Amit Baijnath Garg,
The United Nations has declared 2021-2030 as the Decade of Ecosystem Restoration, underscoring the global urgency to revive natural ecosystems. This worldwide concern extends to India, a nation teeming with biodiversity. Despite occupying only 2.4% of the world’s land area, India is home to 7-8% of all recorded species, including 45,000 plant species and 91,000 animal species. Four of the world’s 34 biodiversity hotspots are located in India, placing the country among the 17 mega-diverse nations globally. Consequently, conserving biodiversity in India is not only critical for ecosystem functionality but also for sustaining livelihoods.
Conservation Efforts in India
India has undertaken several measures to protect its biodiversity:
– Establishment of 103 national parks, 510 wildlife sanctuaries, 50 tiger reserves, 18 biosphere reserves, 3 conservation reserves, and 2 community reserves.
– Formulation of the National Biodiversity Action Plan, aligning with the Global Biodiversity Strategic Plan 2011-2020.
– Enactment of the Biodiversity Act in 2002, creating a three-tier institutional structure for its implementation: National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), State Biodiversity Authorities, and Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs).
National Biodiversity Authority and Local Initiatives
The NBA, established in 2003 and headquartered in Chennai, plays a regulatory and advisory role. State Biodiversity Authorities have been constituted in 26 states, and by 2018, the number of BMCs had grown to 74,575. These committees work towards the sustainable use and equitable sharing of biological resources.
A Self-Governance and Community Participation
The MS Swaminathan Research Foundation’s Community Farming Biodiversity Center in Kerala’s Wayanad district exemplifies how local self-governance can integrate biodiversity conservation into development plans. The NBA, in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme, has set new standards for improving villagers’ livelihoods through biodiversity initiatives.
Legal and Institutional Framework
India’s robust legal framework under the Biological Diversity Act 2002 and Rules 2004 aims to ensure the fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from genetic resources. The creation of people’s biodiversity registers and BMCs at the national level enhances the reach and implementation of benefit-sharing provisions.
Major Conservation Projects
A notable project under the 2002 Act focuses on strengthening the implementation of biodiversity laws and ensuring better access to biological resources. This project operates in 10 states: Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, West Bengal, Goa, Karnataka, Odisha, Telangana, and Tripura.
The Himalayan Biodiversity Challenge
The Himalayas, a treasure trove of biodiversity with thousands of plant and animal species, face significant threats due to climate change, deforestation, uncontrolled fires, drying water streams, poor forest management, and public apathy. Efforts to conserve species like orchids, which play a crucial role in the ecosystem and traditional medicine, are underway. For example, researchers in Uttarakhand have preserved over 100 orchid species.
Biodiversity and Scheduled Tribes
Approximately 50% of India’s population, including many Scheduled Tribes, live below the poverty line and are heavily reliant on forest resources. These indigenous communities are the natural custodians of biodiversity, maintaining a symbiotic relationship with their environment.
Conclusion
India’s rapid economic growth has often sidelined environmental concerns, putting immense pressure on its biodiversity. However, every conservation initiative is a step in the right direction. There is an urgent need to integrate biodiversity conservation into development planning and leverage the traditional knowledge of indigenous communities. Biodiversity is crucial not just for the environment but for human survival itself, and preserving it is a shared responsibility that demands immediate and sustained action.
The Decade of Ecosystem Restoration is a clarion call for global and local efforts to protect and restore our natural ecosystems. India’s comprehensive legal and institutional mechanisms, community participation, and local initiatives provide a promising framework for biodiversity conservation. Yet, overcoming the challenges requires unwavering commitment and collaboration at all levels of society.
Amit Baijnath Garg
International and National Awardee Journalist-Writer
Mobile : +91 78770 70861
