- Biodiversity conservation involves the protection of the variety of species and organisms essential to nature.
- The primary objectives of biodiversity conservation encompass preserving species diversity, ensuring the sustainable utilization of ecosystems, and promoting the sustainable use of individual species.
- Additionally, the conservation of biological diversity plays a crucial role in preserving the integrity of food chains and essential ecological richness.
- Biodiversity conservation occurs through two modes: in-situ and ex-situ conservation.
STEPS TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA FOR BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION
The Indian government has implemented several measures for the protection of biodiversity, including:
- Enactment of the Wild Life (Protection) Act in 1972, which facilitates the creation of Protected Areas for wildlife conservation and imposes penalties for hunting specified fauna.
- Formulation of the Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules 2010 to safeguard wetlands in the states.
- Implementation of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of the National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Eco-System, providing assistance to states for managing wetlands, including Ramsar sites.
- Establishment of the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau to control illegal trade in wildlife, including endangered species.
- Undertaking research on wildlife conservation by organizations like the Wildlife Institute of India, the Bombay Natural History Society, and the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History.
- Ban on the veterinary use of the diclofenac drug, which has led to the decline of Gyps vultures, and initiation of Conservation Breeding Programmes at Pinjore, Buxa, and Rani.
- Modification of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme ‘Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats’ to include a component for the recovery of endangered species, with 16 identified species.
- Creation of Protected Areas such as National Parks, Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves, and Community Reserves across the country to provide better protection to wildlife and their habitats.
- Extension of financial and technical assistance to state governments under various Centrally Sponsored Schemes, including ‘Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats,’ ‘Project Tiger,’ and ‘Project Elephant.’
- Empowerment of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) under the Wild Life (Protection) Act to apprehend and prosecute wildlife offenders.
- Requesting state governments to strengthen field formations and intensify patrolling in and around Protected Areas.
Project Tiger
- Project Tiger, initiated in 1973, was established to safeguard the national symbol, the tiger.
- Starting with 9 tiger reserves, it now covers 50 protected areas across 18 states, actively preserving the tiger population.
- The reserves employ a core/buffer strategy, designating core areas as national parks or sanctuaries and buffer zones as mixed-use regions.
- The Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change sponsors this ongoing program, providing central support to states for tiger protection.
Project Elephant
- Launched in February 1992, Project Elephant, supported by the Central Government, assists states with free-roaming wild elephant populations.
- The program focuses on elephant management, protection, and preserving migration routes and habitats.
- Implemented in 28 states and union territories, including Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and others, Project Elephant receives technical and financial support from the union government.
Asiatic Lion Reintroduction Project
- The Asiatic Lion Reintroduction Project, responding to the endangered status of Asiatic lions on the IUCN Red List, aims to reintroduce them into the wild.
- Also known as the “lion project,” it seeks to mitigate risks to the existing population by diversifying their habitats.
- Currently confined to Gujarat’s Gir National Park, Asiatic lions face vulnerabilities such as floods and diseases.
- The project addresses the threat of extinction by reintroducing lions to other suitable habitats, ensuring their long-term survival and reducing environmental risks.
Several key policies related to the environment and biodiversity have been formulated in India, including:
1-National Forest Policy:
- A policy outlining the strategic framework for the conservation, management, and sustainable development of forests in the country.
2-National Conservation Strategy and Policy Statement on Environment and Development:
- A comprehensive strategy and policy statement addressing the intertwined issues of environmental conservation and sustainable development.
3-National Policy and Macro-level Action Strategy on Biodiversity:
- A policy framework designed to address the conservation and sustainable utilization of biodiversity, considering its ecological, economic, and cultural significance.
4-National Biodiversity Action Plan (2009):
- A plan outlining specific actions and measures to be taken for the conservation of biodiversity, aligned with international commitments such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
5-National Agriculture Policy:
- A policy framework focusing on sustainable and inclusive agricultural practices, addressing issues related to crop diversity, soil health, and ecological sustainability.
6-National Water Policy:
- A policy outlining the strategic approach to water resource management, emphasizing sustainable and equitable use, conservation, and efficient water governance.
7-National Environment Policy (2006):
- A comprehensive policy addressing various environmental issues, including pollution control, natural resource conservation, and sustainable development practices.
FAQs – National Initiatives for Biodiversity Conservation:
1-What does biodiversity conservation entail?
A: Biodiversity conservation involves safeguarding the variety of species and organisms crucial to nature, contributing to the preservation of ecosystems and ecological richness.
2-What are the primary objectives of biodiversity conservation?
A: The main objectives include preserving species diversity, ensuring sustainable ecosystem utilization, and promoting the sustainable use of individual species.
3-How does biodiversity conservation impact food chains and ecological richness?
A: Conservation plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of food chains and ensuring essential ecological richness in natural environments.
4-What are the two modes of biodiversity conservation?
A: Biodiversity conservation occurs through two modes: in-situ (on-site) conservation and ex-situ (off-site) conservation.
5-When was the Wild Life (Protection) Act enacted, and what is its significance?
A: Enacted in 1972, the Wild Life (Protection) Act facilitates the creation of Protected Areas and imposes penalties for hunting specified fauna.
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