India's Global Leadership in Biodiversity Conservation

There is a deep and intrinsic connection between nature and life, and this bond becomes even more significant when we talk about biodiversity.

- PANKAJ MISHRA

Observed every year on May 22, the International Day for Biological Diversity not only reminds us of our environmental responsibilities but also reflects the direction in which our sensitivity towards nature is evolving. This year's theme is "Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development."

India, one of the world's 17 megadiverse countries, boasts a rich and proud legacy in terms of biodiversity. From the icy peaks of the Himalayas to the lush greenery of the Western Ghats and the marine coasts of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India's landscapes shelter thousands of species and nourish life in diverse forms.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, environmental policies have moved beyond bureaucratic boundaries and transformed into people's movements. Campaigns like "One Tree for Mother" and the LiFE Mission (Lifestyle for Environment) are vivid examples that show how a lifestyle aligned with nature can lead to the organic conservation of biodiversity. Through his "Mann Ki Baat" program, Prime Minister Modi has repeatedly emphasized the importance of wildlife, the climate crisis, and nature, thereby connecting with the public on these crucial issues.