PROMOTE ACCESS TO GENETIC RESOURCES AND FAIR SHARING OF THE BENEFITS

 By Harsh Philip Sathish

One of the key reasons why equitable distribution of benefits derived from genetic resources is essential is to ensure that local communities and indigenous peoples who have traditionally stewarded these resources are not exploited or marginalized. Many developing countries are rich in biodiversity and genetic resources, yet often lack the capacity to fully utilize and benefit from them. By promoting fair access and benefit sharing, we can empower these communities to participate in and benefit from the sustainable use of their resources.

Furthermore, promoting equitable access to genetic resources can also foster innovation and scientific advancement. By allowing researchers and biotech companies to access a diverse range of genetic material, we can accelerate the development of new medicines, crops, and technologies that can benefit society as a whole. However, it is crucial that this access is done in a responsible and ethical manner, taking into consideration the rights and interests of the providers of these resources.

In order to achieve these goals, it is important for countries to establish clear legal frameworks and mechanisms for access and benefit sharing. This can include implementing laws and regulations that govern the collection, use, and sharing of genetic resources, as well as establishing mechanisms for negotiating fair and mutually beneficial agreements between providers and users of these resources.

Additionally, capacity building and technology transfer initiatives can help to build the skills and knowledge of local communities and developing countries to effectively manage and benefit from their genetic resources. By investing in education and training programs, we can empower these communities to participate in the global bioeconomy and ensure that they receive a fair share of the benefits derived from their resources.

Overall, promoting equitable access to genetic resources and ensuring fair benefit sharing is not only crucial for the conservation of biodiversity and sustainable development, but also for promoting social justice and empowering marginalized communities. By working together to address these challenges, we can create a more equitable and sustainable future for all.

Genetic resources play a crucial role in driving progress in science and technology. They serve as the building blocks for breakthroughs in various fields such as medicine, agriculture, and industry, thereby enhancing human health, food sustainability, and economic growth. One instance is the utilization of genetic resources from plants to create enhanced crop varieties that offer higher yields, increased resistance to pests and diseases, and better adaptability to environmental challenges. Likewise, genetic resources sourced from microorganisms have paved the way for the development of antibiotics, enzymes, and other bioactive substances with significant therapeutic and industrial uses.

The unequal distribution of benefits from genetic resources, particularly in developing countries where they are abundant, has raised concerns about exploitation. The issue of biopiracy has sparked debates on access and profit from genetic resources.

International agreements like the CBD aim to promote fair sharing of benefits from genetic resource utilization. Despite efforts, challenges remain in ensuring sustainable and fair utilization, with issues like intellectual property rights and consent being contentious.

 

Transparency, collaboration, and respect for indigenous peoples' and local communities' rights are crucial in addressing the ethical, legal, and socio-economic complexities of genetic resource management. By doing so, we can ensure that genetic resources benefit all stakeholders and support sustainable development.

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is an international treaty that was established to address the growing concerns regarding the loss of biodiversity and the unsustainable use of genetic resources. It recognizes the importance of preserving and responsibly utilizing these resources for the benefit of both present and future generations.

One of the key principles of the CBD is the recognition of national sovereignty over genetic resources. This means that each country has the authority to determine how their genetic resources are accessed and used. It also emphasizes the need for obtaining prior informed consent from the countries or communities that hold these resources.

The CBD also highlights the importance of establishing mutually agreed upon terms for accessing and using genetic resources. This ensures that both the provider country and the user country or organization have a clear understanding of the conditions under which the resources can be accessed and utilized. This includes issues such as intellectual property rights, technology transfer, and benefit sharing.

Furthermore, the CBD emphasizes the need for fair and equitable benefit sharing. This means that the benefits derived from the exploitation of genetic resources should be shared in a just and fair manner, taking into account the rights and interests of the provider country or community. This can include financial benefits, access to technology, capacity building, and the sharing of scientific knowledge.

Overall, the CBD provides a framework for promoting the preservation and responsible utilization of genetic resources. By acknowledging the authority of nations over their resources and emphasizing the importance of obtaining consent, establishing mutually agreed upon terms, and ensuring fair benefit sharing, the CBD aims to address the issues surrounding the exploitation of genetic resources in a sustainable and equitable manner.

The CBD emphasizes the importance of access and benefit sharing (ABS) as a core principle. ABS seeks to find a fair balance between the providers and users of genetic resources. Under the ABS framework, countries are encouraged to establish regulations governing access to their genetic resources and ensure that the benefits derived from their use are distributed fairly. These benefits include financial aspects like royalties and licensing fees, as well as non-financial aspects such as technology transfer, capacity building, and the exchange of research findings and intellectual property rights.

Different methods have been put in place to improve the availability of genetic resources and promote fair sharing of benefits. Access and benefit sharing agreements (ABS agreements) are legal instruments that are negotiated between providers and users of genetic resources to regulate the access to and use of these resources, as well as to ensure the equitable distribution of benefits. These agreements typically include provisions on access conditions, benefit sharing mechanisms, and mechanisms for resolving conflicts.

Furthermore, apart from ABS agreements, various strategies have been utilized to facilitate access to genetic resources and guarantee equitable benefit sharing. These include bioprospecting partnerships, joint research and development initiatives, and community-based benefit sharing arrangements. Bioprospecting partnerships entail cooperation between scientists, industry, and local communities to explore and exploit genetic resources in a manner that benefits all parties involved. Joint research and development initiatives allow countries and institutions to combine their resources and knowledge to tackle shared obstacles and create groundbreaking solutions.

Community-based benefit sharing agreements are a crucial mechanism for safeguarding genetic resources and ensuring equitable distribution of benefits. These agreements acknowledge the invaluable contributions of indigenous peoples and local communities in preserving and managing these resources, as well as their traditional knowledge and customs.

By involving indigenous peoples and local communities in decision-making processes, these agreements empower them to actively participate in the management and protection of genetic resources. This inclusion recognizes their deep connection to the land and their role as custodians of biodiversity. Their traditional knowledge, passed down through generations, holds immense value in understanding the potential uses and benefits of genetic resources.

Furthermore, these agreements aim to ensure that the commercial use of genetic resources results in fair and equitable benefits for indigenous peoples and local communities. This is achieved through mechanisms such as the sharing of monetary benefits, capacity-building initiatives, and the transfer of technology. By providing these benefits, community-based benefit sharing agreements promote sustainable development and support the socio-economic well-being of indigenous peoples and local communities.

In addition to the economic benefits, these agreements also foster cultural preservation and respect for indigenous rights. They acknowledge the importance of indigenous peoples' customs, practices, and spiritual beliefs, which are often intertwined with the sustainable use and conservation of genetic resources. By recognizing and respecting these cultural aspects, community-based benefit sharing agreements contribute to the preservation of cultural diversity and the promotion of social justice.

Overall, the involvement of indigenous peoples and local communities in community-based benefit sharing agreements is essential for the effective protection and management of genetic resources. These agreements not only recognize the traditional knowledge and customs of indigenous peoples but also provide them with opportunities to actively participate in decision-making processes and benefit from the commercial use of genetic resources. By doing so, these agreements promote sustainable development, cultural preservation, and the equitable distribution of benefits.

In conclusion, advocating for greater access to genetic resources and equitable sharing of benefits is essential to ensure fairness, justice, and sustainability in the utilization of biodiversity and advancements in biotechnology. By implementing effective access and benefit sharing mechanisms that respect the rights and interests of nations, indigenous peoples, and local communities, as well as fostering collaboration and initiatives, we can optimize the benefits of genetic resources for all parties involved and contribute to the conservation of biodiversity and the achievement of sustainable development goals.

 

END DESERTIFICATION AND RESTORE DEGRADED LAND

 BY: Deeksha Sahoo

According to the ICCROM, END DESERTIFICATION AND RESTORE DEGRADED LAND can help with the following:

• Protecting biodiversity

• Improving human health

• Increasing food and water security

• Delivering goods, services, and economic prosperity

• Supporting climate change mitigation. 

PROTECTING BIODIVERSITY:-

Biodiversity is all the different kinds of life you'll find in one area—the variety of animals, plants, fungi, and even microorganisms like bacteria that make up our natural world

Support local and regional projects aimed at tackling biodiversity loss. Buying fewer products and making sure the products you do buy minimise the impact on biodiversity. Investing in ways that promote biodiversity. Reducing waste of consumer goods: food, clothes, electrical appliances, etc.

IMPROVING HUMAN HEALTH :-

Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity

Good health is an essential requisite for sustainable human development. Despite encouraging progress made to date, however, in many parts of the world, poor nutrition and disease-causing pathogens continue to be significant barriers to achieving good health, particularly for children. Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate rest all contribute to good health. People receive medical treatment to maintain the balance, when necessary. Physical well-being involves pursuing a healthful lifestyle to decrease the risk of disease.

INCREASING FOOD AND WATER SECURITY:-

Improving water security is a cross-sectoral challenge and requires satisfying drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene requirements etc. They are needed to improve crop yields; implement efficient irrigation strategies; reuse of drainage water and use of water resources of marginal quality; produce smarter ways to use fertilizer and water; improve crop protection; reduce post-harvest losses; and create more sustainable livestock and marine production etc. 

The National Food Security Act,2013 (NFSA 2013) converts into legal entitlements for existing food security programs of the Government of India. It also includes the Midday Meal Scheme, Integrated Child Development Services scheme, and the Public Distribution System. The main point of food security is all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life.

DELIVERING GOOD, SERVICES AND ECONOMIC PROSPERITY:-

The role an economy, is the production and consumption of goods and services are used to fulfill the needs of those living and operating within it. Market-based economies tend to allow goods to flow freely through the market, according to supply and demand.

Goods and services affect the economy the value of these goods and services increases, resulting in larger corporate profits. Economic growth is the increase in the production of goods and services from one period to the next.

SUPPORTING CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION:-

Mitigating climate change means reducing the flow of heat-trapping greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. This involves cutting greenhouse gases from main sources such as power plants, factories, cars, and farms. Forests, oceans, and soil also absorb and store these gases, and are an important part of the solution.

Mitigation strategies involves reducing the flow of heat-trapping greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, either by reducing sources of these gases (for example, the burning of fossil fuels for electricity, heat, or transport) or enhancing the “sinks” that accumulate and store these gases. 

Actions for a healthy planet:-

1. Save energy at home. Much of our electricity and heat are powered by coal, oil and gas.

2. Change your home's source of energy. 

3. Walk, bike or take public transport. 

4. Switch to an electric vehicle.

5. Consider your travel.

STEP FORWARD – CONSERVING AND RESTORING TERRESTRIAL AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS

 By Aryapriya Singh

Front Intro: In the battle to safeguard our planet's biodiversity and secure a sustainable future, there exists a critical front line often overlooked.

The ecosystems of freshwater and terrestrial environments are vital to the continuation of life on Earth. These ecosystems are essential for a variety of reasons, including housing a wide range of species, controlling the climate, and sustaining human life. They do, however, suffer a number of problems, including as pollution, climate change, and habitat destruction. We examine the significance of protecting and repairing freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems in this essay, as well as solutions to these urgent problems.

The integration of native knowledge and traditional ecological methods is a topic that is frequently disregarded in the conservation and restoration of land and freshwater ecosystems. Because they have coexisted with these ecosystems for millennia, indigenous groups have important knowledge about how to manage resources sustainably and care for ecosystems. Not only does including indigenous perspectives honour cultural variety, but it also makes conservation and restoration activities more resilient and effective. Native American customs like rotational grazing, agroforestry, and community-based resource management can provide creative answers to today's environmental problems.

Additionally, indigenous groups frequently have strong spiritual attachments to the land and water, which instils a strong feeling of duty for their preservation. We can use the richness of knowledge and wisdom held by indigenous peoples to promote holistic approaches to ecosystem conservation and restoration by collaborating with them and upholding their rights. This inclusive strategy makes sure that all interested parties have a say in determining how the ecosystems of our world develop in the future while simultaneously bolstering the conservation ethic and advancing social justice and equity.

The Importance: 

While freshwater ecosystems include rivers, lakes, marshes, and ponds, terrestrial ecosystems comprise forests, grasslands, deserts, and tundra, among other environments. Massive mammals to microscopic critters are all part of the amazing diversity of life that these environments support. They offer crucial functions that are necessary for both human well-being and economic success, including as pollination, nutrient cycling, and water cleansing.

Moreover, freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems are vital for reducing the effects of climate change. For example, forests store and absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, acting as carbon sinks. On the other side, by absorbing extra water during periods of high rainfall, wetlands assist control the water cycle and lessen the impact of floods.

The Challenges: 

Terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems face tremendous pressure from human activity despite their significance. Numerous species face extinction due to habitat loss and fragmentation brought on by deforestation, urbanization, mining, and agriculture. Freshwater bodies are contaminated by pollution from industrial and agricultural sources, endangering aquatic life as well as human health. Furthermore, these problems are made worse by climate change, which results in changed patterns of precipitation, rising temperatures, and a rise in the frequency of extreme weather occurrences.

 

The Strategies:

It takes coordinated action at the local, national, and international levels to address the deterioration of freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems. While restoration initiatives concentrate on restoring damaged ecosystems, conservation techniques seek to save biodiversity and current habitats. The following are some crucial tactics:

1. Protected Areas: Preserving biodiversity and ecosystem services requires the creation and efficient administration of protected areas, such as national parks and wildlife reserves. These places support the preservation of natural environments and act as safe havens for endangered animal.

2. Sustainable Land Use Practices: Reducing habitat loss and maintaining the integrity of ecosystems need the promotion of sustainable forestry, agriculture, and land management techniques. While promoting local livelihoods, practices like organic farming, agroforestry, and sustainable logging can lessen the strain on ecosystem.

3. Habitat Restoration: In order to increase biodiversity and ecosystem resilience, degraded ecosystems must be restored through restoration projects. Reforestation, wetland restoration, and the reintroduction of native species are possible activities. Participating in restoration initiatives with the local community can promote a sense of stewardship and ownership.

4. Water Conservation and Management: Maintaining freshwater ecosystems requires the adoption of water-saving technologies and the application of efficient water management techniques. Water quality and quantity can be maintained with the use of strategies like pollution control, sustainable irrigation techniques, and watershed protection.

5. Mitigation and Adaptation to Climate Change: The long-term sustainability of freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems depends on addressing climate change. The effects of climate change can be lessened by reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the use of renewable energy, afforestation, and sustainable transportation. Ecosystems can also be helped to adjust to changing climatic conditions by putting adaptation strategies into practice, such as developing habitats that are resilient to climate change and improving ecosystem connectivity.

6. Education and Awareness: Gaining public support and igniting action requires spreading knowledge about the value of freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems as well as the risks they face. Initiatives for community engagement, communication campaigns, and education can enable people to support conservation and restoration activities.

It is essential to preserve and revitalize freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems in order to provide ecosystem services, preserve biodiversity, and guarantee human welfare. We can lessen the effects of climate change and human activity on these essential ecosystems by combining conservation and restoration techniques. For the sake of future generations, governments, corporations, civil society organizations, and individuals must work together and take urgent action to protect the integrity and health of freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems.

SILENT ROARS AND STOLEN WHISPERS – GLOBAL ANIMAL POACHING AND TRAFFICKING

By A. Harita 

From “Life on Land” to becoming “Lifeless - on Land”, Animal Poaching and Trafficking paves a tragic journey in the existence of protected species across the globe.

© Andrew Adam Newman

Imagine a world where the pleasing whispers of nature are drowning in the silent roars of exploitation. A world where you dream of chirping birds but wake up to them screaming in pain because of their feathers being stuffed inside your pillow. Wouldn’t that be your worst nightmare? That is exactly when you are forced out of your beautiful dream to face the harsh reality of life being sucked out of animals in the form of poaching and trafficking – a multibillion dollar business. 

According to legal dictionary, “Animal poaching is the act of hunting or capturing animals illegally. Usually, this practice leads to the killing of endangered animals, which leads to their eventual extinction.” Poachers tend to target threatened species as they are more valuable and hence holds thousand-dollar business in the black market. Permission is the primary distinction between poaching and hunting. A person is considered to be hunting if they have permission to pursue a certain animal. If not then he is poaching. 

So, then what is trafficking? Poaching an animal with the intention of trading it illegally is known as wildlife trafficking, and it usually involves sneaking the animal through across city, state or country borders to reach a customer. 

Here are few examples of the most poached animals in the world and the commodity produced:

Pangolins: (2.7 million per year) 

• Pangolin scales are sought after for potential medical benefits. 
• Pangolin meat: Some cultures consider it a delicacy.

Elephants: (55 per day) 

• Ivory: The ivory trade unlawfully harvests elephant tusks. 
• Elephant Skin: Poaching for hides is a factor in certain cases. 

Rhinos: (1 rhino every 16 hours) 

•  Rhino Horns: Due to their alleged medical qualities, rhino horns are highly prized. 

Tigers: (100 every year) 

• Traditional medicine uses tiger bones. 
• Tiger Skins: Highly prized for ornamental uses. 

Sharks: (100 million every year) 

• Shark fins: Collected for the trade in shark fin soup. 
• Oil from shark liver: extracted for use in medicine and cosmetics. 

© Pangolin. Getty images

Poaching and trafficking is a highly devastating phenomenon that’s on the rise. Its impact easily baffles the basic structure of ecosystem from multiple standpoints. UNDP states “Wildlife trafficking is among the five most lucrative illegal trades globally, worth an estimated 23 billion USD annually. It is a multifaceted global threat that erodes biodiversity, ecosystems and creates insecurity that fuels conflict and corruption.” Wildlife trafficking and poaching deprive nations of their natural resources, sabotage social harmony, and erode the rule of law.

Deep wounds are caused to our natural environment by poaching and trafficking, which deprive sentient creatures of their lives and destroy the complex web of ecosystems. Visualize the suffering of an elephant devoid of its magnificent tusks, or a pangolin that was hitherto quietly coiled for protection, taken for its scales. It has a ripple effect that goes beyond numbers. This illicit activity is becoming more closely associated with networks of organised crime, which feeds instability and corruption while taking funds away from vital social and economic advancement. Apart from these poaching also poses a significant public health risk, as it can facilitate the spread of zoonotic diseases such as COVID-19.

Once we comprehend the drawbacks of this illegal trade, one can easily justify the inclusion of poaching and trafficking in the 15th Sustainable Development Goals – “Life on Land”. Clearly, multiple solutions have to be curated and adhered to in for efficiently combating this threat to our environment. Addressing the issue requires a multi layered approach. 

The fight against poaching isn't hopeless. Initiatives like Namibia's communal conservancies, empowering local communities to manage wildlife sustainably, have seen astounding success. Technology steps in too, with drones patrolling vast landscapes and DNA analysis tracking illegal ivory shipments. However, climate change throws a curveball, forcing vulnerable species towards resource scarcity, making them easier targets. Ultimately, the answer lies in encouraging a global sense of responsibility. 

There is need to enhance intelligence gathering as well as increase ranger patrols while fostering international cooperation aimed at breaking the networks of trafficking. It is very important to promote sustainable alternatives and raise public awareness about the harmful consequences of using illegal products made from endangered species because it is an effective way to reduce demand for such goods. Giving local communities a voice in conservation efforts through which they can have sustainable livelihoods that give them ownership over wildlife resources and deter them from poaching. This appeals to the ulterior motive of Sustainable Development Goals in itself. Leveraging frontier technologies like blockchain, drones and DNA analysis that would help track illicit activity, strengthen enforcement efforts, as well as monitor wildlife populations serving as the modern solution demanded by today’s world.

The fight against global poaching and trafficking is an ongoing battle, but one we can't afford to lose. Governments, communities, and people can all work together to address this complicated issue, save the planet's priceless biodiversity, and guarantee a sustainable future for future generations. Never forget that your modest action can make a big difference in the greater movement for Life on Land. 

So let us strive to prove “Only when the last of the Animals Horns, Tusks, Skin and Bones are sold, will Mankind realize that Money can never buy back our Wildlife” this false by not having to witness a day when we don’t even have wild life to be fascinated about.