Context: Union Environment Minister addressed the 1st Sagarmatha Sambaad in Nepal, presenting a five-point global action plan to protect fragile mountain ecosystems, with a focus on the Himalayas.
About Five-Point Global Action Plan to Protect Fragile Mountain Ecosystems:
What It Is?
- It is a strategic framework proposed by India to promote climate-resilient, inclusive, and cooperative conservation of mountain ecosystems globally, especially within the Himalayan region.
Five-Point Global Action Plan to Protect Fragile Mountain Ecosystems:
- Enhanced Scientific Cooperation: Foster transboundary research and monitoring on glaciers, biodiversity, and hydrology in mountain systems.
- Building Climate Resilience: Develop early warning systems, climate-resilient infrastructure, and disaster preparedness (e.g., for GLOFs).
- Empowering Mountain Communities: Mainstream local knowledge and livelihoods into climate policies and promote green jobs and sustainable tourism.
- Providing Green Finance: Push for adequate and predictable climate finance from developed nations, aligned with UNFCCC and Paris Agreement obligations.
- Recognizing Mountain Perspectives: Ensure mountain issues are integrated in global climate negotiations, SDG targets, and development finance frameworks.
Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus:
- GS Paper 3 – Environment & Ecology
- Climate change impacts on fragile ecosystems, cryosphere, and transboundary biodiversity.
- GS Paper 2 – International Relations & Environmental Agreements
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- India’s engagement in global environmental diplomacy and climate governance.
- GS Paper 1 – Geography
- Issues related to mountain ecosystems, disaster vulnerability, and sustainable development.
