Syllabus
GS Paper III – Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
Context
Biodiversity is declining faster within protected areas than outside them, a new NHM London study reveals.
Faster biodiversity decline in protected areas
Introduction
A recent study by the Natural History Museum (NHM), London, has unveiled a troubling trend: biodiversity is vanishing more rapidly within designated protected areas than in surrounding unprotected regions. This alarming finding challenges the efficacy of current conservation strategies, suggesting that simply designating more areas as protected is insufficient to safeguard biodiversity. The study serves as a stark reminder to policymakers and conservationists that effective protection requires more than just drawing boundaries on a map.
The Looming Biodiversity Crisis
- Biodiversity: Earth’s Life Support System
- The intricate web of life on Earth, encompassing genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity.
- Of the estimated 8-20 million species, only a fraction (around 2 million) have been formally identified.
- A Planet in Peril: Declining Biodiversity
- Biodiversity Intactness Index (BII): A measure of the remaining natural biodiversity in a region.
- Global Decline: The BII has fallen by 1.88% globally between 2000 and 2020, indicating a significant loss of biodiversity.
- The Plight of Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBAs)
- CBAs are vital ecosystems, such as wetlands, that support a rich array of species.
- A Double-Edged Sword: Even within protected CBAs, biodiversity is declining at a faster rate (2.1%) compared to unprotected areas (1.9%).
- This highlights the inadequacy of mere protection and underscores the need for effective conservation strategies.
The Unraveling Tapestry: Factors Driving Biodiversity Decline in Protected Areas
- A Narrow Focus: The Ecosystem Approach Gap
- Many protected areas prioritize specific species over the broader ecosystem, leading to a fragmented and ineffective conservation approach.
- A Vanishing Habitat: Ecosystem Degradation
- Habitat loss, driven by urbanization, industrialization, and agriculture, is a major threat to biodiversity.
- In India, a staggering 53% of land is undergoing conversion for various human activities.
- The Illusion of Protection: Inadequate Conservation Measures
- Simply designating areas as protected is not sufficient to safeguard biodiversity.
- Robust and comprehensive conservation strategies are essential to ensure long-term survival of species and ecosystems.
- The Menace of Extraction: Mining’s Impact
- The proximity of mining operations to protected areas poses a significant threat to biodiversity.
- Extraction of natural resources, such as oil, gas, and minerals, can lead to habitat destruction, pollution, and disturbance of wildlife.
- A Toxic Threat: Pollution’s Toll
- Industrial pollution can degrade habitats and harm wildlife within protected areas.
- The contamination of water bodies and air can have far-reaching consequences for biodiversity.
- The Guardians’ Dilemma: Insufficient Enforcement
- Weak enforcement of conservation laws allows illegal activities, such as poaching and logging, to persist.
- Effective law enforcement is crucial to deterring these destructive practices and protecting biodiversity.
- The Climate Crisis: A Global Threat
- Climate change, with its increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, poses a serious threat to protected areas.
- Droughts and wildfires can devastate ecosystems and lead to the loss of biodiversity.
India’s Biodiversity: A Tapestry of Life
- A Biodiverse Nation: India is a global biodiversity hotspot, boasting a rich tapestry of life forms.
- A Mosaic of Ecosystems: The country is divided into 10 distinct biogeographic zones, each with its unique ecological characteristics.
- A Wealth of Species: India is home to over 1,03,258 species of fauna, including a staggering 28,948 endemic species, highlighting its unique biodiversity.
- Flora’s Diversity: The Indian subcontinent supports a diverse flora, comprising over 55,048 species, with 12,095 endemic plants.
- A Network of Protected Areas: India’s extensive network of 106 National Parks and 572 Wildlife Sanctuaries covers 1.36% and 3.86% of the total land area, respectively.
- Gujarat’s Conservation Commitment: Gujarat leads the way in protected area coverage, with 17,098 square kilometers designated for conservation, accounting for 8.72% of its state area.
- Small States, Big Conservation Impact: Sikkim, Chandigarh, Ladakh, and Goa, despite their smaller sizes, have made significant strides in conservation, with over 20% of their territories under protection.
- A Growing Conservation Network: Between 2000 and 2023, India witnessed a substantial increase in the number and area of protected areas, reflecting a growing commitment to biodiversity conservation.
The Indispensable Role of Protected Areas
- Safeguarding Life’s Support Systems: Protected areas serve as havens for diverse species by preserving their critical habitats. These natural sanctuaries ensure the survival of countless organisms and maintain the delicate balance of ecosystems.
- Preserving Earth’s Biodiversity Hotspots: Many protected areas are designated as biodiversity hotspots, harboring a unique and irreplaceable assemblage of species. These ecological treasure troves are vital for the planet’s biodiversity.
- Nurturing Genetic Diversity: By safeguarding a wide range of species and their genetic variations, protected areas contribute to the genetic diversity of ecosystems. This genetic diversity is essential for the adaptability and resilience of species in the face of environmental change.
- A Refuge for Endangered Species: Protected areas provide a lifeline for endangered and threatened species, offering them a safe haven to recover and thrive. By maintaining natural habitats, these areas help to bolster dwindling populations and prevent extinction.
- A Laboratory for Science: Protected areas offer invaluable opportunities for scientific research and monitoring. Scientists can study ecological processes, understand the intricate interactions between species, and develop effective conservation strategies.
- Mitigating Climate Change: By preserving forests and other carbon-sequestering ecosystems, protected areas play a crucial role in mitigating climate change. These natural carbon sinks help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and stabilize the global climate.
Global and Indian Initiatives to Protect Biodiversity in Protected Areas
Global Initiatives
- Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD): A global treaty for the conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of its components, and fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources.
- Ramsar Convention on Wetlands: An intergovernmental treaty for the conservation and wise use of wetlands.
- World Heritage Convention: A convention established by UNESCO to identify and protect cultural and natural heritage sites around the world.
- International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN): A global union composed of both government and civil society organizations, dedicated to protecting biodiversity.
Indian Initiatives
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: A comprehensive legislation for the protection of wildlife and their habitats.
- Project Tiger: A flagship conservation program for the protection of tigers and their habitats.
- Project Elephant: A centrally sponsored scheme for conservation of elephants and their habitats.
- National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries: A network of protected areas across the country.
- Community-Based Conservation: Involving local communities in conservation efforts, such as Joint Forest Management.
Challenges in Biodiversity Conservation
- Habitat Loss and Fragmentation: Due to human activities like agriculture, urbanization, and infrastructure development.
- Poaching and Illegal Wildlife Trade: Threatens endangered species like tigers, rhinos, and pangolins.
- Climate Change: Alters ecosystems, leading to shifts in species distribution and phenology.
- Pollution: Water and air pollution degrade habitats and harm wildlife.
- Lack of Adequate Funding and Resources: Limits the capacity of conservation organizations.
- Weak Enforcement: Ineffective law enforcement hampers conservation efforts.
- Human-Wildlife Conflict: Conflicts between humans and wildlife can lead to retaliatory killings and habitat loss.
- Lack of Public Awareness and Participation: Limited public awareness and involvement in conservation efforts.
Step ahead
- The 30×30 Commitment: A Global Imperative
- Countries worldwide have committed to conserving at least 30% of their land and ocean by 2030, a crucial step toward mitigating biodiversity loss.
- However, mere designation of protected areas is insufficient; effective management and enforcement are essential.
- Shifting Focus: Ecosystem-Level Conservation
- While species-specific conservation efforts are important, a broader ecosystem-level approach is necessary to address the complex interplay between species and their habitats.
- By focusing on entire ecosystems, we can ensure the long-term health and resilience of biodiversity.
- Curbing the Mining Menace: Strict Enforcement
- Mining activities, even in peripheral areas, can have significant adverse impacts on protected areas.
- Strict enforcement of guidelines regulating mining activities in and around protected areas is imperative to minimize environmental degradation.
- A Zero-Tolerance Approach: Banning Mining in Protected Areas
- To safeguard the ecological integrity of these vital ecosystems, mining activities should be strictly prohibited within National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries.
- Furthermore, a buffer zone of at least one kilometer around these protected areas should be established to prevent mining-related disturbances.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the alarming decline of biodiversity within protected areas underscores the urgent need for a paradigm shift in conservation strategies. While these areas are designated to safeguard nature, their effectiveness is waning due to factors like habitat degradation, climate change, and inadequate enforcement. To reverse this trend, a holistic approach is imperative, encompassing ecosystem-level conservation, community engagement, and stringent regulations. By prioritizing the health of ecosystems and addressing the root causes of biodiversity loss, we can ensure a sustainable future for both humanity and the natural world.
Reference: IE
Related PYQ
How does biodiversity vary in India? How is the Biological Diversity Act,2002 helpful in the conservation of flora and fauna? [UPSC CSE – 2017 Mains]
Practice Question
Despite being designated for protection, biodiversity within protected areas is declining at an alarming rate. Discuss the factors contributing to this decline and suggest effective strategies to reverse this trend. [150 words]
Guidelines for Answering the Question
- Introduction: Briefly introduce the concept of biodiversity and its importance. Highlight the paradox of biodiversity loss within protected areas.
- Factors Contributing to Decline:
- Habitat loss and fragmentation
- Climate change
- Pollution
- Invasive species
- Overexploitation
- Inadequate law enforcement
- Human-wildlife conflict
- Impact of Decline:
- Loss of ecosystem services
- Extinction of species
- Economic implications
- Social implications
- Strategies for Conservation:
- Strengthened law enforcement
- Community-based conservation
- Ecosystem-based management
- Climate change mitigation and adaptation
- Sustainable use of natural resources
- Research and monitoring
- International cooperation
- Conclusion: Summarize the key points and emphasize the urgent need for effective conservation measures to protect biodiversity.