at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit. Then, it entered into force on 29 December 1993. Next, the Cartagena Protocol on living modified organisms took effect in 2003. Similarly, the Nagoya Protocol on benefit sharing took effect in 2014. Later, COP-15 adopted the KMGBF in December 2022.
CBD COP-17: Key Facts for Revision
- Venue: Yerevan, Armenia, 19–30 October 2026
- Side event: 28 October, by MoEFCC, NBA and UNDP
- Indian minister: Bhupender Yadav
- COP-17 President: Hambardzum Matevosyan
- OECM definition: CBD Decision 14/8 (2018)
Why CBD COP-17 Matters for UPSC and UKPSC
Notably, examiners often test the CBD, its protocols and the 30×30 target. So, remember the four publications, the OECM concept and the protocol dates. Also, link I-OECMs with Target 3. For official updates, also visit the PIB release. Next, for a related story, read about India’s 103 Ramsar sites.
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