GLOBAL MATCHMAKING PLATFORM (GMP) |
Why in News: The Global Matchmaking Platform (GMP) was introduced by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in collaboration with the Climate Club.
Focus on Decarbonization: The initiative aims to accelerate the decarbonization of heavy-emitting industries, launched in collaboration with partner countries, donor agencies, and organizations.
Purpose of GMP:
- Decarbonization:The Global Matchmaking Platform (GMP) targets the rapid reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in heavy-emitting industries, especially in emerging and developing economies.
- Solutions-Oriented:It connects nations with both technical expertise and financial resources to address emissions in energy-intensive sectors.
How It Works
- Centralized Access:GMP serves as a single-point gateway for governments in developing economies to submit tailored requests for solutions.
- Matchmaking Mechanism:The platform matches specific national needs with suitable technical and financial support from global partners.
- Pilot Projects:Initial discussions for pilot projects are underway in countries such as Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Egypt, Indonesia, Kenya, Morocco, and Cambodia.
Support and Partnerships
- Climate Club Collaboration:GMP functions as a support tool under the Climate Club, managed by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
- Delivery Partners:Key organizations involved include Climate Investment Funds, German Development Cooperation (GIZ), UNIDO, and the World Bank.
- Initial Funding:The German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Climate Action (BMWK) provided initial funding for the platform.
HOKERSAR WETLAND |
Why in News: The Hokersar wetland in the Kashmir Valley has experienced a decline in migratory bird populations in recent years, attributed to a severe water shortage caused by significantly reduced rainfall.
Rainfall Deficit: According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Kashmir is experiencing a severe rainfall deficit of 81%, impacting the region’s ecosystems.
About Hokersar Wetland
Location and Geography:
- Situated near Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir, India.
- Positioned north of Dal Lake at an elevation of approximately 1,585 meters (5,200 feet) above sea level.
Ecological Importance:
- Recognized as a bird sanctuary, it serves as a critical habitat for various migratory bird species, particularly during winter.
- Plays a vital role as a stopover site for birds along the Central Asian Flyway.
Protection and Conservation:
- Declared a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention in 2005, highlighting its global ecological value.
RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK & TIGER RESERVE |
Why in News: Officials have confirmed that 10 out of the 25 tigers reported as “allegedly missing” from Ranthambore National Park and Tiger Reserve have been located.
Tiger Population: According to the 2022 census (published in 2023), Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (RTR) had an estimated population of 88 tigers.
Key Takeaways
Location
- Geographic Placement:Located in the Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan, RTR is situated at the northern edge of the Vindhya Range.
- Boundary Rivers:The Banas River lies to its north, while the Chambal River forms its southern boundary.
History
- Ranthambore Fort:A UNESCO World Heritage Site within the park, the fort was constructed in the 10th century by the Chauhan dynasty.
Conservation Milestones:
- Declared a national park in 1980.
- Became part of Project Tiger in 1973, cementing its role in tiger conservation.
Biodiversity
Flora:
- Features tropical dry deciduous forests with species such as dhok, babul, and ber trees.
- Includes grasslands and riverine vegetation.
Fauna:
- Carnivores:Bengal tigers, leopards, striped hyenas, and jackals.
- Herbivores:Sambar deer, spotted deer (chital), nilgai (blue bull), wild boar, and langurs.
- Other Animals:Sloth bears, Indian gazelles (chinkara), and crocodiles.
- Avifauna:Home to over 270 bird species, including painted storks, pelicans, and eagles.
Tiger Conservation
- Project Tiger:RTR is a key reserve under the Project Tiger initiative, launched in 1973 to safeguard India’s tiger population.
- Tiger Sightings: Due to its open landscape and waterholes, the reserve offers relatively frequent tiger sightings, contributing to its reputation as a premier destination for tiger conservation and ecotourism.
KEY BIODIVERSITY AREAS (KBA) |
Why in News: During the 16th Conference of Parties (COP16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), new data revealed that critical ecosystems worldwide are under threat from extractive industries. These vulnerable areas include key biodiversity areas (KBAs), high-integrity forest landscapes, protected regions, and Indigenous territories.
Threats to Conservation Areas:
- A report titled “Closing Window of Opportunity: Mapping Threats from Oil, Gas and Mining to Important Areas for Conservation in the Pantropics” highlights extraction activities for oil, gas, and mining in key conservation regions.
- Affected areas include the Amazon Basin, Congo Basin, and Southeast Asia, which are vital for global biodiversity.
About Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs)
- International Importance: KBAs are geographic regions identified as critical for biodiversity conservation based on globally standardized criteria developed by the IUCN.
- Objective:The primary aim is to pinpoint areas requiring protection by governments or conservation agencies.
- Broadening the Scope:KBAs build on the concept of Important Bird Areas (IBAs), extending it to other taxonomic groups.
Examples of KBAs:
- Important Plant Areas (IPAs).
- Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas (EBSAs) in the High Seas.
- Alliance for Zero Extinction (AZE) sites.
- Prime Butterfly Areas.
- Important Mammal Areas.
- Significant Sites for Freshwater Biodiversity, with criteria for freshwater molluscs, fish, and marine systems.
- Global Standards:The Global Standard for the Identification of Key Biodiversity Areas (IUCN 2016) provides unified criteria for identifying KBAs worldwide.
- Qualification: Sites qualify as global KBAs if they meet one or more of 11 criteria, grouped into five broad categories:
- Threatened biodiversity.
- Geographically restricted biodiversity.
- Ecological integrity.
- Biological processes.
Application: These criteria can be applied to species and ecosystems in terrestrial, freshwater, and marine environments, covering all taxonomic groups except microorganisms.
