India unveiled its National Red List Roadmap and Vision 2025–2030 at the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 held in Abu Dhabi. This aligns with the Congress theme of “Nature 2030: One Nature, One Future”, and the Abu Dhabi Call to Action emphasizing science-based, inclusive conservation. This milestone initiative of India establishes a national framework for assessing and conserving India’s threatened flora and fauna, aligning with global biodiversity targets.
About National Red List Roadmap
To develop an integrated, nationally coordinated, and science-based Red List system for species assessment and evidence-based conservation planning, in line with IUCN global standards.
Implementing Agencies
- Lead Ministry: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
- Nodal Agencies:
- Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) – Faunal assessment
- Botanical Survey of India (BSI) – Floral assessment
- Supported by IUCN India and Centre for Species Survival (CSS).
Key Features of National Red List Initiative
Comprehensive Multi-Taxa Coverage:
- First national effort covering both flora and fauna, including terrestrial, freshwater, and marine biodiversity (over 20,000 marine species included).
Publication Goal:
- National Red Data Books for Flora and Fauna to be published by 2030.
Science-Based Threat Assessment:
- Using IUCN Red List criteria for standardized evaluation of species’ extinction risks.
Inclusion of Traditional Knowledge:
- Integrating Indigenous and local knowledge systems for biodiversity documentation.
Collaborative Framework:
- Involves taxonomists, conservation biologists, NGOs, and policymakers for accurate data and actionable conservation outcomes.
Digital and GIS Integration:
- Use of digital tools, geospatial mapping, and citizen science platforms for real-time species monitoring and data management.
Vision 2025–2030: Strategic Framework
It is a strategic vision document guiding India’s biodiversity assessment and conservation till 2030, aligned with:
- UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF)
- Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) commitments
Objectives
- Establish a centralized biodiversity database for policy and planning.
- Strengthen species identification and taxonomy networks through expert collaboration.
- Promote baseline data generation for threatened species to support National Wildlife Action Plans.
- Ensure equity and inclusivity, involving local and Indigenous communities.
- Utilize GIS and digital mapping for conservation tracking.
Significance
Policy Backbone:
- The Red List will form the scientific basis for India’s future conservation strategies and Wildlife Protection programmes.
Evidence-Based Decision-Making:
- Enables data-driven prioritization of species and habitats needing urgent protection.
Global Alignment:
- Harmonizes with IUCN’s Red List methodology, reinforcing India’s role in global biodiversity governance.
Contribution to Global Goals:
- Advances India’s progress under SDG 15 (Life on Land) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water).
India’s Biodiversity Profile
| Category | Key Facts |
| Biodiversity Status | India is one of the 17 megadiverse countries of the world. |
| Land Area | 2.4% of global land area. |
| Flora and Fauna | ~8% of global flora and ~7.5% of global fauna. |
| Documented Species | Over 104,000 faunal and 18,000 floral species. |
| Marine Biodiversity | Over 20,000 marine species identified. |
| Endemism | 28% plants and 30% animals are endemic to India. |
| Global Biodiversity Hotspots | 4 in India – Himalayas, Western Ghats, Indo-Burma, Sundaland. |
| Protected Areas in India (2025) | Over 990 (National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Biosphere Reserves, etc.) |
India’s Legal and Institutional Framework (Key Facts)
Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 (Amended 2022):
- Extends protection to species under CITES Appendices.
- Strengthens enforcement against illegal wildlife trade.
Biological Diversity Act, 2002:
- Establishes the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA).
- Promotes conservation and sustainable use of biological resources.
National Biodiversity Mission:
- Aims for comprehensive biodiversity mapping and conservation planning.
National Wildlife Action Plan (2017–2031):
- Integrates climate resilience and ecosystem-based management approaches.
About the IUCN
- Full Form: International Union for Conservation of Nature
- Founded: 1948
- Headquarters: Gland, Switzerland
- Members: 1,400+ (governments, NGOs, academic institutions)
- India’s Membership: India is a member of IUCN.
- Key Tools:
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
- World Heritage Outlook
- World Database on Protected Areas
About IUCN Red List
- Introduced: 1964
- Purpose: To assess the global extinction risk of species.
- Total Species Assessed (as of 2025): 163,000+
- Threatened Species: Nearly 28% globally.
- Categories:
- Extinct (EX),
- Critically Endangered (CR),
- Endangered (EN),
- Vulnerable (VU),
- Near Threatened (NT),
- Least Concern (LC).