India Submits Seventh National Report to Convention on Biological Diversity
India Submits Seventh National Report to Convention on Biological Diversity
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has submitted India’s Seventh National Report (NR-7) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), reaffirming its commitment to the three objectives of the Convention: conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of its components, and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources.
Submission of national reports is a mandatory obligation on Parties to the CBD. As a responsible nation, India has consistently honoured its international commitments and submitted all previous National Reports to the CBD as required under Article 26 in a timely manner. In accordance with CoP Decision 15/6, India has submitted its Seventh National Report (NR7) on 26 February 2026, ahead of the due date of 28 February 2026.
The NR-7 presents a comprehensive, indicator-based national assessment aligned with India’s updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP 2024-2030) and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). The Report is based on 142 national indicators mapped against 23 National Biodiversity Targets (NBTs). The assessment reflects coordinated inputs from 33 Central Ministries/Departments, State Governments, Statutory Authorities, Research Institutions and other stakeholders.
India’s NR-7 reports that all 23 National Biodiversity Targets (NBTs) are currently “on track to achieve”, demonstrating strong alignment between national priorities and global biodiversity commitments. The report emphasizes a “whole-of-government” and “whole-of-society” approach, reflecting long-standing practices in India’s biodiversity conservation efforts. It highlights the engagement of 33 Central Ministries/Departments, integrating biodiversity safeguards across infrastructure, agriculture, forestry and coastal sector policies.
India has substantially strengthened biodiversity-inclusive land and seascape planning. Recorded Forest Area stands at 7,75,377 km2 (23.59% of geographical area), of which forest cover constitutes 5,20,365 km2 (15.83%). Total Forest & Tree Cover has reached 8,27,356.95 km2 (25.17%), reflecting sustained spatial planning integration. The number of notified Ramsar wetlands of international importance have expanded from 26 in 2014 to 98 as of 2026.
India’s conservation network now encompasses 58 Tiger Reserves, 33 Elephant Reserves, 18 Biosphere Reserves, 106 National Parks and 574 Wildlife Sanctuaries. India supports 3,682 tigers, (over 70% of the global tiger population). 4,014 greater one-horned rhinoceroses, 22,446 wild elephants, 891 Asiatic lions, and about 718 snow leopards estimated through first Snow Leopard Population Assessment (SLPAI). Under the project Dolphin, the report of the first-ever river dolphin population estimation finalized and released, which reported a population of 6,327 riverine dolphins in the country.
India has documented 22 agrobiodiversity hotspots and prioritized conservation of 769 Crop Wild Relatives (CWRs) across 171 native crops and 230 native animal breeds based on diversity, uniqueness, and agricultural heritage.
India’s National Biodiversity Authority has issued over 5,600 ABS agreements disbursing INR 140 Crore, while 2,76,653 BMCs and 2,72, 648 PBRs engage local communities and traditional knowledge to promote biodiversity-friendly practices.
Over the years, India has developed much desired institutional framework besides required infrastructure and standardized monitoring protocols with appropriate legal back up for air, water and noise monitoring and pollution control.
Conserved areas receive desired legal protection under the country’s prominent laws (Indian Forest Act, 1927; Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972; Environment (Protection) Act, 1986; Biological Diversity Act, 2002; Van Panchayat Act, (1931). India’s conservation strategy integrates in situ and ex situ measures, ranging from habitat restoration and species recovery programmes, to ensure the sustainable management of both natural ecosystems and agrobiodiversity. India is using advanced technologies like Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System, Satellite Telemetry, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle(UAV), Camera Trap and DNA based tools for monitoring forest resources and free ranging species, and conservation of genetic resources.
In pursuant to ‘Digital India’ and capturing the spirit of Minimum Government and Maximum Governance, a Single-Window named PARIVESH (Pro-Active and Responsive facilitation by Interactive, Virtuous, and Environmental Single Window Hub) has been developed by the MoEFCC ensures transparency and ease of work. India’s NR7 also captures citizens’ contributions including those through the activities under ‘Mission LiFE’ (Lifestyle for the Environment) and initiatives like ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Nam.’
India’s Seventh National Report presents a robust, indicator-driven national assessment demonstrating measurable progress across conservation, restoration, sustainable use, governance reform, climate mitigation and community participation. The submission reaffirms India’s strong commitment to achieving the objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity and delivering on global biodiversity goals by 2030 under the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
The full report can be accessed at the CBD Clearing-House Mechanism (CHM): https://ort.cbd.int/national-reports/nr7/359D8BAC-9FD6-0ACE-BB25-309292A6A97D