Introduction:
The Himalayas and the Western Ghats, both prominent biodiversity hotspots in India, showcase unique characteristics and diverse flora and fauna.
Body:
Distinct Features of the Himalayas and Western Ghats:
- Biodiversity Hotspots: The Western Ghats are renowned for unique flora and fauna, exemplified by the Nilgiri tahr, while the Himalayas house species like the snow leopard in their biodiversity hotspot.
- Climate: The Himalayas exhibit varying climates from sub-tropical to alpine due to vast areas and altitudes, whereas the Western Ghats, closer to the coast, experience tropical monsoons with high rainfall, fostering lush forests.
- Rainfall Patterns: The Himalayas face Indian monsoons, resulting in rain shadows, while the Western Ghats receive heavy monsoon rainfall from the Arabian Sea, nurturing biodiversity and river systems.
- Species Diversity: Rich biodiversity characterizes the Himalayas, hosting Bengal tigers and snow leopards, while the Western Ghats harbor numerous endemic species, particularly amphibians, reptiles, birds, and plants.
- Forest Biodiversity: The Himalayas feature diverse forests from temperate to tropical, with iconic species like Bengal tigers and snow leopards, while the Western Ghats boast evergreen rainforests and shola-grasslands, inhabited by unique species like lion-tailed macaques.
- Agricultural Diversity: Horticulture dominates the Himalayan region, cultivating apples, pears, and apricots, while the Western Ghats, with a stable climate, foster crops like spices, tea, coffee, and fruits.
Biological Diversity Act of 2002:
- Conservation and Sustainable Use: The act establishes mechanisms for the conservation, protection, and management of biological diversity, including local-level biodiversity management committees.
- Documentation and Regulation: It regulates access to biological resources and ensures fair and equitable commercial utilization.
- Benefit-sharing: The act emphasizes fair sharing of benefits from resource use, guaranteeing local communities a share in benefits from commercial utilization and traditional knowledge.
- Biodiversity Heritage Sites: The act facilitates the identification and declaration of ecologically sensitive areas, safeguarding ecosystems and their flora and fauna.
Conclusion:
The Biological Diversity Act of 2002 plays a crucial role in guiding biodiversity conservation, sustainable use, and equitable benefits in India, particularly in key regions like the Himalayas and Western Ghats. It regulates actions, promotes sustainability, and actively involves local communities in conservation efforts.
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