India has launched a five-year biodiversity initiative to strengthen local governance and conservation systems. The project, led by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), is supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It will run from 2025 to 2030 with funding of $4.88 million.

Community Role In Key Biodiversity Regions

The project focuses on two ecologically significant regions: the Sathyamangalam landscape in Tamil Nadu and the Garo Hills in Meghalaya. These areas include protected sites such as Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve, Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, Balpakram National Park and Siju Wildlife Sanctuary.

Local communities will play a central role by integrating their ecological knowledge into Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs) and Village Employment Councils. This aims to embed conservation priorities into local governance systems.

Institutional Strengthening And Funding Models

The initiative seeks to strengthen Panchayati Raj Institutions and Biodiversity Management Committees. It also promotes collaboration among forest departments, civil society and local authorities.

Innovative financing tools, including Access and Benefit Sharing mechanisms, corporate social responsibility funding and green micro-enterprises, will support conservation-linked livelihoods.

Alignment With Climate And Biodiversity Targets

The project supports India’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2024–2030) and commitments under the Paris Agreement. It also contributes to the global 30x30 biodiversity target.

The program follows a bottom-up approach, with a focus on inclusion and scalable outcomes.