India Restores 21.76 Mha Land (2011-2020): Exceeds Bonn Challenge Pledge
India has successfully restored over 21 million hectares of degraded land, surpassing its international commitments under the Bonn Challenge.
Source: HT India NewsUnion Minister Bhupender Yadav announced that India restored 21.76 million hectares (Mha) of degraded and deforested land between 2011 and 2020. This achievement significantly exceeds India's pledge made in 2015 under the Bonn Challenge. India had initially committed to restoring 13 Mha of degraded land by 2020. The country also pledged an additional 8 Mha by 2030, bringing the total commitment to 21 Mha. The data highlights India's strong efforts in land restoration and combating desertification. This progress is crucial for environmental sustainability and achieving national and international climate goals. The restoration efforts contribute to increasing green cover and improving ecosystem services across various regions of India.
This news is important for exams like UPSC (GS Paper III - Environment & Ecology) and SSC General Awareness. It highlights India's commitment to international environmental agreements and its progress in land restoration. Aspirants should understand the Bonn Challenge, India's specific pledges, and the implications of land restoration for climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation. It also reflects government initiatives in sustainable land management.
- India restored 21.76 Mha of land between 2011 and 2020.
- India pledged to restore 13 Mha of land by 2020 under the Bonn Challenge.
- An additional 8 Mha restoration was pledged by 2030, totaling 21 Mha.
- The announcement was made by Union Minister Bhupender Yadav.
- The Bonn Challenge was launched in 2011 in Bonn, Germany.
- India joined the Bonn Challenge in 2015.
The Bonn Challenge is a global effort to restore 350 million hectares of degraded and deforested land worldwide by 2030. It was launched in 2011 by Germany and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Countries make voluntary pledges to restore land, contributing to climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and food security. India joined the Bonn Challenge in 2015.
Land degradation refers to the reduction or loss of the biological or economic productivity and complexity of rainfed cropland, irrigated cropland, or range, pasture, forest, and woodlands. It is caused by various factors, including human activities and natural processes, such as deforestation, unsustainable agricultural practices, overgrazing, and climate change. It impacts soil fertility and ecosystem health.
Bhupender Yadav is an Indian politician serving as the Union Cabinet Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and Minister of Labour and Employment. He is a member of the Rajya Sabha, representing the state of Rajasthan. He has held various positions within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and is known for his contributions to environmental policy and legislative matters.
UPSC often asks about India's international environmental commitments, specific targets, and related government initiatives (GS Paper III). SSC exams may focus on the names of ministers, key figures, and basic facts about international conventions like the Bonn Challenge.
Remember 'Bonn 21' for Bonn Challenge and India's 21 Mha target. 'Yadav' for the minister who 'added' to India's green cover.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is India's commitment to the Bonn Challenge?
India committed to restoring 13 million hectares of degraded and deforested land by 2020. Additionally, it pledged to restore an extra 8 million hectares by 2030, bringing its total commitment under the Bonn Challenge to 21 million hectares.
Who announced India's land restoration achievement?
Union Minister Bhupender Yadav announced that India restored 21.76 million hectares of land between 2011 and 2020. He is the Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and Minister of Labour and Employment.
Why is land restoration important for India?
Land restoration is crucial for India to combat desertification, mitigate climate change, enhance biodiversity, and improve the livelihoods of rural communities. It helps in increasing green cover, improving soil health, and ensuring water security, contributing to sustainable development goals.