PM Modi stresses the need for cooperation in conservation of wildlife

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that his government firmly believes in the path of sustainable development and is ensuring that development happens without harming the environment. Mr Modi said, India is one of the few countries whose actions are compliant with the Paris Agreement goal of keeping rise in temperature to below two degrees Celsius.

He was addressing the 13th Conference of Parties (COP) of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) at Gandhinagar in Gujarat. Prime Minister said, India has been championing climate action based on values of conservation, sustainable lifestyle and green development model.

This has been reflected in the slogan theme for the CMS COP 13  - "Migratory species connect the planet and together we welcome them home " he



said.

Mr Modi said, India will hold presidency of the Convention for coming 3 years and has prepared national action plan to conserve migratory birds along the Central Asian Flyway.

Prime Minister stressed the need for cooperation in conservation of wildlife as several protected areas in country share common boundaries with other nations.

Mr Modi said, the number of protected areas increased from 714 in 2014 to 870 in 2019. He said, for ages, conservation of wildlife and habitats has been a part of the cultural ethos of India, which encourages compassion and co-existence.

Prime Minister said, India is one of the most diverse countries of the world and with 2.4 per cent of world's land area, it contributes about 8 per cent of the known global biodiversity.