Syllabus:
GS Paper 3 – Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
Context:
Union Ministry of Forests, Environment & Climate Change has unveiled the draft notification for an ESZ for Dachigam National Park (DNP), Thajwas (Baltal) and Overa- Aru wildlife sanctuaries.
Eco-Sensitive Zones:
- As per the National Wildlife Action Plan (2002-2016), issued by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, land within 10 km of the boundaries of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries is to be notified as eco-fragile zones or Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZ).
- It also suggests that areas beyond 10-km can also be notified by the Union government as ESZs, if they hold larger ecologically important “sensitive corridors.”
Why are Eco-Sensitive Zones created?
- ESZs are created as “shock absorbers” for the protected areas, to minimize the negative impact on the “fragile ecosystems” by certain human activities taking place nearby.
- It acts as a transition zone from areas requiring higher protection to those requiring lesser protection.
- ESZs are not meant to hamper the daily activities of people living in the vicinity, but are meant to guard the protected areas and “refine the environment around them”.
Activities in ESZs:
- Prohibited: Commercial mining, setting of saw mills and industries causing pollution, major hydro-power projects etc.
- Regulated: Felling of trees, drastic change in agriculture systems and commercial use of natural water resources, including groundwater harvesting and setting up of hotels and resorts.
- Permitted: Ongoing agriculture and horticulture practices by local communities, rainwater harvesting, use of renewable energy sources etc.
Recent SC modifications on ESZs:
- National Wildlife Action Plan (2002-2016) provides for establishing ESZ under the Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986.
- In 2022, the Supreme Court mandated that a minimum 1-km ESZ around national parks or wildlife sanctuaries should be there.
- However, in 2023, SC ruled it is not applicable to ESZs in respect to which draft and final notifications have been issued.
- It is also not being applicable where the national parks etc. located on inter-state borders or share common boundaries.
- No mining is allowed, either within national parks and sanctuaries or in a 1-km radius.
Issues related with ESZs:
- State Opposition and Impact on Development: States oppose due to their impacts in their revenue and also it minimizes the impact of urbanization and other developmental activities around ESZ designated protected areas.
- Lack of Participatory Planning: The absence of participatory planning exercises during ESZ implementation results in a lack of input from local communities and stakeholders, potentially leading to decisions that do not adequately address their needs and environmental concerns.
- Uniform 1 km Buffer Zone: Applying a fixed ‘1 km’ buffer zone to all protected areas overlooks the fact that different environments have distinct needs and characteristics, which could reduce the effectiveness of conservation measures and ignore local variations in nature.
- Limited Ground Investigation: Not checking the actual land on the ground and instead randomly marking areas on maps can lead to poorly planned ESZs and mismanagement of important natural areas.
- Impact on Livelihoods:
- ESZs limit changes in land use and impact the economic opportunities of people residing near the forest’s edge.
- Protected areas face challenges from farming practices like slash-and-burn, a growing population, and higher demand for firewood and forest products.
- Practical Difficulties in High-Population Areas: The dense human population residing near forest lands poses practical challenges when it comes to implementing ESZs effectively.
- Climate Change impacts: Climate change and biodiversity are closely connected, with rising global temperatures affecting national parks and protected areas like Sundarbans Reserve Forest, Kaziranga National Park.
- Introduction of Exotic Species: The introduction of exotic species such as Eucalyptus and Acacia auriculiformis, along with their plantations, places additional pressure on naturally occurring forests by creating competition for resources.
- Tourism: Rising tourism leads to new entry points to ESZs, but meeting eco-tourism demands often involves deforestation, local displacement, and environmental degradation from tourist litter.
Way Forward:
- Inclusive Planning for Local Needs and Environmental Protection: Engaging local and indigenous communities in planning ESZs to safeguard the environment and biodiversity while considering their needs and aspirations.
- On-Ground Verification of Vulnerable Zones: Conducting field investigations to validate environmentally sensitive areas identified through satellite imagery.
- Promoting Sustainable Livelihoods: Empowering local residents with skills in eco-friendly practices like natural farming and agroforestry within designated ESZs.
- State Consensus Building through Negotiations: Facilitating cooperation among different states to achieve consensus on ESZ management.
- Comprehensive Impact Assessment of Infrastructure Projects: Thoroughly assessing the potential impact of infrastructure projects on forests and wildlife prior to granting permission.
- Eco Restoration Promotion: Initiatives should focus on afforestation, reforestation, habitat regeneration, and reducing carbon footprints to mitigate climate change impacts and promote ecological recovery.
- Collaboration Across Sectors: Effective partnerships between government, civil societies, and stakeholders are essential to strike a balance between sustainable and economic development.
Conclusion:
Eco-Sensitive Zones play a crucial role in preserving our delicate ecosystems while accommodating human needs. It is imperative to strike a harmonious balance between conservation efforts, local livelihoods, and responsible tourism. With transparent governance, community involvement, and sound ecological practices, ESZs can serve as models of sustainable coexistence between nature and human civilization.
Source: ESZ for Dachigam National Park (DNP), Thajwas (Baltal) and Overa- Aru wildlife sanctuaries
Practice Question
How do Eco-Sensitive Zones contribute to the conservation of biodiversity, and what are the major challenges and threats these zones face in ensuring effective conservation? (Answer in 250 words)