07 April 2025 : Daily Answer Writing

Q1) Evaluate the role of protected areas in biodiversity conservation in India. How effective have national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves been in preserving India’s biodiversity? (15 marks, 250 words)

ANSWER

IUCN defines a protected area as: “A clearly defined geographical space, recognized, dedicated, and managed, through legal or other effective means, to achieve the long-term conservation of nature with associated ecosystem services and cultural values.” Protected Areas, refer to the areas that are designated and managed with the specific goal of conserving biodiversity, protecting ecosystems, and providing long-term benefits to both wildlife and human communities. These places serve an important role in preserving natural habitats, maintaining ecological balance, and protecting threatened or endangered species.

ROLE OF PROTECTED AREAS IN BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION IN INDIA:

1. Species Conservation: Protected areas serve as crucial habitats for diverse plant and animal species, playing a vital role in safeguarding biodiversity and preventing the extinction of vulnerable and endangered species.
2. Habitat Conservation: Protected areas provide safe havens for a wide range of species by preserving their natural habitats. This is essential as India is home to a mega biodiverse ecosystem, including forests, grasslands, wetlands, and coastal areas, each supporting unique flora and fauna.
3. Ecosystem Services: Protected areas contribute to ecosystem services such as clean air, water regulation, and climate regulation. These services are vital for human well-being and the functioning of natural ecosystems.
4. Climate Change Mitigation: Protected areas, especially forests, act as carbon sinks by absorbing and storing carbon dioxide. They help mitigate climate change and regulate local and global climates.
5. Supporting Local Communities: Protected areas can provide economic benefits to local communities through tourism, sustainable resource management, and job creation.
6. International Cooperation: Participation in international agreements and conventions, such as CITES, IUCN, and UNESCO-World Heritage Committee, showcases global cooperation in conservation efforts and contributes to the protection of biodiversity on a larger scale.
7. Genetic Diversity: By safeguarding ecosystems and species, protected areas help maintain genetic diversity within populations. This diversity is crucial for species’ ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions and for longer existence of the species as a whole.

EFFECTIVENESS:

1. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), India is a megadiverse country with only 2.4% of the world’s land area, accounting for 7-8% of all recorded species, including species of plants and species of animals. This highlights the role of protected areas in enriching biodiversity of India.
2. The establishment of protected areas has been effective in preserving biodiversity in India. These areas have helped protect threatened species such as tigers, elephants, and rhinoceroses. The Indian government has launched many wildlife conservation projects like Project Snow Leopard, Project Tiger, Indian Rhino Vision 2020, Project Hangul, Vulture Conservation Initiative etc.
3. An important component of the Protected Area Network in India, they serve as critical habitats for indigenous and migratory wildlife, contributing to the overall health of concurrent neighboring ecosystems.
4. Some protected areas are strategically located to serve as wildlife corridors, facilitating the movement of animals between different areas and promoting genetic diversity and population health.
5. Sustainable practices, community-based tourism, and collaborative conservation efforts enhance the overall effectiveness of NPs, sanctuaries and BRs.
6. Biosphere Reserve (BR) is an international designation by UNESCO for representative parts of natural and cultural landscapes that span over large areas of terrestrial, coastal/marine, or a combination of them. These are unique and carefully designated areas that integrate conservation, sustainable development, and scientific research.

CHALLENGES AND LIMITATIONS:

• Human-Wildlife Conflict: Human-wildlife conflict arises when wildlife populations come into direct contact with human settlements or activities, leading to negative consequences for both humans and animals. In India, this conflict is prominently seen around forest fringes where communities and agriculture encroach upon wildlife habitats. For example, elephants often raid crops in states like West Bengal, Odisha, and Karnataka, causing significant economic losses to farmers.
• Poaching and Illegal Trade: Poaching remains a critical threat to endangered species across India, particularly in iconic protected areas like Kaziranga National Park in Assam. Here, the one-horned rhinoceros is targeted for its horn, which fetches high prices in international markets. Despite stringent conservation efforts like trimming of horn, poachers kill the rhino for the sake of pride hunting.
• Fragmentation: Habitat fragmentation occurs when large, contiguous habitats are divided into smaller, isolated patches due to human activities such as infrastructure development, agriculture, and urbanization. This fragmentation disrupts species’ migratory patterns and reduces genetic diversity, leading to population decline and increased vulnerability to environmental changes. For instance, in the Western Ghats, fragmentation has distorted the habitats of species like the lion-tailed macaque, affecting their ability to move between forest patches.
• Inadequate Resources: Many protected areas in India face severe resource constraints, including insufficient funding, manpower shortages, and outdated infrastructure. This limits their capacity to enforce wildlife laws, conduct regular patrols, monitor species populations, and implement conservation initiatives effectively.
• Climate Change: Climate change poses a growing threat to India’s protected areas by altering habitats and disrupting species’ natural behaviors. For instance, rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns affect vegetation growth, impacting herbivore populations dependent on specific plant species. In the Himalayan regions, glacial retreat alters water availability, affecting species like snow leopards and their prey.

MEASURES FOR EFFECTIVE CONSERVATION OF PROTECTED AREAS

1. Vigilance against Wildlife Crimes– Increase patrolling efforts and vigilance to combat wildlife crimes, particularly poaching. Strengthen enforcement measures to safeguard endangered species and their habitats.
2. Promote Public Awareness– Generating awareness and sensitivity among the public regarding the importance of preserving the last strongholds of wildlife in the country. Encourage a sense of responsibility towards protecting these crucial ecosystems.
3. Increase Funding for Conservation and Protected Areas– Secure increased funding for conservation and protected area management. Transition to reliable, long-term funding sources to ensure sustained efforts in preserving natural habitats.
4. Collaborate with Local Communities for Tailored Conservation– Collaborate with indigenous peoples and local communities to determine conservation strategies suited to their specific land and seascapes, ensuring that efforts align with local needs and traditions.

These diverse categories of protected areas play a pivotal role in safeguarding India’s biodiversity and preserving our ecosystems. Establishing such a robust Protected Area Network showcases India’s commitment to promoting sustainable development and ensuring the coexistence of humans and nature.

Read More – 05 April 2025 : Daily Answer Writing