World Coalition for Peace with Nature (WCPN): Objectives, Principles, India’s Role, Challenges & Solutions

In the 21st century, human civilization has achieved unprecedented progress; however, it has also intensified challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and ecological imbalance.

It is now evident that if humanity wishes to survive, it must establish peace and harmony with nature, not conflict.

To embody this vision, the World Coalition for Peace with Nature (WCPN) was established in 2024 — a global voluntary coalition that promotes nature-positive and harmony-based development.

Background

• The initiative was launched during the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) COP-16 Conference (2024) held in Cali, Colombia.
• Theme of COP-16: “Peace with Nature: A Call for Life.”
• During the conference, the “Declaration of the World Coalition for Peace with Nature” was adopted, outlining 23 key principles, including human–nature harmony, biodiversity conservation, socio-environmental justice, and the One Health approach.
• UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated: “Saving ecosystems and making peace with nature is the defining task of the 21st century.”

Objectives of WCPN

Key Principles of the Declaration

1. Recognition of the Right to a Clean, Healthy, and Sustainable Environment as a human right.
2. Adoption of Nature-Positive Development as a global policy foundation.
3. One Health Approach – Integrating the health of humans, animals, and the environment.
4. Integration of Indigenous Knowledge – Using traditional community-based conservation systems.
5. Ecological Restoration – Rejuvenation of forests, rivers, wetlands, and oceans.

India and WCPN: A Perspective

India, home to 17% of the world’s population and 8% of global biodiversity, is a natural partner in this coalition.

India’s major initiatives aligned with WCPN:

• National Biodiversity Mission (NBM): Integrative approach linking biodiversity and human well-being.
• National Green Mission, GOBAR-Dhan Yojana, and Green Credit Programme (2023): Promote waste management and regenerative resource use.
• Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) Mission (2022): Encouraging citizens to become Pro-Planet People.
• 30x30 Biodiversity Target: Protecting 30% of land and marine areas by 2030.

By aligning these initiatives with WCPN’s principles, India can assume a global leadership role in nature-positive development.

Global Significance

• Serves as a complementary initiative to the Paris Agreement (2015) and Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (2022).
• Connects environmental peace with human peace and security.
• Encourages adoption of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in all development sectors.
• Prioritizes Nature Investment within Climate Finance frameworks.

Key Challenges

1. Voluntary Nature: Not legally binding, making compliance difficult.
2. Financial Constraints: Need for adequate global funding for biodiversity protection.
3. Lack of Political Will: Conflicts between national interests.
4. Monitoring and Data Tracking: Absence of clear indicators to measure real progress.
5. Development–Nature Dichotomy: Short-term economic gains versus long-term ecological balance.

Way Forward

Conclusion

The World Coalition for Peace with Nature reminds us that a war against nature is a war against humanity itself. Peace with nature is the pathway to prosperity, stability, and survival.
For India — whose culture has long been rooted in reverence for nature — this coalition represents not merely an environmental initiative, but a civilizational renaissance.

“Sustainable development is not development against nature, but development through harmony with nature.”