Government Initiatives Wildlife Conservation: A Vital Step in Conservation

Wildlife Conservation in the background of rapid decline in wildlife population and forestry has become essential. Wildlife Conservation preserves ecological diversity and our life support systems – water, air and soil. It also preserves the genetic diversity of plants and animals for better growth of species and breeding. 

The central government announced several projects for protecting specific animals, which were gravely threatened, including the tiger, the one horned rhinoceros, the Kashmir stag or hangul, three types of crocodiles – freshwater crocodile, saltwater crocodile and the Gharial, the Asiatic lion, and others.

Project Tiger (1973): India’s Success in Preserving Iconic Species

• Objective: The primary goal of the initiative is to ensure the existence of a sustainable tiger population in India, valued for its scientific, aesthetic, cultural, and ecological significance. 
  • It also aims to preserve areas of significant biological importance as natural treasures, accessible for the benefit, education, and enjoyment of the public.
• Area under the Project: Initially, Project Tiger was inaugurated in nine tiger reserves, covering a total area of 16,339 square kilometers. 
  • This initiative has since expanded to encompass 50 tiger reserves, encompassing a substantial 71,027.10 square kilometers of core tiger habitats distributed across 18 states.
• Achievement: Remarkably, India has witnessed a growth in its tiger population from 1,411 in 2006 to 2,967 in 2020, representing 70% of the global tiger population.

Project Elephant (1992): Safeguarding Habitat and Harmony

• Inception of Project Elephant: It was launched by the Government of India in the year 1992 as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme with following objectives:
  • To protect elephants, their habitat & corridors.
  • To address issues of man-animal conflict. 
  • Welfare of captive elephants, The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change provides the financial and technical support to major 
• Nationwide Operation:  The project is currently operational in 16 elephant range states in the country.
• Beyond Elephants: The Government of India has also undertaken several other initiatives, including the Crocodile Breeding Project, Project Hangul, and the Wildlife Conservation of Himalayan Musk deer.

Biosphere Reserves: Balancing Wildlife Conservation and Sustainability

• UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere Programme: A Biosphere Reserve is a unique and representative ecosystem of terrestrial and coastal areas which are internationally recognised within the framework of UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere Programme (MAB). 
  • Biosphere reserves include terrestrial, marine and coastal ecosystems. 

• Objective: The main aim of biosphere reserve is to preserve genetic diversity in representative ecosystems by protecting wild animals, traditional lifestyle of inhabitant and domesticated plant/animal genetic resources.(Refer Figure).
• Sovereign Control: Biosphere reserves are nominated by national governments and remain under the sovereign jurisdiction of the states where they are located.
  • They are places that provide local solutions to global challenges. 
• Sustainable Solutions: Each site promotes solutions reconciling the Wildlife Conservation of biodiversity with its sustainable use.
• Biosphere Reserves in India: There are 18 Biosphere Reserves in India (Refer Figure and Table), of which 11 Biosphere Reserves have been recognised by the UNESCO on World Network of Biosphere Reserves.

Conclusion

• India’s natural vegetation is a testament to its incredible biodiversity. From the lush evergreen forests of the Western Ghats to the arid thorn forests of Rajasthan, the country’s diverse landscapes support a wide array of plant and animal life. 
• This rich tapestry of ecosystems not only contributes to India’s ecological balance but also holds immense cultural and economic significance. However, these ecosystems face growing threats from deforestation, habitat loss, and climate change.
• It is imperative for India to continue its efforts in conserving and restoring its natural vegetation, not only for the sake of its unique biological heritage but also for the well-being of its people and the planet as a whole.

DOWNLOAD PDF