City Biodiversity Index [UPSC Notes]

Hyderabad’s Biodiversity shows significant improvement according to the latest City Biodiversity Index Report. In this article, you can know more about the City Biodiversity Index (2021), the results and what they signify, for the IAS exam current affairs section.

City Biodiversity Index (CBI)

• The City Biodiversity Index (CBI), also known as the Singapore Index, is a self-assessment tool used for monitoring the conservation and development of biodiversity in a city. 
• The National Parks Board of Singapore (NParks), together with experts from various countries, assisted the Secretariat of the CBD to develop the Index.
• It is based on 23 biodiversity indicators such as ongoing conservation efforts, support from the local government, and measures for the enhancement of biodiversity. 
• Hyderabad was the first Indian city to create a CBI in 2012 after it was chosen as the venue for the eleventh Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), or COP11. 
• While Kolkata became the second city to create a CBI, Hyderabad is now the only city to update it after a decade to register significant improvements.

Hyderabad’s CBI Score

• Hyderabad has shown a significant improvement in its biodiversity score, jumping 21 points from 36 out of 92 in 2012 to 57 points in 2021.
• The city’s score includes 27 out of 40 points in the native biodiversity category, 23 out of 36 in the governance and management of diversity category, and 7 out of 16 in the ecosystem services provided by the biodiversity category.

Hyderabad’s Biodiversity:

• The report states that Hyderabad is home to 1305 species of plants, including 577 native and 728 introduced species. 
• The city also has 30 species of Odonata or dragonflies and damselflies, 141 species of butterflies, 42 species of spiders, 60 species of fish, 16 amphibian species, 41 reptile species, 315 bird species, and 58 mammalian species. 
• Hyderabad also has 1350 water bodies spread over 2000 hectares, in addition to important rock formations which cover an area of 1,600 hectares. 
• Two protected parks—the KBR National Park and Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park—and the campuses of the University of Hyderabad, Osmania University, and ICRISAT host wide species of diversity.

Factors Contributing to Hyderabad’s Improved Biodiversity:

• According to the report, Hyderabad’s improved biodiversity is the result of various initiatives, including Haritha Haaram, an afforestation programme, the conservation of lakes, and improving urban lung spaces. 
• These initiatives have helped to enhance the city’s biodiversity by preserving native species, promoting afforestation, and reducing pollution.

Significance:

• Hyderabad’s improved biodiversity is a significant achievement, as it shows that concerted efforts can help to protect and enhance biodiversity in urban areas. 
• The CBI report has provided useful insights into the city’s biodiversity, and the factors that contributed to its improvement. As Hyderabad continues to develop and grow, it is essential to maintain a focus on biodiversity conservation and management. 
• The five-year action plan instructed by Rama Rao will help to ensure that the city’s biodiversity continues to thrive, and that Hyderabad remains a leader in urban biodiversity conservation in India.

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