India, May 22 -- As we approach the International Day for Biological Diversity on May 22, the 2025 theme, "Be Part of the Plan," resonates deeply with India's ongoing efforts to safeguard its extraordinary natural heritage. As one of the world's 17 mega-diverse countries, India is home to over 45,000 plant species and 91,000 animal species, many of which are endemic. This rich biodiversity underpins our ecological stability, cultural identity, and economic prosperity. Drawing from my experience as PCCF & Chief Wildlife Warden of Haryana and former IUCN Country Representative, I am proud to share how India aligns with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) to lead global conservation efforts.

Adopted at COP15 under the C...