The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) celebrated World Environment Day 2026 on 05.06.2026 with the theme “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future”. On the occasion, the Authority released the publication “Looking at Digital Sequence Information through an Indian Lens”, launched the revamped NBA website and unveiled the Voluntary Certification Scheme – Incentivisation for Access and Benefit Sharing (VCS-I-ABS), aimed at strengthening awareness, transparency, stakeholder engagement and implementation of biodiversity governance mechanisms in the country.  

The celebrations commenced with the symbolic plantation of saplings by dignitaries and officials of the National Biodiversity Authority under the Government of India’s flagship initiative, “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”. State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs)/Union Territory Biodiversity Councils (UTBCs) and Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) across the country also undertook plantation drives in diverse ecosystems, including wetlands, Biodiversity Heritage Sites, riverbanks, urban green spaces and other ecologically significant landscapes, contributing to ecological restoration and environmental sustainability.

Shri A. Udhayan, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Director, Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation, Government of Tamil Nadu, attended the programme as the Chief Guest. In his address, he spoke on the concept of “Frugal Abundance” and advocated a lifestyle that balances well-being with responsible resource use. He emphasized that sustainable prosperity can be achieved through mindful consumption patterns and urged individuals to reflect on their ecological footprint, particularly in terms of energy consumption and its impact on ecosystems.

Shri Anurag Mishra, IFS, Special Secretary, Environment, Climate Change and Forest Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour. He highlighted the achievements of the Tamil Nadu Forest Department in enhancing forest and tree cover across the State and drew attention to the “Meendum Manjapai” initiative aimed at reviving the use of traditional cloth bags and reducing plastic dependency. He encouraged the adoption of sustainable practices, including solar energy, electric mobility and energy-efficient technologies.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Virendra Tiwari, IFS (Retd.), Chairperson, National Biodiversity Authority, emphasized the critical role of biodiversity conservation in addressing climate change. He called for collective action and encouraged stakeholders to adopt sustainable lifestyles through responsible consumption, efficient use of natural resources, promotion of renewable energy and conservation of water and energy. He also highlighted the Government of India’s LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) Mission, which advocates mindful and deliberate utilization of resources and promotes environmentally conscious actions at the individual and community levels.

The National Biodiversity Authority, together with State Biodiversity Boards/Union Territory Biodiversity Councils and Biodiversity Management Committees, reaffirmed its commitment to the conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of biological resources, equitable sharing of benefits arising from their utilization and promotion of ecosystem-based approaches for climate change mitigation and adaptation. By safeguarding ecosystems such as forests, wetlands and coastal habitats, these institutions contribute to carbon sequestration, regulation of hydrological cycles and enhancement of community resilience to climate-induced risks.

These efforts contribute towards the objectives of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, particularly targets relating to ecosystem restoration, sustainable use of biodiversity and mainstreaming biodiversity across sectors. They also advance the goals of the Paris Agreement through biodiversity-climate co-benefits and support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 15 (Life on Land), SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), thereby advancing India’s vision of environmentally sustainable, climate-resilient and inclusive development.

*****

GS

(Release ID: 2269851) Visitor Counter : 263