It was developed by the Goldman Sonnenfeldt School of Sustainability and Climate Change at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and BioDB.com, ranks countries on their conservation efforts, with India positioned at 176th. This index evaluates conservation performance through four primary markers:
- Land Management: Assesses the effectiveness of policies and practices aimed at preserving natural habitats.
- Threats to Biodiversity: Considers factors such as habitat loss, fragmentation, and the impact of climate change.
- Capacity and Governance: Evaluates each country’s institutional capacity to manage and implement conservation strategies.
- Future Trends: Looks at projected impacts on biodiversity based on current practices and policies.
India-Specific Findings
- Threats to Biodiversity: India faces significant biodiversity threats due to habitat loss and fragmentation from agriculture, urban expansion, infrastructure development, and climate change.
- Population Decline in Species: An alarming 67.5% of marine species and 46.9% of terrestrial species in India are experiencing population declines, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced conservation measures.