National Wildlife Action Plan (NWAP) 2017-2031

In 1983, the inaugural National Wildlife Action Plan (NWAP) was endorsed following a decision by the Indian Board of Wildlife during its XV meeting in 1982.
This plan delineated strategies and action points for wildlife conservation, which remain pertinent to this day.
The escalating commercial utilization of natural resources, ongoing growth in human and livestock populations, and shifts in consumption patterns have collectively led to more pronounced demographic impacts.
Consequently, biodiversity conservation has gained prominence as a critical concern. In alignment with the emphasis on conservation, the National Forest Policy was established in 1988.
Subsequently, a revision of the 1983 NWAP led to the adoption of the Wildlife Action Plan (2002-2016).
At present, the third iteration, the National Wildlife Action Plan for the period 2017-2031, has been set in motion by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
This plan addresses contemporary challenges and continues the trajectory of wildlife conservation efforts in India.

Table of Contents

THIRD NATIONAL WILDLIFE ACTION PLAN (2017-2031)

The Third National Wildlife Action Plan (2017-2031) was formulated by a 12-member committee led by JC Kala, a former MoEFCC secretary.
This comprehensive plan introduces significant features, including detailed recommendations for implementation within protected areas.
Notably, it marks the first instance where India explicitly recognizes the impact of climate change on wildlife, underscoring the need to incorporate activities for mitigation and adaptation into wildlife management planning procedures.
A key highlight of the Action Plan is its emphasis on the imperative of integrated coastal and marine ecosystem management in India.
Structured around five themes, the plan encompasses 103 conservation activities and 250 initiatives.
The introduction of this plan aligns with the acknowledgment of climate change concerns affecting wildlife.
In conjunction with the launch of the Third National Wildlife Action Plan, Dr. Harsh Vardhan, then Union Minister of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, unveiled the India Wildlife Mobile App as a commemorative initiative.

NWAP- SALIENT FEATURES

Acknowledgment of Climate Change Impact:
- This marks the first instance where a wildlife action plan explicitly recognizes the impact of climate change on wildlife.
Focus on Climate Change Mitigation:
- The plan prioritizes the integration of climate change mitigation measures into wildlife management planning.
Adaptation Strategies:
- Addressing climate-induced extinction, the plan suggests planting along ecological gradients and facilitating wildlife migration.
Habitat Conservation Emphasis:
- Particular attention is given to habitat conservation in coastal, marine, and inland aquatic ecosystems, with a focus on the recovery of threatened species.
Animal-Human Conflict Consideration:
- The plan discusses the impacts of animal-human conflict on wildlife habitats, including shrinkage, deterioration, and fragmentation.
Community Involvement and Awareness:
- Encourages conservation awareness, ecodevelopment, education, training, and outreach programs, emphasizing the active participation of people. It suggests private sector involvement in wildlife conservation.
Ecosystem Governance Importance:
- Based on the premise that ecosystem-governed processes are crucial for human survival and sustainable development, the plan underscores their significance for food production and health.
Intrinsic Value of Nature:
- Highlights the intrinsic value of nature and its components, considering the preservation of ecosystems as critical for all societies.
Genetic Diversity and Sustainable Use:
- Emphasizes the preservation of genetic diversity and the sustainable use of species and ecosystems, crucial for scientific progress and supporting rural communities.
Public Support and Community Rights:
- Emphasizes the need for public support in wildlife conservation, recommending strengthened structures with increased investments in various aspects, including eco-development, education, innovation, and outreach. Also advocates for fair treatment of communities under the Forest Rights Act.
Wildlife Health and Disaster Management:
- Gives due attention to wildlife health and disaster management in the plan.
Tourism Management Reorientation:
- Reorients tourism management in wildlife areas, emphasizing a ploughback mechanism, human resource development, and staff welfare.

THIRD WILDLIFE ACTION PLAN – COMPONENTS

The National Wildlife Action Plan encompasses five key components, each playing a vital role in the comprehensive approach to wildlife conservation:

Integrated Wildlife and Habitat Management:
- Focuses on strengthening and promoting integrated wildlife and habitat management strategies.
Climate Change Adaptation and Sustainable Aquatic Biodiversity Management:
- Addresses the impact of climate change on wildlife, emphasizing the need for adaptation measures. Promotes integrated and sustainable management of aquatic biodiversity in India.
Promotion of Ecotourism, Nature Education, and Participatory Management:
- Encourages activities such as ecotourism and nature education while advocating for participatory management approaches involving local communities.
Wildlife Research and Human Resource Development:
- Aims to strengthen wildlife research initiatives and facilitate human resource development in wildlife conservation, ensuring a well-informed and skilled workforce.
Policy and Resource Enablement for Wildlife Conservation:
- Focuses on creating policies and allocating resources to enable effective wildlife conservation efforts in India.

FAQs – National Wildlife Action Plan (2017-2031)

1. What is the National Wildlife Action Plan (NWAP), and when was it first introduced?

A: The NWAP is a strategic framework for wildlife conservation in India. The inaugural plan was adopted in 1983 following a decision by the Indian Board of Wildlife in 1982.

2. Why was the need felt to revise the NWAP, leading to subsequent versions?

A: Over time, escalating issues such as increased commercial use of natural resources, population growth, and changing consumption patterns prompted a reassessment of wildlife conservation priorities.

3. What significant development in wildlife conservation occurred in 1988?

A: The National Forest Policy was established in 1988, emphasizing the priority of conservation.

4. What is the latest version of the National Wildlife Action Plan, and when was it initiated?

A: The Third National Wildlife Action Plan for the period 2017-2031 was introduced by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC).

5. Who led the formulation of the Third National Wildlife Action Plan?

A: A 12-member committee, led by JC Kala, a former MoEFCC secretary, was responsible for drafting the Third Wildlife Action Plan.

6. What makes the Third Wildlife Action Plan unique in terms of climate change?

A: It is the first instance where India explicitly acknowledges the impact of climate change on wildlife and stresses the importance of integrating mitigation and adaptation activities into wildlife management planning.

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National Wildlife Action Plan (NWAP) 2017-2031 – UPSC Environment Notes