The Need for Focused Action
Beyond the establishment of a Protected Area Network and overarching legal frameworks, India has launched several specific, often species-focused, conservation initiatives. These are designed to address critical threats and promote the recovery of endangered wildlife and unique ecosystems.
These programs typically involve dedicated funding, specialized scientific input, inter-agency coordination, and sometimes international collaboration, highlighting India's proactive approach to safeguarding its rich biological heritage. This exploration delves into these vital efforts.
Government Initiatives for Biodiversity Conservation
Pillars of Conservation: Key Institutions
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
Nodal agency for planning, promotion, coordination, and overseeing environmental and forestry programmes.
National Board for Wildlife (NBWL)
Apex advisory body for wildlife conservation policies and projects impacting Protected Areas.
State Boards for Wildlife (SBWL)
Similar advisory role as NBWL at the state level, crucial for regional conservation efforts.
Botanical Survey of India (BSI) & Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)
Mandated with surveying and documenting floral and faunal diversity, providing baseline data.
Wildlife Institute of India (WII)
Premier institution for wildlife research, training, and capacity building for conservation professionals.
National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)
Statutory body for Project Tiger implementation and overall tiger conservation.
Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB)
To combat organized wildlife crime through intelligence gathering and enforcement coordination.
National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) & State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs)
Implement the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, focusing on access, benefit-sharing, and conservation.
Central Zoo Authority (CZA)
Regulates zoos to ensure proper animal care, conservation breeding, and public education.
Guiding Frameworks: Policies & Plans
Currently NWAP 2017-2031, it provides a strategic framework and action points for wildlife conservation. Covers themes like PA management, species recovery, human-wildlife conflict, climate change adaptation, and more.
Aligns national actions with the objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), focusing on conservation, sustainable use, and equitable benefit-sharing.
The 1988 policy (with drafts for new policy) emphasizes conservation, ecological stability, and meeting local needs. It aims to maintain a minimum of one-third of India's total land area under forest or tree cover.
Missions like the Green India Mission under NAPCC directly contribute to biodiversity conservation through afforestation, ecosystem restoration, and enhancing carbon sinks.
Powering Action: Key Conservation Schemes
Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH)
A Centrally Sponsored Scheme providing support for the management of Protected Areas (National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves, Community Reserves) excluding Tiger Reserves.
Focuses on habitat improvement, protection measures, eco-development for local communities, human-wildlife conflict mitigation, research, and capacity building.
Project Tiger (Launched 1973)
India's flagship species conservation program, crucial for tiger population recovery and habitat protection. Managed by NTCA, it has seen significant success. (Detailed exploration in a dedicated section).
This program is a cornerstone of India's wildlife conservation narrative.
Project Elephant (Launched 1992)
A Centrally Sponsored Scheme providing financial and technical support to states for the protection of elephants, their habitats, and corridors.
Aims to address human-elephant conflict and promote the welfare of captive elephants. Elephant Reserves are identified under this project.
Spotlight on Vulnerable Species
Specific recovery programs, often funded under IDWH or as separate initiatives, target critically endangered species.
Great Indian Bustard
Snow Leopard
Vultures
Sangai Deer
Dugong
Marine Turtles
Wetland Conservation Programme (NPCA)
Aims to conserve and manage identified wetlands of national importance, focusing on integrated management plans, pollution control, and biodiversity.
Mangrove and Coral Reef Conservation
Provides support for the conservation and management of these critical coastal ecosystems, focusing on protection, regeneration, research, and awareness.
Green India Mission (GIM)
Aims to protect, restore, and enhance India's forest cover, increase tree cover, and improve ecosystem services as part of the NAPCC.
Compensatory Afforestation Fund (CAMPA)
Manages funds collected for diversion of forest land, used for compensatory afforestation, wildlife management, and forest regeneration.
Landscape-Level Conservation
Increasing recognition that PAs alone are insufficient. Efforts focus on larger landscapes and ensuring connectivity through wildlife corridors, emphasized in NWAP and species-specific projects.
Mainstreaming Biodiversity
Integrating biodiversity concerns into sectors like agriculture, fisheries, infrastructure, and industry through policies, Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), and promoting sustainable practices.
International Cooperation
India is party to major biodiversity conventions (CBD, CITES, Ramsar, CMS, WHC) and collaborates with international organizations (UNEP, IUCN, WWF) and other countries.
Led initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) also have climate and biodiversity co-benefits.
Navigating the Path: Challenges in Conservation
Resource Constraints
Limited financial and human resources can hinder the scale and effectiveness of conservation programs.
Implementation Gaps & Enforcement
Weak enforcement of laws and gaps between policy formulation and on-ground implementation.
Inter-sectoral Coordination
Need for better coordination between different government departments and agencies.
Development Pressures
Balancing conservation needs with increasing pressures for infrastructure and economic development.
Human-Wildlife Conflict
Growing instances of conflict leading to loss of life and livelihoods, affecting conservation support.
Climate Change Impacts
Adverse effects of climate change on ecosystems, species distribution, and weather patterns.
Despite these challenges, India's commitment to biodiversity conservation remains strong, with continuous efforts to adapt and innovate.