Daily Current Affairs : 5-January-2024

In the ever-growing global effort to safeguard biodiversity, a new financial mechanism has gained traction – bio-credits. This innovative approach is seen as a key player in achieving the targets set forth in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) adopted in 2022.

Understanding Bio-Credits

Bio-credits are financial instruments designed to provide crucial support for the objectives outlined in the KMGBF. Drawing inspiration from the concept of carbon credits, bio-credits operate on a similar principle. The core idea is to generate funds earmarked for biodiversity protection and restoration by trading credits. The funds generated through the sale of these bio-credits are then funnelled into conservation projects, creating a sustainable financial ecosystem for biodiversity preservation.

Organizations at the Helm

At the heart of the bio-credit movement is the Biodiversity Credit Alliance, launched during COP15 of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 2022. This alliance is spearheading efforts to promote the use of bio-credits, serving as a catalyst for their widespread adoption. Additionally, other initiatives, such as the Ocean Conservation Commitments, have emerged to further bolster the utilization of bio-credits. These collaborative endeavors signify a collective commitment to exploring innovative financial solutions for the pressing challenges of biodiversity loss.

Benefits and Challenges

Benefits:

  • Financial injection for biodiversity conservation
  • Restoration of ecosystems
  • Incentivizing sustainable practices

Challenges:

  • Ensuring transparency in credit trading
  • Balancing economic interests with ecological integrity
  • Establishing standardized methodologies for credit generation
Important Points:
  • Bio-Credits Overview:
    • Financial instruments aligned with Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF)
    • Similar to carbon credits, generating funds for biodiversity protection and restoration
  • Organizations Driving Bio-Credit Adoption:
    • Biodiversity Credit Alliance launched in COP15 of CBD (2022)
    • Ocean Conservation Commitments and similar initiatives promoting bio-credit utilization
  • Bio-Credit Benefits:
    • Financial injection for biodiversity conservation
    • Restoration of ecosystems
    • Incentivizing sustainable practices
  • Bio-Credit Challenges:
    • Ensuring transparency in credit trading
    • Balancing economic interests with ecological integrity
    • Establishing standardized methodologies for credit generation
Why In News

There is a surging momentum behind the concept of biodiversity credits or bio-credits, proposed as a financial mechanism to support the targets outlined in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) adopted in 2022. This innovative approach seeks to incentivize conservation efforts and sustainable practices by assigning economic value to biodiversity, fostering a harmonious balance between ecological preservation and economic development.

MCQs about Bio-Credits

  1. What is the primary purpose of bio-credits?
    A. Generating funds for space exploration
    B. Supporting targets in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
    C. Enhancing digital technology research
    D. Funding medical research initiatives
    Correct Answer: B. Supporting targets in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
    Explanation: Bio-credits are financial instruments designed to support the objectives outlined in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
  2. Which organization was launched during COP15 of the Convention on Biological Diversity to promote bio-credits?
    A. World Health Organization (WHO)
    B. Biodiversity Credit Alliance
    C. Greenpeace
    D. International Monetary Fund (IMF)
    Correct Answer: B. Biodiversity Credit Alliance
    Explanation: The Biodiversity Credit Alliance was launched during COP15 to spearhead efforts in promoting bio-credits.
  3. What are some benefits of bio-credits?
    A. Promoting deforestation
    B. Financial injection for biodiversity conservation
    C. Encouraging pollution
    D. Supporting overfishing practices
    Correct Answer: B. Financial injection for biodiversity conservation
    Explanation: Bio-credits offer a financial injection for biodiversity conservation.
  4. What challenges are associated with the implementation of bio-credits?
    A. Ensuring transparency in credit trading
    B. Ignoring economic interests for ecological integrity
    C. Avoiding standardized methodologies for credit generation
    D. Encouraging unsustainable practices
    Correct Answer: A. Ensuring transparency in credit trading
    Explanation: The essay mentions ensuring transparency in credit trading as one of the challenges associated with bio-credits.

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