A New Era of Conservation
Conservation Reserves (CRs) and Community Reserves (CoRs) are relatively newer categories of Protected Areas in India, introduced through the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act of 2002. These categories were created to provide greater flexibility in conservation efforts, especially outside traditional National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries, and to formally recognize and encourage the participation of local communities and individuals in wildlife protection.
Conservation Reserves (CRs)
A Conservation Reserve is an area owned by the State Government, adjacent to National Parks and Sanctuaries and those areas which link one Protected Area with another or act as corridors. It can also be an area which is of ecological significance but may not qualify to be a National Park or Sanctuary.
They are declared by the State Government by notification under Section 36A of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (WLPA).
The declaration is made after consultations with the local communities. This emphasis on consultation is a key feature.
The rights of people living inside a Conservation Reserve are not affected. The aim is to manage the area for conservation without curtailing existing resource use rights, as long as they are sustainable and compatible with conservation goals.
Historical Context and Rationale
Late 1990s - Early 2000s
Growing understanding of need for landscape-level conservation, beyond isolated PAs. Wildlife corridors and buffer zones recognized as crucial.
Challenge
Difficulty in declaring all connecting areas as National Parks/Sanctuaries due to human settlements and land tenure complexities.
Solution Concept
Conservation Reserves conceived to bridge the gap, conserving biodiversity on government lands with community participation.
2002 (Effective 2003)
Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act formally introduced Conservation Reserves, responding to the need for inclusive, landscape-oriented strategies.
Objectives of CRs
- Protect landscapes, seascapes, habitats (corridors/buffers).
- Conserve flora and fauna on government lands outside traditional PAs.
- Involve local communities in conservation.
- Allow sustainable human activities compatible with conservation.
- Maintain ecological connectivity.
Management of CRs
Managed by a CRMC, constituted by State Govt. (Section 36B) to advise Chief Wildlife Warden (CWLW).
Composition:- Forest/Wildlife Dept. representative (Member Secretary).
- One representative of each Village Panchayat.
- NGO representatives (wildlife conservation).
- Representatives from Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, etc.
- Advise CWLW on management plans.
- Facilitate community participation.
- Promote sustainable resource use & livelihoods.
- Help resolve conflicts.
CWLW is overall authority, acting on CRMC advice. Management plans focus on ecological restoration, habitat improvement, protection, and community engagement.
Enhancing Connectivity
Crucial for gene flow and animal movement, preventing population isolation.
Expanding Coverage
Protects ecologically important areas not meeting NP/Sanctuary criteria.
Participatory Conservation
Formal mechanism for community involvement in managing government lands.
Flexibility
Accommodates existing sustainable human uses.
Buffer Zone Function
Reduces direct human pressures on core PAs.
Challenges in Implementation
Awareness & Capacity Gaps
Lack of awareness among staff/communities; limited capacity for participatory management.
Resource Allocation
May receive less funding compared to high-profile National Parks or Tiger Reserves.
Defining "Sustainable Use"
Challenging to determine truly sustainable resource use levels compatible with conservation.
Effectiveness of CRMCs
Functionality and empowerment can vary; ensuring genuine community participation is key.
Examples of Conservation Reserves
Beas River CR, Punjab
Protects Indus River Dolphin, Gharial. Involves local communities.
Tiruppadaimarathur CR, TN
Protects migratory water birds (Spot-billed Pelicans) nesting in a village area.
Jayanti Mahakal CR, WB
Important elephant corridor.
Community Reserves (CoRs)
A Community Reserve is an area on private or community land (not comprised within a National Park, Sanctuary, or a Conservation Reserve) where an individual or a community has volunteered to conserve wildlife and its habitat.
They are declared by the State Government by notification under Section 36C of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (WLPA).
The declaration is made if the State Government is satisfied that the area is of ecological value and the community or individual owner is willing to participate in conservation.
This category explicitly recognizes and provides legal backing to community-led conservation initiatives on lands outside the government forest estate.
Historical Context and Rationale
- Tradition of Community Conservation: India has a rich history of communities protecting local biodiversity (e.g., sacred groves). These efforts often lacked legal recognition.
- Need to Involve Private/Community Lands: Significant biodiversity exists outside government PAs. Traditional PA models weren't easily applicable here.
- Empowering Local Stewards: CoRs empower local communities/individuals conserving wildlife on their lands by providing legal recognition and support.
- Bottom-Up Approach: Represents a shift towards decentralized conservation, acknowledging local ownership and initiative.
Objectives of CoRs
- Provide legal recognition to community-led conservation.
- Conserve biodiversity on private/community lands.
- Empower local communities as primary stewards.
- Promote sustainable livelihoods compatible with conservation.
- Foster ownership and responsibility for conservation.
Management of CoRs
Managed by a CoRMC, constituted by State Govt. (Section 36D).
Composition:- Nominated by Village Panchayat or local self-government.
- Consists of members from the community that volunteered for conservation (usually majority).
- May include Forest Dept. representatives for technical guidance.
- Prepare and implement management plan.
- Ensure protection of wildlife and habitat.
- Make decisions on resource use, tourism, etc., per conservation objectives.
State Forest Department provides technical/financial aid, but day-to-day management is largely with the community via CoRMC.
Significance of Community Reserves
Community Empowerment
Gives communities direct control and responsibility.
Recognizing Traditions
Framework for traditional community-based conservation.
Private Land Conservation
Extends efforts beyond government lands.
Social Acceptance
Higher success with local ownership.
Livelihood Enhancement
Opportunities for sustainable livelihoods (e.g., ecotourism).
Challenges in Implementation
Awareness & Motivation
Lack of awareness; motivating communities if benefits aren't clear.
Land Tenure Issues
Clarity on land ownership and community rights is essential.
Financial Sustainability
Ensuring long-term financial viability; need for government/other support.
Potential for Elite Capture
Ensuring equitable decision-making and benefit sharing.
Examples of Community Reserves
Keshopur Chhamb CR, Punjab
India's first CoR (2007). Freshwater marsh important for migratory birds.
Lalwan CR, Punjab
Known for avian diversity, managed by local community.
Apatani Areas, Arunachal
Unique agro-ecosystems representing spirit of community conservation.
CRs vs. CoRs: Key Differences
| Feature | Conservation Reserve (CR) | Community Reserve (CoR) |
|---|---|---|
| Land Ownership | Government-owned land | Private or Community-owned land |
| Initiation | Declared by State Govt. after consulting communities | Declared by State Govt. if community/individual volunteers |
| Management Body | Conservation Reserve Management Committee (CRMC) | Community Reserve Management Committee (CoRMC) |
| Primary Control | State Govt. (CWLW advised by CRMC) | Local Community (through CoRMC) |
| Focus | Corridors, buffer zones, ecologically important govt. lands | Community-led conservation on their own lands |
UPSC Relevance
Prelims Pointers
- Definitions of CRs and CoRs under WLPA.
- Declaring authority (State Government).
- Key differences: land ownership, initiation, management.
- Purpose: Corridors (CRs), Community initiative (CoRs).
- WLPA Amendment Act, 2002.
- Potential relation to 'Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures' (OECMs).
Mains Insights
- Discuss significance & challenges of CRs/CoRs in inclusive conservation.
- How CoRs empower local communities in biodiversity conservation (with examples).
- Role in landscape-level conservation and ecological connectivity.
- Examples of bottom-up/co-management approaches.
- Strengthening India's PA network via these categories.
Sample Question Insight
A typical prelims question might ask: "Which category of Protected Area in India is specifically declared on private or community land where the community volunteers for conservation?"
Answer: (d) Community Reserve