India at IUCN: Culturally Rooted, Evidence-Based Conservation

India articulated its commitment to a conservation framework that is both evidence-based and culturally grounded at the IUCN World Conservation Congress. The country highlighted how ancient Indian traditions intrinsically value natural resource preservation and harmonious living with nature, principles now articulated through modern terms like sustainability. A key focus was ‘Mission LiFE,’ an initiative championed to foster a global movement promoting deliberate and conscious resource utilization over destructive consumption. This mission draws directly from India’s rich traditional knowledge and ethos, encouraging environmentally responsible actions. India’s strategy involves validating and integrating these indigenous practices into mainstream climate adaptation and biodiversity conservation efforts, recognizing that traditional knowledge complements scientific approaches. Illustrative examples of this synergy include the Toda community’s monsoon prediction methods and the Jarawa people’s cyclone forecasting skills, alongside sustainable water management techniques like Rajasthan’s stepwells. Furthermore, India unveiled its National Red List Assessment Vision 2025–2030, a significant undertaking aiming to evaluate the conservation status of approximately 11,000 species, demonstrating a robust commitment to safeguarding its diverse flora and fauna.