The Telangana State Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan is the first in India to incorporate the principles of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework adopted in December 2022. Telangana, known for its rich biodiversity, has consistently undertaken efforts to conserve its biological resources. The Action Plan focuses on the sustainable use of bioresources and equitable benefit-sharing, and has been prepared in alignment with national policies and international conventions. Developed in coordination with the National Biodiversity Authority, key life-owning and life-supporting departments, and various stakeholders, the Plan is structured into 12 chapters covering biodiversity components, drivers of biodiversity loss, and strategies for mitigation. It details the State’s biodiversity profile—including near-threatened, vulnerable, endangered, and critically endangered species—and outlines the governance roles of the NBA, TSBB, and Biodiversity Management Committees, emphasizing the need to strengthen institutional capacities. Through the BIOFIN approach, expenditures across core and non-core sectors have been assessed, highlighting strong integration in Forest and Agriculture sectors and identifying areas for improvement in Animal Husbandry, Horticulture, and Fisheries. The Plan also underscores the importance of protected area management, conservation research, and dedicated efforts to protect Eastern Ghats biodiversity.
The Action Plan further emphasizes the role of financial instruments and best practices in implementing the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) mechanism. It proposes the establishment of a digital database and knowledge management portal to document biological resources and traditional knowledge across the State, along with strengthening TSBB through an exclusive ABS cell and effective use of Digital Sequence Information (DSI). Key recommendations are grouped into general strategies, data and knowledge management strategies, and sector-specific strategies. The Plan encourages mobilizing funds through PSUs, CSR initiatives, and Public–Private Partnerships to advance conservation efforts, along with promoting environmental awareness and research. It also highlights opportunities to involve private finance through State Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans, supported by BIOFIN. District Planning Committees are advised to adopt inter-sectoral approaches and prepare District Biodiversity Resource Books to reflect local conservation priorities. Overall, the way forward aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) targets, providing a comprehensive roadmap for biodiversity conservation in Telangana.
Release of Telangana State Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan