<h4>Understanding the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)</h4><p>The <strong>Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)</strong> is a landmark international treaty dedicated to the conservation of biological diversity. It promotes the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources.</p><p>Nearly all countries globally have <strong>ratified</strong> the CBD, with the notable exception of the <strong>United States</strong>, which has signed but not ratified it. India demonstrated its commitment by enacting the <strong>Biological Diversity Act, 2002</strong>, to implement the CBD's provisions.</p><div class="info-box"><p>The <strong>CBD Secretariat</strong> is based in <strong>Montreal, Canada</strong>, and operates under the umbrella of the <strong>United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)</strong>. Member countries, known as <strong>Parties</strong>, convene at regular intervals for meetings called the <strong>Conference of Parties (COP)</strong>.</p></div><h4>Key Protocols and Frameworks under CBD</h4><p>In <strong>2000</strong>, a supplementary agreement to the CBD, the <strong>Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety</strong>, was adopted. This protocol aims to safeguard biological diversity from potential risks posed by <strong>living modified organisms (LMOs)</strong>, which are products of modern biotechnology.</p><div class="key-point-box"><p>The <strong>Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization (ABS)</strong> was adopted in <strong>2010</strong> during <strong>COP10</strong> in <strong>Nagoya, Japan</strong>. It extends beyond genetic resources to include <strong>traditional knowledge (TK)</strong> associated with these resources and the benefits derived from their utilization.</p></div><p>Alongside the Nagoya Protocol, <strong>COP10</strong> also introduced the <strong>Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020</strong>. This ten-year framework outlined <strong>20 ambitious yet achievable targets</strong>, collectively known as the <strong>Aichi Targets for Biodiversity</strong>, for global action to conserve biodiversity.</p><p>More recently, the <strong>Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF)</strong> was adopted during the <strong>15th Conference of Parties (COP15)</strong>. This comprehensive framework sets <strong>four goals to be achieved by 2050</strong> and <strong>twenty-three targets for 2030</strong>, guiding global efforts for biodiversity conservation.</p><div class="exam-tip-box"><p>UPSC often asks about the <strong>objectives and provisions of international environmental conventions</strong> like the CBD, Cartagena, and Nagoya Protocols. Understanding their timelines and key targets (e.g., Aichi Targets, GBF goals) is crucial for both Prelims and Mains.</p></div><h4>National Conference on Promotion of Seaweed Cultivation</h4><p>A <strong>National Conference on Promotion of Seaweed Cultivation</strong> was recently held in <strong>Koteshwar (Kori Creek), Kutch, Gujarat</strong>. The primary objective of this conference was to promote and implement <strong>seaweed cultivation on a pan-India basis</strong>.</p><p>The conference emphasized the importance of seaweed cultivation for <strong>diversifying marine production</strong> and significantly <strong>enhancing the income of fish farmers</strong> across the country. It aligns with broader goals of sustainable marine resource utilization.</p><h4>Understanding Seaweeds: The 'Medical Food of the 21st Century'</h4><p><strong>Seaweeds</strong> are defined as <strong>macroscopic, multicellular marine algae</strong>. They exhibit a diverse range of colors, including <strong>red, green, and brown</strong>, contributing to the rich biodiversity of marine ecosystems. They are often referred to as the <strong>‘Medical Food of the 21st Century’</strong> due to their numerous health benefits and industrial applications.</p><div class="info-box"><p><strong>Distribution:</strong> Seaweeds are predominantly found in the <strong>intertidal region</strong>, as well as in <strong>shallow and deep waters</strong> of the sea. They also thrive in specialized environments such as <strong>estuaries and backwaters</strong>. Large accumulations of seaweeds form dense underwater ecosystems known as <strong>kelp forests</strong>.</p></div><p>These <strong>kelp forests</strong> play a vital ecological role, acting as crucial <strong>underwater nurseries</strong> for a variety of marine life, including <strong>fish, snails, and sea urchins</strong>. This highlights their importance in maintaining marine biodiversity and supporting fisheries.</p><h4>Seaweed Species and Cultivation in India</h4><p>India's marine environment is rich in seaweed diversity, with approximately <strong>844 reported seaweed species</strong> found in its coastal waters. This vast resource offers significant potential for sustainable harvesting and cultivation.</p><ul><li>Specific species like <strong>Gelidiella acerosa</strong>, <strong>Gracilaria spp.</strong>, <strong>Sargassum spp.</strong>, <strong>Turbinaria spp.</strong>, and <strong>Cystoseira trinodis</strong> are actively cultivated.</li><li>These cultivated seaweeds are primarily used for the production of valuable commercial products such as <strong>agar, alginates, and liquid seaweed fertilizer</strong>.</li></ul><h4>Major Seaweed Beds in India</h4><p>Significant seaweed resources are concentrated along India's coastline. Abundant seaweed beds are found along the coasts of <strong>Tamil Nadu and Gujarat</strong>. Additionally, the waters around <strong>Lakshadweep and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands</strong> are rich in seaweed diversity.</p><p>Other notable seaweed beds are located around <strong>Mumbai, Ratnagiri, Goa, Karwar, Varkala, Vizhinjam</strong>. Important sites also include <strong>Pulicat</strong> in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and <strong>Chilka</strong> in Orissa, indicating a widespread distribution across different coastal states.</p>