Biodiversity Conservation Lecture PDF

Biodiversity Conservation (NF-114) Speaker: Dr Hukam Assistant Professor Department of Environmental Science  Syllabus (Theory) ► Definition, Genetic diversity, Species diversity, Ecosystem diversity: structural and functional aspec...

Biodiversity Conservation (NF-114) Speaker: Dr Hukam Assistant Professor Department of Environmental Science  Syllabus (Theory) ► Definition, Genetic diversity, Species diversity, Ecosystem diversity: structural and functional aspects. ► Agro ecological zones in India with a brief understanding of diversity in soil types, temperature, rainfall, watershed atlas of India, Seasons and season cycle in India, Festivals and seasons, ► Importance of local biodiversity, Bio-geographic classification of India, The value of biodiversity and conservation, India as a mega diversity nation, ► Hotspots of biodiversity: criteria for determining hot spots ► Threats to biodiversity- habitat loss, pollution, species introduction, global climate change, overexploitation, poaching,.  Syllabus (Theory) ► Rare species, Extinction: mass extinction, extinction processes, Human factors: social , economic, political and remedial actions, ► Endangered and endemic species of India, common plant species, common animal species, ► Conservation of biodiversity- strategies for conservation: in-situ and ex-situ conservation, ► Conservation practices in India and world- Organizations involved in resource conservation: IUCN, WWF, UNEP, UNESCO, Biodiversity International, IPGRI, FAO, BSI, ZSI. ► General account on activities of DBT, BSI, NBPGR, ZSI, FSI, NBFGR and NBAGR NFPTCR, ► Sacred groves, Biodiversity register, Conservation of biodiversity, ► Salient provisions of Biological Diversity Act, 2002, ► Role of Gramsabha in biodiversity conservation, Ancient Indian culture in biodiversity conservation, Role of biodiversity in SDGs, Ecological economics and mission life style environment (Life)  Syllabus (Practical) ► Field survey and various methods of studying plant diversity- plot and quadrat sampling, line and belt transact sampling ► Collection of plant samples and preparation of herbarium ► Determination of plant community structure and composition: Density, Frequency, Abundance, Basal Area, IVI wtc. ► Determination of biodiversity indices, (Shannon-Weiner index, Simpson’s index, Margalef’s richness, Pielu’s Evenness etc. ► Field Survey for studying agro-biodiversity in a village/locality ► Procedures of monitoring natural enemies and pest population in agro- ecosystems. ► Collection, identification and submission of non-wood forest products ► Visit to forest/ natural landscape to study and document the local avian and mammalian fauna ► Orientation about biodiversity register and its activities ► Visit to ZSI and NBPGR (Regional branches) for knowledge on activities of biodiversity conservation.  Suggested Readings ✔ Das, P., Das, S.K., Arya, H.P.S., Reddy, G. Subba, Mishra, A. Inventory of Indigenous Technical Knowledge in Agriculture: Mission mode Project on Collection, Documentation and Validation of Indigenous Technical Knowledge, Document 1 To 7, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi. ✔ Dubey, R. C. and Maheswari, D.K. (2010). A Text book of Microbiology, S. Chand & Company, New Delhi. ✔ Gadgil, M., and Seshagiri Rao, P. R. (1998). Nurturing biodiversity an Indian agenda. Ahmedabad: Centre for Environment Education. ✔ Krishnamoorthy, K.V (2004) An Advanced text book on Biodiversity- Principles and Practice: Oxford and IBH publishing company Pvt. Ltd. New Delhi. 10 ✔ Krishnamurthy, K.V. (2003). Text Book on Biodiversity, Science Publishers, New Hampshare.  Suggested Readings ✔ Puri, GS, Gupta RK, Meher-Homji VM, Puri S. (1989). Forest ecology. Volume 2. Plant form, diversity, communities and succession. Oxford& IBH Publishing Co. Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi ✔ Sayan Bhattacharya (2014) Forest and biodiversity conservation in ancient Indian culture: A review based on old texts and archaeological evidences. International Letters of Social and Humanistic Sciences. pp35-46. ✔ Shahid N., Daniel E. Bunker, A.H., Michel L. and Charles Perrings (2009). Biodiversity, Ecosystem Functioning, and Human Wellbeing: An Ecological and Economic Perspective, Oxford University Press, New York. ✔ Sharma P.D. (2003). Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Rastogi Publications, Meerut, India ✔ Trivedi, P. C. (2007) Global Biodiversity status and conservation. Pointer publishers Jaipur India.  Contents ► Introduction ► Types of Biodiversity ► Pattern of Biodiversity ► Biodiversity Hotspots Across World ► India: A Mega Diversity Region ► Importance of Biodiversity ► Threat to Biodiversity ► Biodiversity Conservation ► Conclusion ► Way Forward  Introduction ► The term biodiversity was coined by Walter G. Rosen in the year 1985. ► Bio means “Life” and Diversity means “Variety”. ► The Convention on Biological Diversity (1992) of the United Nations gives a formal definition of biodiversity in its Article 2: ❖ "Biological diversity means the variability among living organisms from all sources including, inter alia, terrestrial, marine, and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part; this includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems." ► Biological diversity, abbreviated as biodiversity, represents the sum total of all life forms such as unicellular bacteria, fungi, protozoa, bacteria, multicellular organisms such as plants fishes and mammals at various biological levels habitats and ecosystem. ► Biological diversity largely describes the change of life from genes to ecosystems, comprising their existences, genetic variations, their environment, populations and the ecosystem in which they are existing, and other evolutionary developments that keep the system functioning, changing and adapting.  Types of Biodiversity ► Genetic Diversity: Every individual of a particular species differs from each others in its genetic makeup. This genetic variability among the members of any plant or animal species is known as genetic diversity. For Instance, India has more than 50,000 genetically different strains of rice, and 1,000 varieties of mango ► Species Diversity: Species diversity can be defined as the variety of species within a particular region or habitat. The diversity at the species level. For example, the Western Ghats have a greater amphibian species diversity than the Eastern Ghats. ► Ecosystem Diversity: There are a large diversity of different ecosystems which have their own distinctive species. This ecosystem diversity can be found within a specific geographical region or within a country or a state. India, for instance, with its deserts, rain forests, mangroves, coral reefs, wetlands, estuaries, and alpine meadows has a greater ecosystem diversity than a Scandinavian country like Norway.  Biodiversity At Community Level Alpha Diversity ► It is measured by counting the number of taxa (usually species) within a particular area, community or ecosystem. Beta diversity ► It is species diversity between two adjacent ecosystems and is obtaining by comparing the number of species unique to each of the ecosystem. Gamma diversity ► It refers to the diversity of the habitats over the total landscape or geographical area. For example  Pattern of Biodiversity 1) Latitudinal gradient: In general, species diversity decreases as we move away from the equator towards the poles. Fort instance, tropics (latitudinal range of 23.5° N to 23.5° S) harbour more species than temperate or polar areas. 2) Species-Area relationships: German naturalist and geographer Alexander von Humboldt observed that within a region species richness increased with increasing explored area, but only up to a limit. In fact, the relation between species richness and area for a wide variety of taxa turns out to be a rectangular hyperbola. On a logarithmic scale, the relationship is a straight line described by the equation; log S = log C + Z log A where S= Species richness, A= Area, Z = slope of the line (regression coefficient), C = Y-intercept  Balance of Nature Food Regulation of Climate Fuel Recreation Cleaning of Air and Medicine Education and Research Water Better Crop Varieties Traditional Value Carbon Sequestration Industrial Material Maintenance of Soil Fertility  Biodiversity Hotspots A biodiversity hot Concept given by – Norman Myers spot is a At least 0.5 % species of vascular plants biogeographic are endemic. region that is both The region must have lost at least 70 a significant percent of its original habitat. reservoir of biodiversity and is threatened with destruction Approximately ½ of all plant and animal species are found in hot spots.  Biodiversity Hotspots Across World ► Hotspots of biodiversity refer to bio-geographic regions where significant levels of biodiversity with richness and unusual concentration of endemic species are found. ► A biodiversity is termed as a hotspot if It has at least 1,500 vascular plants as endemic. It must have 30% or less of its original natural vegetation. In other words, it must be threatened Across the world, about 36 areas are marked as hotspots of biodiversity and they represent 2.3 percent of the Earth’s land surface but they support more than half of the world’s endemic plant species and almost half of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians as endemic. ❖ Out of the 35 global biodiversity hotspots, 4 are present in India (Conservation International 2013): 1. THE HIMALAYA- Western and Eastern Himalaya, form part of Himalayan global biodiversity hotspot. 2. WESTERN GHATS AND SRI LANKA- includes entire Western Ghats and Sri Lanka global biodiversity hotspot. 3. INDO-BURMA- North-eastern India, except Assam and Andaman group of Islands. 4. SUNDALANS- Includes Nicobar group of Islands. Source: Conservation International: www.conservation.org  Biodiversity Hotspots Across World North and Central Asia-Pacific America Eastern Himalaya California Floristic Western Ghats, India: Province Srilanka Madrean Pine-oak Indo-Burma, India, and Africa woodlands Myanmar Coastal Forests of Africa Central Asia Caribbean Island New Caledonia Eastern Afromontane Mountains of Mesoamerica New Zealand Guinean Forests of West Central Asia North American Coastal Polynesia-Micronesia Africa Plain Japan Horn of Africa East Melanesian Islands Madagascar and the Indian Philippines Ocean Islands Europe South America Sundaland Succulent Karoo Mediterranean Cerrado Southwest Australia Cape Floral region Basin Tropical Andes Eastern Australia Maputaland-Pondoland-Alb Atlantic Forest Wallacea any Chilean Winter Aucasus Rainfall-Valdivian Irano-Anatolian Forests Mountains of Southwest Tumbes-Chocó-Magdale China na  BIOGEOGRAPHIC ZONES OF INDIA ► Based on the geography, climate and pattern of vegetation seen and the communities of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibia, insects and other invertebrates, India have been classified as follows: 1. Trans Himalayan Region: An extension of the Tibetan plateau, high-altitude cold desert in Ladakh (J&K) and Lauhala Spiti (H.P) comprising 5.7% of the country’s landmass. ► The mountains of this region have the richest wild sheep and goat community in the world, renowned for its quality wool and wool products. ► The cold dry desert of this zone is an extremely fragile area. 2. Himalayas: These are the entire mountain chain running from north-western to northeastern India, comprising a diverse range of biomes and covers 6.4% of the country’s landmass. ► Wild sheep, mountain goats, shrew, snow leopard and panda, are the common fauna of the Himalayan ► range. This zone includes some of the highest peaks of the world and also makes India one of the biodiversity rich country.  BIOGEOGRAPHIC ZONES OF INDIA 3. Indian Desert : The extremely arid area west of the Aravalli hill range, comprising both the salty desert of Gujarat and the sand desert of Rajasthan. ► It comprises 6.9% of the country’s landmass. Wild ass is endemic to this region. ► It has large expanses of grassland that is the habitat for several endangered species of mammals such as Wolf, Desert Cat, Caracal and birds like Houbara ► Bustard and the Great Indian Bustard, many of which are endangered. 4. Semi – Arid Zones : The area between the desert and the Deccan plateau, including the Aravalli hill range covering 16.6% of the country’s landmass is the semi-arid zone. ► This semi-arid region also has several artificial and natural lakes and marshy lands. ► Fauna found here are nilghai, blackbuck, four horned antelopes, sambar, chital and spotted deer which are herbivores along with predators like Asiatic lion, tiger, leopard and jackal. ► The dominant grass and palatable shrub layer in this zone supports the highest wildlife biomass.  BIOGEOGRAPHIC ZONES OF INDIA 5. Western Ghats: Western Ghats, are mountain ranges along the west coast of India, extending over almost 1,500km from Sat Pena in south Gujarat to the southernmost tip of Kerala. ► It covers about 4.0 per cent of the total geographical area. ► It is one of the major tropical evergreen forest regions in India. ► Thiszone represents one of the biodiversity ‘hot spots’ with some 15,000 species of higher plants, of which 4,000 (27 per cent) are endemic to the region. ► Ithas large populations of Nilgiri tahr (State animal of Tamil Nadu), Nilgiri langur, tiger, leopard, and Indian elephant. ► The grizzled squirrel and lion tailed macaque are endemic to this region.  BIOGEOGRAPHIC ZONES OF INDIA 6. Deccan Peninsula/Plateau : It covers about 42 per cent of the total geographical area. It is a semi-arid region that falls in the rain shadow area of the Western Ghats. ► It is known for deciduous forests, thorn forests and pockets of semi ever green forests. ► Fauna found here are Chital, Sambhar, Nilghai, elephant, sloth bear, black buck and barking deer. ► It is the catchment area of major Indian rivers like Godavari, Tapti, Narmada and Mahanadi.  BIOGEOGRAPHIC ZONES OF INDIA 7. Gangetic Plains : These plains are relatively homogenously defined by the Ganges river system and occupy about 10.8% of the country’s landmass. ► It is a flat alluvial region lying to the North and South of the Ganga River and its major tributaries and in the foothills of the Himalayas. ► Fauna includes rhinoceros, elephant, buffalo, swamp deer, hog-deer.  BIOGEOGRAPHIC ZONES OF INDIA 8. North-East India : The plains and non-Himalayan hill ranges of north eastern India are home to a wide variety of vegetation. ► With5.2% of the country’s landmass, this region it represents the transition zone between the Indian, Indo-Malayan and Indo Chinese bio-geographical regions as well as being a meeting point of the Himalayan mountains and peninsular India. ► TheNorth-East is thus the biogeographical ‘Gateway’ for much of India’s fauna and flora and also biodiversity hotspot (Eastern Himalaya), which includes the Indian rhinoceros, leopard and golden langur.  BIOGEOGRAPHIC ZONES OF INDIA 9. Coastal Region : This region covers 2.5% of the total geographical area of the country covering vast sandy beaches, mangroves, mud flats, coral reefs and marine angiosperm pastures. ► The coastal regions are also considered as the wealth and health zones of India. ► The coastline from Gujarat to Sundarbans is estimated to be 5423km long. ► The fauna includes native crabs, turtles and tunas.  BIOGEOGRAPHIC ZONES OF INDIA ► 10. Andaman and Nicobar Islands : The Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal have highly diverse set of biomes, constituting 0.3% of the total geographical area. ► Theyare centers of high endemism and contain some of India’s finest evergreen forests and support a wide diversity of corals. ► Fauna includes Narcondam hornbills of the Andamans and the South Andaman Krait.  BIOGEOGRAPHIC ZONES OF INDIA (with threats) ► Based on the geography, climate and pattern of vegetation seen and the communities of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibia, insects and other invertebrates, India have been classified as follows; 1. Trans Himalaya: Livestock pressure ,tourism, exotic plantations, extraction of medicinal plants and NTFPs, poaching, human-animal conflict, climate change. 2. Himalaya: Climate change, deforestation, invasive species, extraction of medicinal plants and NTFPs, fire, land use change, development and urbanisation, mining, tourism. 3. Desert: Invasive species, land use change, livestock pressure, grassland degradation, mining. 4. Semi-arid: Land use change, mining, livestock pressure, grassland degradation poaching. 5. Western Ghats: Invasive species, exotic plantations, encroachment, mining, extraction of medicinal plants and NTFPs, livestock pressure, poaching, fire, pathogens and disease transmission, climate change. ► Contd.. 6. Deccan Peninsula: Deforestation, grassland degradation, invasive species, development and urbanisation, mining, pathogens and disease transmission. 7. Gangetic Plain: Deforestation, grassland degradation, invasive species, development and urbanisation, mining, land use change, pollution and eutrophication, livestock pressure. 8. Coasts: Climate change, pollution, development and urbanisation, mining, tourism, aquaculture, invasive species. 9. North-east: Deforestation, shifting cultivation, mining, hydropower development, poaching, climate change. 10. Islands: Climate change, invasive species, development and urbanisation. (MoEF, 2014)  India: A Mega Diversity Region ► India is rich in biodiversity from north to south and from east to west. ► Geological events in the landmass of India, different climatic regions across the country and its special geographical position between a couple of distinct biological evolution and radiation of species are responsible for India’s rich and varied biodiversity. ► India is one among the top 10 countries with rich biodiversity and one among the 12 Mega biodiversity regions in the world. India has 2.4 percent of world’s total area and accounts for 8 per-cent of Earth’s biodiversity. India’s Share In World’s Biodiversity  India: A Mega Diversity Region ► India is home to ► 350 different mammals (rated highest in the world), ► 1, 200 species of birds, ► 453 species of reptiles and ► 45, 000 plant species. ► 50, 000 known species of insects ► More than 18 percent of Indian plants are endemic (native to a particular region) to the country and found nowhere else in the world. ► India is one of the top 10 biodiversity rich country ► The highest diversity of cultivars is found concentrated in the high rainfall areas of Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, Northern Himalayas. and North-Eastern hills.  Threat to Biodiversity (i) Habitat loss and fragmentation: ►This is the most important cause driving animals and plants to extinction. ►The most dramatic examples of habitat loss come from tropical rainforests. Once covering more than 14 percent of the earth’s land surface, these rain forests now cover no more than 6 percent. They are being destroyed fast. ►When large habitats are broken up into small fragments due to various human activities, mammals and birds requiring large territories and certain animals with migratory habits are badly affected, leading to population declines. (ii) Over-exploitation: Humans have always depended on nature for food and shelter, but when ‘need’ turns to ‘greed’, it leads to overexploitation of natural resources. Presently many marine fish populations around the world are over-harvested, endangering the continued existence of some commercially important species. (iii) Alien species invasions: When alien species are introduced unintentionally or deliberately for whatever purpose, some of them turn invasive, and cause decline or extinction of indigenous species. Lantana camara Parthenium hysterophorus Ageratum conyzoides  (iv) Co-extinction: ►When a species becomes extinct, the plant and animal species associated with it in an obligatory way also become extinct. ►For instance in the case of plant-pollinator mutualism where extinction of one invariably leads to the extinction of the other. (v) Natural calamities: ►Natural calamities like floods, earthquakes, forest fires also lead to the loss of biodiversity. (vi) Climatic change: ►This is of great concern especially when global CO2 increases in the atmosphere resulting to global warming. Most species originate within a very narrow physiological limit; hence nature has a range of tolerance maintained for ecosystem stability. ►Changes may be gradual or abrupt such that if the limit is exceeded the upper or lower, species suffers extinction.  (vii) Pollution: ►Over the past five decades, inorganic and organic pollutants have emerged as one of the most important factors of biodiversity loss in terrestrial, aquatic- marine as well as freshwater ecosystems. ►For instance, The vulture was once very common in the Gangetic plains of India. Diclofenac which is used as a veterinary non–steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, leaves traces in cattle carcasses which when fed by vultures leads to thinning of eggshells resulting in premature hatching and kidney failure in birds (Green et al., 2004; Muralidharan et al., 2008). (viii) Institutional/policy failure: ►Some institutions are created to manage biological resources. However, the institutions/policies fail to internalize the values of biodiversity within the decision-making process of their nations and individuals.  IUCN Red List Categories ► International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural resources (IUCN) has established an inventory of the global conservation status and extinction risk of biological species in 1964 called the Red data book. ► 1. Extinct (EX) – No known individuals remaining. ► Examples : Bali Tiger, Monk Seal, Carolina Parakeet, Caspian Tiger, Dinosaurs, Dodo ► 2. Extinct in the wild (EW) – Known only to survive in captivity, or as a naturalized population outside its historic range. ► Examples : Catarina Pupfish, Hawaiian Crow, Northern White Rhinoceros. ► 3. Critically endangered (CR) – Extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. ► Examples : Island Fox, Kakapo, Leatherback Sea Turtle, Mexican Wolf, Mountain Gorilla, Siamese Crocodile. ► 4. Endangered (EN) – High risk of extinction in the wild. ► Examples : Asian Elephant, Asiatic Lion, Blue Whale, Chimpanzees, Gorillas, Green Sea Turtle.  IUCN Red List Categories ► 5. Vulnerable (VU) – High risk of endangerment in the wild. Examples : Mountain Zebra, Polar Bear, Red Panda, Sloth Bear, Takin, Yak. ►6. Near threatened (NT) – Likely to become endangered soon. ► Examples : Emperor Penguin, Leopard, Maned Wolf, Southern White Rhinoceros, Striped Hyena. ► 7. Least concern (LC) – Lowest risk. Does not qualify for a more at-risk category. Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category. Examples : Common Frog, Giraffe, Grey Wolf, House Mouse. ►8. Data deficient (DD) – Not enough data to assess its risk of extinction. ► 9. Not evaluated (NE) – Has not yet been evaluated against the criteria.  Biodiversity Conservation Why should we conserve Biodiversity? ►Biodiversity is the life support system of our planet- we depend on it for the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the water we drink. ►Medicines originating from wild species, including penicillin, aspirin, taxol, and quinine, have saved millions of lives and alleviated tremendous sufferings. ► Wetlands filter pollutants from water, trees and plants reduce global warming by absorbing carbon. ►Bacteria and fungi break down organic material and fertilize the soil. ►It has been observed that native species richness is linked to the health of ecosystems, as is the quality of life for humans. ►The connections between biodiversity and our sustainable future appear closer and closer the more we look.  Protected Areas Network ✔ According to the definition given by IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) protected area is a clearly defined geographical space, recognised, dedicated and managed, through legal or other effective means, to achieve the long term conservation of nature with associated ecosystem services and cultural values. ✔ In simplest terms, Protected Areas are regions or zones of land or sea which are given certain levels of protection for conservation of biodiversity and socio-environmental values. In these areas, human intervention and exploitation of resources are limited. ✔ Protected Areas are the principal mechanism of conservation of biodiversity on Earth and serve as the most important units for in-situ biodiversity conservation. ✔ In India, there are four major categories of Protected areas. These protected areas are constituted under the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.  Global & Indian Status of Protected Areas ► Protected Areas in India are the principal mechanism of conservation of biodiversity on Earth and serve as the most important units for in-situ biodiversity conservation. ► Withonly 2.4% of the world’s land area, 16.7% of the world’s human population and 18% livestock, it contributes about 8% of the known global biodiversity ► Over120,000 designated protected areas cover about 13% of the Earth’s land surface. ► Marine protected areas cover 6.3% of territorial seas and 0.5% of the high seas  IUCN categories of Protected areas ► Category Ia– Strict Nature Reserve: Protected areas in India managed mainly for science and receive the least human intervention. E.g. Urwald Rothwald in Austria ► Category Ib – Wilderness Area: Wilderness protection. E.g. wilderness areas in the Sami native region in Finland ► Category II – National Park: ecosystem protection and recreation ► Category III – Natural Monument or Feature: Conservation of specific natural features. E.g. cliffs, caves, forest groves. E.g. Cono de Arita in Argentina. ► Category IV – Habitat/Species Management Area: Conservation of specific species that require protection. ► Category V – Protected Landscape/Seascape: Conservation of the entire area. It permits the surrounding community to interact. Example: Great Barrier Reef in Australia ► Category VI – Protected Area with sustainable use of natural resources: Conservation of ecosystem and habitats together with associated cultural values and traditional natural resource management systems.  Categories of Protected areas in India ► Wildlife Sanctuaries ► National Parks ► Community Reserves ► Conservation Reserves ► Biodiversity Reserves ► Tiger Reserves ► Elephant Reserves ► Marine Protected Areas  Declaration of Protected areas in India ► Union government makes the policies and plans for Wildlife Conservation. On the other hand, the State Forest Departments are the ones implanting those national policies and plans at the state level. ► National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) puts forward a policy framework for wildlife conservation in India. The Board was constituted under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. It is chaired by the Prime Minister. ► National Board for Wildlife: is a “Statutory Organization” constituted under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. ► Itsrole is “advisory” in nature and advises the Central Government on framing policies and measures for the conservation of wildlife in the country.  Declaration of Protected areas in India ► The primary function of the Board is to promote the conservation and development of wildlife and forests. ► It has the power to review all wildlife-related matters and approve projects in and around national parks and sanctuaries. ► No alternation of boundaries in national parks and wildlife sanctuaries can be done without the approval of the NBWL.  Declaration of Protected areas in India ► Composition:The NBWL is chaired by the Prime Minister. It has 47 members including the Prime Minister. Among these, 19 members are ex-officio members. Other members include three Members of Parliament (two from Lok Sabha and one from Rajya Sabha), five NGOs, and 10 eminent ecologists, conservationists, and environmentalists. ► National Board for Wildlife may make recommendations on the setting up of and management of national parks, sanctuaries, and other protected areas and on matters relating to restriction of activities in those areas. ► The State Board for Wildlife shall advise the State government on the selection and management of areas to be declared as protected areas. Protected areas in India  National Parks ►A national park is a protected area officially identified by the state government to conserve its ecological, faunal, floral, geomorphological, or zoological significance. ► It is categorised in the second schedule of the IUCN list. ► The power to declare national parks lies with both the central and state governments, highlighting the joint responsibility for preserving these critical areas. ► HaileyNational Park was established in 1936 as India’s first national park. It is now known as the Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand.  National Parks ►A national park is a protected area officially identified by the state government to conserve its ecological, faunal, floral, geomorphological, or zoological significance. ► It is categorised in the second schedule of the IUCN list. ► The power to declare national parks lies with both the central and state governments, highlighting the joint responsibility for preserving these critical areas. ► HaileyNational Park was established in 1936 as India’s first national park. It is now known as the Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand.  National Parks ► The boundaries of National parks are fixed and defined. ► Once a protected area in India is declared a national park then their status cannot be altered to that of a ‘sanctuary,’ underscoring their lasting and pivotal role in conservation efforts. ► National parks are given the highest level of protection.  Wildlife Sanctuary ►A wildlife sanctuary, characterized by its significant ecological, faunal, floral, geomorphological, or zoological attributes, is declared to safeguard, propagate, or enhance wildlife and its environment. ► Withinthese sanctuaries, certain rights of residents may be permitted, creating a balanced approach to conservation. ► Wildlife sanctuaries in India are classified as IUCN Category IV protected areas in India, highlighting their importance for conservation.  Wildlife Sanctuary ► Indiahas 573 wildlife sanctuaries, covering a substantial area of 122,509.33 km², which accounts for 3.73% of the country’s geographical expanse. ►A wildlife sanctuary is a designated area owned by the government or a private entity, aimed at safeguarding specific species of plants or animals, either seasonally or throughout the year. ►AWildlife Sanctuary has the potential to be elevated to National Park status, but the reverse, degrading a National Park into a Wildlife Sanctuary, is not permissible. Difference Between Wildlife Sanctuary & NP  Conservation Reserves ► It can be declared by the State Governments in any area owned by the Government, particularly the areas adjacent to National Parks and Sanctuaries and those areas which link one Protected Area with another. Such a declaration should be made after having consultations with the local communities. ► Conservation Reserves are declared for the purpose of protecting landscapes, seascapes, flora and fauna and their habitat. The rights of people living inside a Conservation Reserve are not affected. There are 100 existing conservation reserves in India, covering an area of 4927.28 km2, or 0.15 percent of the country’s geographical area. ► Conservation reserves act as buffer zones between established national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and reserved and protected forests of India. For Example- Bankapur Peacock Conservation Reserve, Beas River Conservation Reserve etc.  Community Reserves ► Community Reserves are designated on private or community land, excluding areas within a National Park, Sanctuary, or Conservation Reserve. ► These reserves emerge when an individual or a community willingly commits to wildlife and habitat conservation efforts. There are 219 existing community reserves in India,covering an area of 1446.28 km2, or 0.043 percent of the country’s geographical area. ► Beyond their primary purpose, these areas serve as buffer zones connecting established national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and reserved and protected forests in India. ► Importantly,the establishment of a Community Reserve does not impact the rights of individuals residing within its boundaries. For Example– : Lalwan community reserve, Gogabeel in Bihar etc.  Biosphere Reserves ► Biosphere reserves are areas of terrestrial and coastal/ marine ecosystems where both flora and fauna are protected and sustainable livelihood development is promoted. ► They are ‘Science for Sustainability support sites.’ ► Core: In its core area nor human activity allowed. ► Buffer Zone: Used for scientific research ► TransitionZone: Ecologically sustainable human settlements and economic activities are permitted. Like tourism  Eco-Sensitive Zone ► Theseare protected land which falls within 10 km of the boundaries of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. ► These lands are declared under the Environmental (Protection Act, 1986. ► Theseareas are based on the core and buffer model of management. ► Their core area has the legal status of being a national park. ► Bufferarea could be reserved forest, wildlife sanctuary or tiger reserve.  Tiger Reserve ► In 1973, the Government of India initiated Project Tiger with the primary objective of protecting the endangered tiger species prevalent in the country. ► Tiger Reserves were established following a core/buffer strategy, designating core areas as national parks or sanctuaries, while buffer or peripheral areas comprise a blend of forest and non-forest land, managed as multiple-use zones. ► It is administered by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). ► Presently, India accommodates a total of 54 Tiger Reserves (with the most recent addition being the Dholpur-Karauli Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan.  How do we conserve Biodiversity? Biodiversity Conservation In-situ Ex-situ Protected Area Network Botanical Garden, Arboreta, Zoological Garden National Parks, Sacred Grooves, Seed Banks, Gene Wildlife Biosphere Reserves Sacred Lakes Banks, Sanctuaries Cryopreservation Terrestrial Marine Sacred Plants, Home Gardens ► In situ conservation Conserving the animals and plants in their natural habitats : National parks Sanctuaries Biosphere reserves Protected areas Number National parks 106 Wildlife sanctuaries 566 Conservation reserves 97 Community reserves 214 Total 983 Source: Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun (WII), an Autonomous Institution of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Govt. of India  S.No. Sanctuaries District Area ( Sq. Km) 15. Majathal Solan 30.86 S.No. Sanctuaries District Area(Sq.Km) 16. Manali Kullu 29 1. Bandli Mandi 32.11 17. Nargu Mandi 132.3731 2. Chail Solan 16 18. Pong Dam Lake Kangra 207.59 3. Chandra Tal Lahaul & Spiti 38.56 +(11.53for Consideration) 19. Rakchham-Chitkul Kinnaur 304 4. Churdhar Sirmour 55.52 20. Renuka ji Sirmaur 3.87 5. Daranghati I&II Shimla 171.50 21. Rupi-Bhaba Kinnaur 503 6. Dhauladhar Kangra 982.26 22. Sechu-Tuan Nalla Chamba 390.29 7. Gamgul-Siyabehi Chamba 108.40 23. Shikari Devi Mandi 29.94 8. Kais Kullu 12.61 24. Shimla Water Shimla 10 9. Kalatop-Khajjiar Chamba 17.17 Catchment 10. Kanawar Kullu 107.29 25. Talra Shimla 46.48 11. Khokhan Kullu 14.94 26. Tundah Chamba 64 12. Kibber Lahaul & Spit 2220.12 Total Area 5964.9731 13. Kugti Chamba 405.29 Source: Himachal Pradesh Forest Department , Last Updated on 09-12-2021 14. Lipa Asrang Kinnaur 31 Source: MoEF Germplasm Botanical gardens Long term captive breeding  India hosts 4 biodiversity hotspots: Himalayas Western Ghats and Sri Lanka Indo-Burma region Sundaland (includes Nicobar group of Islands) ► Project Tiger ► Project Elephant ► Crocodile Conservation Project ► Indian (One Horn) Rhino Vision 2020. ► UNDP Sea Turtle Project ► Gir Lion Project  EFFORTS FOR CLIMATE CHANGE AND BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION 1. Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) 2. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) 3. United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) 4. World Heritage Committee 5. Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS) 6. Ramsar Convention on Wetlands 7. International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) 8. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) 9. The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture 10. International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC)  Some Biodiversity Acts Passed by Indian Government ► Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. ► Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules 2010 ► National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Eco-System ► India became a party to CITES (Convention of International Trade in Endangered species) (of wild flora and fauna) in 1976. ► Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980,amended in 1988. ► The Biodiversity Act,2002, implemented in 2004. Now there is a addition of new amendment bill 2021 for biological diversity.  DECENTRALIZED SYSTEM FOR BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION IN INDIA Decentralized System for Biodiversity Conservation  National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) ► The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) was established in 2003 to implement India’s Biological Diversity Act (2002). ► Headquarters in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India ► The NBA is Autonomous body and that performs facilitative, regulatory and advisory function for Government of India on issues like: ► Conservation, ► sustainable use of biological resource ► fair equitable sharing of benefits of use Source: http://nbaindia.org  State Biodiversity Board (SBB) ► The state Biodiversity Board (SBBs) focusing on advice the State Government, subject to any guidelines issued by the Central Government, on matters relating to- ► conservation of biodiversity ► sustainable use of its components and ► equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of biological resources ► SSBs also granting approvals for commercial utilization of any biological resource by an Indian. ► NBA has supported creation of SBBs in 28 States Source: http://nbaindia.org Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC) ► The local level Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) are responsible for: ► promoting conservation, ► sustainable use and ► documentation of biological diversity including ► preservation of habitats ► conservation of land races ► domesticated stocks and breeds of animals There are about 33,437 BMC in India MP has highest No. of BMC 23,743 Source: http://nbaindia.org  International efforts for biodiversity conservation ► Conserving biodiversity is not an issue confined to any one country or community. It is a crucial global concern. Conserving biodiversity is not an issue confined to any one country or community. It is a crucial global concern. ► Conservation of biological diversity and sustainable use of its components came into the limelight in 1972 (United Nations Conference on Human Environment; Stockholm). ► In 1973, UNEP identified conservation of biodiversity as a priority area, hence there was a need to get the legal mandate for conservation of world resources. ► The Convention on Biological Diversity (1992): The convention was inspired by the growing concern all over the world for sustainable development. ❖ The convention objectives were: Conservation of the biological diversity Sustainable use of its components; A fair and equitable sharing of its benefits. ► Several other international treaties and agreements are in place in the attempt to strengthen international participation and commitment towards conserving biodiversity. Some of these are: ► African Convention on Conservation of nature and natural resources. ► The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of international importance. ► International Union for the Conservation of nature (World Conservation Union). ► Convention on International trade for endangered species (CITES). ► International Convention for the Protection of birds. ► International Board for Plant genetic resources. ► World Resources Institute. ► World Wide Fund for Nature. ► Convention on Conservation of migratory species of wild animals. ► International Convention for the Regulation of whaling. ► UNESCO programme on Man and biosphere.  Indian efforts for biodiversity conservation ► In India, protecting and promoting biodiversity has always been an integral part of culture and civilization. This can be seen in the thousands of sacred groves that are found all over the country. ► India is one of the early signatories to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Even prior to CBD, India has already been having legal provisions dealing with aspects relating to biodiversity. ► Indian Forest Act, 1927 and Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 deal with management of forests and conservation of forest land respectively. ► Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 is for the protection of wild animals, birds and plants, and basically aims at protecting, propagating or developing wildlife or its environment through national parks, sanctuaries etc. Besides, the Act has a provision to prohibit picking and uprooting of specified plants. ► India has more than 600 Protected Areas, covering approximately 5% of the total geographical area of the country, in a network of National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and Conservation Reserves. ► India has passed and notified the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. ► As per the provision of the Biological Diversity Act 2002, a National Biodiversity Authority has been set up at Chennai on 1st October, 2003 to facilitate implementation of the Act. ► Wetland ( Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 have been framed for the protection of wetlands in the states. ► Wildlife Crime Control Bureau has been established for control of illegal trade in wildlife, including endangered species. ► Financial and technical assistance is extended to state governments under various centrally sponsored schemes, viz, ❖ Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats ❖ Project Tiger ❖ Project Elephant ❖ Project Musk dear etc. ► Paris Agreement: In 2015, ahead of the UN significant climate conference in Paris, India announced three major voluntary commitments called the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC): 1. Improving the emissions intensity of its GDP by 33–35% by 2030 over 2005 levels 2. Increasing the share of non-fossil fuels-based electricity to 40% by 2030 and 3. Enhancing its forest cover, thereby absorbing 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide. ► India aimed at the net zero carbon emission by 2070 at UNFCCC COP 26, Glasgow.  Conclusion ► Conservation of biodiversity is vital for maintaining the Earth’s environment and sustaining life on the planet. ► Biodiversity is our life. If biodiversity keeps getting lost at this rate then in the near future survival of human beings will be threatened. ► The problems and benefits of biodiversity are many. There is the need for sustainable development and adequate use of coastal resource ► The management of biodiversity is a complex matter that needs the involvement of many different partners ranging from governmental organisations to private companies, NGO's and volunteers. ► National and international commitment, legislation and enforcement offer an essential framework for promoting and maintaining biodiversity.  Way Forward…… ► Address the underlying causes of biodiversity loss by mainstreaming biodiversity across government and society. ► Reduce the direct pressures on biodiversity and promote sustainable use. ► Improve the status of biodiversity by safeguarding ecosystems, species and genetic diversity. ► Enhance the benefits to all from biodiversity and ecosystem services. ► Enhance implementation through participatory planning, knowledge management and capacity building Thank You Go Green