Biodiversity needs a win against oil and gas

Biodiversity, the variety of life on Earth, is facing a serious threat from the oil and gas industry. This industry, essential for modern life, is often at odds with the health of our planet. Drilling for oil and gas can lead to habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change, all of which put plants, animals, and ecosystems at risk. As the demand for energy grows, it’s more important than ever to find a balance that allows us to protect our precious biodiversity while meeting our energy needs. We need solutions that prioritize the environment and ensure a sustainable future for all living things.

Tags: GS Paper – 3, Ecology & Environment- Biodiversity- Conservation– Environmental Pollution & Degradation

For Prelims: Biodiversity conservation, Western Ghats, Article 48A, Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, Biological Diversity Act, 2002, Madhav Gadgil & Kasturirangan Committee Recommendations, India’s coral reefs, Microplastic pollution.

For Mains: Significance of Biodiversity for India, Efforts Related to Biodiversity Conservation in India, Key Threats to Biodiversity in India

Table of Contents

Context:

India, a megadiverse nation with over 8% of global biodiversity in just 2.4% of Earth’s land area, faces a critical challenge in balancing development and conservation.
The controversy over Vedanta-owned Cairn’s drilling proposal in Assam’s Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary, which endangers the Hoolock Gibbon, highlights this conflict.
To address these issues, India must enhance environmental impact assessments, invest in biodiversity mapping, and prioritise protecting critical habitats.

What is the Significance of Biodiversity for India?

Ecological Significance:
- India, a megadiverse country, relies on its biodiversity for ecological stability.
- The Western Ghats influence monsoon patterns critical for agriculture.
- Sundarbans mangroves protect coastal areas from cyclones and tsunamis.
- Over 50% of cultivated plants in India depend on pollinators.
Economic Significance:
- Biodiversity supports the livelihoods of around 275 million people through forest resources.
- Ecotourism driven by India’s flora and fauna significantly contributes to the economy.
Cultural and Traditional Significance:
- India’s biodiversity is deeply linked with cultural practices and traditions.
- Sacred groves preserve biodiversity and hold cultural importance.
- Traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani rely on the country’s rich biodiversity.
Scientific and Medicinal Significance:
- India’s biodiversity is crucial for scientific research and drug discovery.
- The Cinchona tree has contributed to anti-malarial drugs.
- With over 8000 medicinal plant species, India’s genetic diversity supports the development of climate-resilient crops.
Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation:
- Biodiversity aids climate strategies; forests act as carbon sinks, absorbing around 7% of India’s GHG emissions.

What are the efforts related to biodiversity conservation in India ?

Constitutional and Legal Provisions:
- Article 48A: Directs the state to protect the environment, including forests and wildlife.
- Article 51A(g): Makes it a fundamental duty of citizens to protect the environment.
- Environment (Protection) Act, 1986: Empowers pollution control and conservation efforts.
- Biological Diversity Act, 2002: Aims for conservation, sustainable use, and equitable sharing of biological resources.
- Animal Welfare Board of India vs A. Nagaraja & Ors (2014): Supreme Court recognized the right of every species to live.
- Mk Ranjit Singh vs. Union of India: Affirmed the right to a healthy environment and balanced conservation with climate action.

Major Committees Related to Biodiversity Conservation:

Madhav Gadgil Committee:
- Recommended 64% of the Western Ghats as Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESA).
- Proposed a ban on new large dams and polluting industries in sensitive zones.
- Existing industries should achieve zero pollution by 2016.
- Established the Western Ghats Ecology Authority with statutory powers.
Kasturirangan Committee:
- Suggested 37% of Western Ghats as ESA.
- Recommended a ban on mining, quarrying, and new thermal power projects.
- Proposed restrictions on hydropower projects and construction.

Key threats to Biodiversity in India:

Habitat Loss:
- Rapid urbanisation and agricultural expansion have led to significant habitat loss.
- From 2001 to 2020, India lost 1.93 million hectares of tree cover, a 5.2% decrease since 2000.
- Fragmentation in areas like the Western Ghats threatens species such as the lion-tailed macaque.
- Development projects, such as the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train, impact critical habitats like Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary.
Invasive Species:
- Non-native species are disrupting ecosystems.
- Alien plants like Lantana camara and Prosopis juliflora, introduced during British colonisation, threaten native flora.
- Lantana has invaded 44% of India’s forests, while the giant African snail in the Andaman Islands and Fall Armyworm affecting maize crops exemplify invasive species’ impact.
Climate Change:
- Climate change is altering habitats and migration patterns.
- Sundarbans mangroves face sea-level rise and habitat squeeze.
- Warming temperatures in the Himalayas are pushing species like the snow leopard to higher altitudes.
- Coral reefs, including those in the Gulf of Mannar, have seen a decline in live coral cover, from 37% in 2005 to 27.3% in 2021.
Human-Wildlife Conflict:
- Expanding human settlements increase conflicts with wildlife.
- Annual reports indicate over 500 human and 100 elephant deaths due to conflict.
- Cases like the relocation of a tiger from Ranthambore reserve highlight ongoing challenges.
Genetic Erosion:
- Modern agricultural practices threaten agrobiodiversity.
- The shift to hybrid crop varieties has led to a decline in traditional rice varieties from 110,000 in the 1970s to about 6,000 today, impacting food security and resilience.
Pollution:
- Pollution severely affects biodiversity.
- The Yamuna river has become biologically dead in a 22 km stretch in Delhi due to industrial effluents.
- Microplastic pollution in the River Ganga and light pollution affecting nesting sea turtles exemplify the widespread impact of pollution.
Policy Implementation:
- Despite strong environmental laws, implementation is often inadequate.
- Controversies like the rejection of the Etalin Hydroelectric Project in Arunachal Pradesh highlight gaps in policy enforcement.
Urban Biodiversity Loss:
- Rapid urbanisation is reducing urban ecosystems.
- Nearly one-third of natural wetlands have been lost due to urban expansion and pollution.
- The decline of house sparrows in cities, with reductions over 80% in some areas, demonstrates the impact on common species.

What are the strategies to improve biodiversity conservation in India?

Ecosystem-based Management:
- Shift from species-centric to ecosystem-based conservation by protecting entire ecological networks.
- Example: Declaring 438.904 sq km around Mudumalai Tiger Reserve as an eco-sensitive zone.
- Actions:
  - Integrate mapping into land-use planning at state and district levels.
  - Provide incentives for local communities to maintain ecological corridors.
Community-led Conservation:
- Engage local communities in conservation efforts, leveraging successful examples like Van Panchayats and private conservation projects.
- Actions:
  - Strengthen and expand Joint Forest Management Committees.
  - Provide legal recognition to Community Conserved Areas.
  - Develop capacity-building programs for conservation techniques.
Green Infrastructure:
- Integrate biodiversity considerations into infrastructure development.
- Actions:
  - Implement mandatory biodiversity impact assessments for major infrastructure projects.
  - Develop national standards for wildlife crossings and green bridges.
  - Promote urban biodiversity through green roofs, vertical gardens, and urban forests.
Sustainable Agriculture:
- Enhance biodiversity through sustainable agricultural practices.
- Actions:
  - Scale up agro-ecological models like Zero Budget Natural Farming.
  - Provide incentives for crop diversification and on-farm biodiversity.
  - Create market linkages for agrobiodiversity products.
Technology-driven Conservation:
- Utilise technology to bolster conservation efforts.
- Actions:
  - Employ satellite imagery and AI for real-time monitoring.
  - Use eDNA techniques for non-invasive biodiversity monitoring.
Biodiversity Financing:
- Secure sustainable funding for long-term conservation.
- Actions:
  - Expand the Compensatory Afforestation Fund to cover broader conservation projects.
  - Develop green bonds specifically for biodiversity.
Climate-adaptive Conservation:
- Adapt conservation strategies to climate change impacts.
- Actions:
  - Conduct vulnerability assessments of key ecosystems and species.
  - Develop climate-resilient protected area networks.
  - Maintain climate refugia in different biogeographic zones.
Invasive Species Management:
- Address invasive species through coordinated efforts.
  - Actions:
  - Establish a national monitoring and early warning system.
  - Strengthen quarantine measures at ports and borders.
  - Launch public awareness campaigns on invasive species impacts.
Genetic Resource Conservation:
- Preserve genetic diversity for future adaptability.
- Actions:
  - Expand gene banks for wild and domesticated species.
  - Implement in-situ conservation for crop wild relatives.
  - Create a digital database of genetic resources.
  - Promote research on genomics for conservation of threatened species

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Prelims

Q1. Which of the following can be threats to the biodiversity of a geographical area? (2012)

Global warming
Fragmentation of habitat
Invasion of alien species
Promotion of vegetarianism

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

1, 2 and 3 only
2 and 3 only
1 and 4 only
1, 2, 3 and 4

Ans: (a)

Q2. Biodiversity forms the basis for human existence in the following ways: (2011)

Soil formation
Prevention of soil erosion
Recycling of waste
Pollination of crops

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

1, 2 and 3 only
2, 3 and 4 only
1 and 4 only
1, 2, 3 and 4

Ans: (d)

Mains

Q:1 How does biodiversity vary in India? How is the Biological Diversity Act,2002 helpful in the conservation of flora and fauna? (2018)

Source: HT

FAQs

Q: Why is biodiversity important?

Answer: Biodiversity is crucial because it ensures the health of ecosystems, providing us with essential resources like clean air, water, food, and medicine. It also helps regulate the climate and supports a variety of life forms, contributing to the overall balance of nature.

Q: How do oil and gas activities threaten biodiversity?

Answer: Oil and gas activities can harm biodiversity by causing habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change. Drilling and extraction operations can destroy ecosystems, spills can contaminate water and soil, and burning fossil fuels contributes to global warming, which affects all life forms.

Q: What can be done to protect biodiversity from oil and gas impacts?

Answer: To protect biodiversity, it’s important to enforce stricter regulations on oil and gas activities, promote the use of renewable energy sources, and invest in conservation efforts. Protecting critical habitats and promoting sustainable practices can also help mitigate the negative effects.

Q: Are there any success stories where biodiversity has been protected from oil and gas threats?

Answer: Yes, there are success stories. For example, certain regions have implemented protected areas where oil and gas activities are restricted, leading to the recovery of endangered species and ecosystems. International agreements and local conservation efforts have also played a role in preserving biodiversity.

Q: How can individuals contribute to protecting biodiversity from oil and gas impacts?

Answer: Individuals can help by reducing their own fossil fuel consumption, supporting renewable energy initiatives, and advocating for stronger environmental policies. Simple actions like using public transport, conserving energy, and supporting organizations that work to protect the environment can make a big difference.

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