- 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.
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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