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Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves in India

PWOnlyIAS July 22, 2024 04:40 9124 0

Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves in India are crucial for biodiversity preservation and community empowerment. Discover their roles, significance and delicate balance.

Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves in India

Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves in India: Conservation reserves in India serve as vital protective zones, establishing connections between national parks, sanctuaries, and reserved forests. These reserves were enacted through the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act of 2002.

What is a Conservation Reserve ?

A Conservation Reserve is a protected area designated for the conservation of biodiversity and natural resources, where traditional rights and community-based practices are allowed. It aims to involve local communities in the management and protection of these areas.

Let us have a look at some important facts about a Conservation Reserve:

  • About: Conservation Reserves are areas owned by the state and situated adjoining to National Parks and sanctuaries, dedicated to safeguarding the habitat, seascape, and biodiversity of fauna and vegetation. 
  • Need: These areas were introduced in response to decreased protection within and around established or planned protected areas resulting from private land ownership and land use changes.
  • Purpose: These generally act as buffer zones or connectors and migration corridors between established national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and reserved and protected forests.
  • Control: These reserves are controlled by a Conservation Reserve Management Committee.

Also Read: Protected Areas in India

Conservation Reserves in India

  • Origin:  India’s inaugural conservation reserve, located in Thirupudaimaruthur, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, was a community-driven effort to guard nesting birds.
  • Area: There are currently 115 Conservation Reserves in India covering an area of 5548.75 km2, which is 0.17% of the geographical area of the country (National Wildlife Database Centre, Nov. 2023)
  • New Additions: Recently, three new wildlife conservation reserves were added in the form of Sorsan in Baran, Khichan in Jodhpur, and Hamirgarh in Bhilwara.
  • Authority: The State Government has the authority to designate any authorities-owned region as a conservation reserve after seeking input from the local community. 
  • Rights of Residents Under Conservation Reserves: 
    • Residents inside a Conservation Reserve hold their rights unaffected. 
    • Residents of conservation reserves are not subject to any restrictions on their privileges.

Important Conservation Reserves in India

Conservation reserves in India play a crucial role in preserving biodiversity, protecting endangered species, and maintaining ecological balance. They serve as buffer zones, promote sustainable development, and support local communities through ecotourism and conservation awareness.

The table below contains the list of some important Conservation Reserves in India:

Important Conservation Reserves in India
State Name of the Conservation Reserve 
Gujarat Chhari Dhand Conservation Reserve
Haryana Bir Bara Ban Conservation Reserve
Haryana Saraswati Plantation Conservation Reserve
Karnataka Jayamangali Black Buck Conservation Reserve
Karnataka Kappatagudda Conservation Reserve
Karnataka Thimmalapura Ummathur Conservation reserve
Maharashtra Anjneri Conservation Reserve
Maharashtra Barkada Conservation Reserve
Punjab Beas River Conservation Reserve
Uttarakhand Pawalgarh Conservation Reserve
Uttarakhand Naina Devi Himalayan Bird Conservation Reserve
Himachal Pradesh Shri Naina Devi Conservation Reserve
West Bengal Tekonia Conservation Reserve

Significance of Conservation Reserves in India

Conservation reserves in India play a crucial role in protecting biodiversity, supporting sustainable livelihoods for local communities, and serving as buffer zones around protected areas, thereby enhancing ecological connectivity and resilience against environmental changes.

Let us have a look at some major aspects of significance of Conservation Reserves in India:

  • Ecosystem Stability: Conservation contributes to keeping the stability of ecosystems, making sure ecological stability and the sustained functioning of natural processes.
  • Water Resources Management: Protecting forests and natural habitats aids in water conservation, regulating water waft, stopping soil erosion, and maintaining water first-rate.
  • Climate Change Mitigation: Conservation practices assist mitigate the influences of weather alternate via retaining carbon sinks, inclusive of forests, and selling sustainable land-use practices.
  • Sustainable Agriculture: Conservation measures assist sustainable agricultural practices, decreasing the impact of monoculture and promoting biodiversity in agro-ecosystems.
  • Cultural and Heritage Preservation: Conservation is crucial for protecting culturally sizable landscapes, ancient websites, and conventional know-how, contributing to the preservation of India’s cultural background.
  • Tourism and Recreation: Well-conserved natural regions attract ecotourism, supplying recreational opportunities whilst producing earnings for nearby groups and the countrywide financial system.
  • Mitigation of Natural Disasters: Healthy ecosystems act as buffers against herbal disasters like floods and landslides, decreasing the vulnerability of groups to such occasions.
  • Socioeconomic Benefits: Conservation initiatives create possibilities for sustainable livelihoods, eco-friendly industries, and the development of nature-based total merchandise, fostering socioeconomic properly-being.
  • Human-Wildlife Harmony: Conservation efforts make contributions to mitigating conflicts between human beings and wildlife, promoting coexistence and minimizing threats to both groups and animal populations.
  • Research and Education: Conservation regions function as living laboratories for scientific studies and academic activities, fostering more information of ecosystems and biodiversity.
  • Global Impact: India’s conservation efforts contribute to worldwide biodiversity conservation, aligning with worldwide projects and commitments for sustainable improvement and environmental safety.

What is a Community Reserves in India?

Community Reserves in India are protected areas designated for the conservation of wildlife and biodiversity, managed by local communities. These reserves aim to involve local people in conservation efforts while allowing sustainable use of resources.

Let us have a look at some important facts about Community Reserves in India:

  • Definition: Community Reserves in India are the areas that State Governments can designate for the protection of nearby flora, fauna, customs, cultures, and practices.
    • They have to be located on community or non-public land and must receive willing consent from people/community to allocate those areas.
  • Aim of Community Reserves: The establishment of such reserves aims to conserve biodiversity at the same time as concurrently enhancing the socioeconomic conditions of the local population. 
    • Oversight of a Community Reserve is performed by using a devoted network reserve control committee.
  • Authority for Conservation Reserve: The State Government has the authority to declare an area as community land through official notification, mainly when a community or an individual volunteers to contribute to the conservation of wildlife and its habitat.
  • Restrictions on land Use: Within the limits of a Community Reserve, any changes to land usage are strictly prohibited until legal by using a resolution authorized by  both the State Government and the Management Committee.
Also Read: Forests in India

Significance of Community Reserves in India

Community Reserves in India are significant as they empower local communities to manage and conserve wildlife and habitats, promoting biodiversity and sustainable use of natural resources while fostering community participation and awareness in conservation efforts.

Let us have a look at some major aspects of significance of Community Reserves in India:

  • Community Involvement and Empowerment: Involving nearby groups in the control and conservation of these reserves empowers them, fostering a sense of obligation and possession.
  • Preservation of Cultural Heritage: Community reserves frequently integrate the preservation of neighbourhood customs, cultures, and practices, contributing to the conservation of India’s wealthy cultural historical past.
  • Sustainable Resource Management: The advent of community reserves promotes sustainable management of natural sources, ensuring the sturdiness of ecosystems without compromising the wishes of the neighbourhood populace.
  • Mitigation of Human-Wildlife Conflict: By actively attractive groups in conservation efforts, those reserves make contributions to mitigating conflicts between human beings and wildlife, creating harmonious coexistence.
  • Enhancement of Socioeconomic Conditions: The establishment of community reserves pursuits to decorate the socioeconomic situations of nearby populations, supplying opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.
  • Preservation of Indigenous Knowledge: Local groups frequently own conventional expertise about the environment. 
  • Community reserves function areas to hold and pass down this indigenous knowledge via generations.
  • Promotion of Ecotourism: Well-managed community reserves can appeal to eco-tourism, providing monetary blessings to neighbourhood communities while promoting responsible tourism practices.
  • Adaptation to Climate Change: Community involvement in reserve control allows for adaptive techniques to cope with the influences of climate trade on nearby ecosystems.
  • Education and Awareness: Community reserves serve as instructional hubs, raising awareness about the significance of biodiversity and the want for conservation among local citizens and traffic alike.

Important Community Reserves in India

Community reserves in India play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation by involving local communities in protecting flora and fauna. They act as buffer zones, enhance ecological connectivity, and support sustainable livelihoods through eco-friendly practices.

The table below contains the list of some important Community Reserves in India:

Important Community Reserves in India
State Name of the Community Reserve 
Andhra Pradesh Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary Community Reserve
Assam Charaideo Community Reserve
Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary Community Reserve
Sadiya Range Community Reserve
Chhattisgarh Ghotiyari Marwahi Community Reserve
Gujarat Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary Community Reserve
Barda Wildlife Sanctuary Community Reserve
Himachal Pradesh Kais Wildlife Sanctuary Community Reserve
Karnataka Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary Community Reserve
Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary Community Reserve
Kerala Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary Community Reserve
Maharashtra Kalsubai Harishchandragad Wildlife Sanctuary Community Reserve
Malvan Wildlife Sanctuary Community Reserve
Meghalaya Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary Community Reserve
Mizoram Khawnglung Wildlife Sanctuary Community Reserve
Nagaland Puliebadze Wildlife Sanctuary Community Reserve
Odisha Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary Community Reserve
Rajasthan Jawai Bandh Community Reserve
Tamil Nadu Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary Community Reserve
Uttarakhand Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary Community Reserve
Uttar Pradesh Ranipur Wildlife Sanctuary Community Reserve
West Bengal Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary Community Reserve

Also Read: Amendment to the Forest Conservation Act

Community Reserve’s Role in Wildlife Protection: Case Studies

Let us have a look at some Case studies to understand the role of Community Reserves in India  in Wildlife protection:

  • Kolavipalam: Fisher folk community in Kerala protects sea turtle eggs, hatchlings, and nesting locations.
  • Kokkare Bellur: Local community in Karnataka protects Painted Stork and Spot-billed Pelican nesting places.
  • Loktak Lake: Ronmei tribe of Manipur’s Tokpa Kabui hamlet is involved in restoring village forests and also the critically endangered Sangai deer.
  • Sariska National Park: Local NGO is involved in promoting forest regeneration and the resurrection of traditional water harvesting systems in the region.
  • Mendha: Maharashtra’s Gond tribe is involved in protecting reserved and protected forest. 
Also Read: Forests in India

Difference Between Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves

Conservation Reserves are areas designated to protect landscapes, habitats, and their biodiversity, managed by the state government, while  Community Reserves are protected areas adjacent to community lands, where local communities actively participate in management and conservation efforts.

The table below contains the key differences between Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves:

Difference Between Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves
Specification Conservation Reserves Community Reserves
Ownership Typically state-owned lands. Can be community or private-owned lands.
Management Authority Conservation Reserve Management Committee. Community Reserve Management Committee.
Designated by State Government in consultation with local communities. State Government upon consent from the community or individuals willing to conserve wildlife.
Purpose Preservation of land, sea, and habitat for fauna and flora. Preservation of local flora, fauna, customs, cultures, and practices along with biodiversity.
Changes in Land Use No significant restrictions on land use within the reserve. Changes in land use are only permitted with authorization from both the State Government and the Management Committee.
Number in India 100 conservation reserves covering 0.15% of the country’s geographical area. 219 community reserves covering 0.043% of the nation’s landmass.
Total Area Covered in India 4927.28 km2 (0.15% of India’s total land area). 1446.28 km2 (0.043% of India’s total land area).
Initiative Date Initiated after the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act of 2002.
Management Flexibility Provides a flexible system for wildlife conservation without jeopardizing community needs. Aims to enhance socioeconomic circumstances of local populations while preserving biodiversity.
Examples Tiruppadaimarathur Conservation Reserve in Tamil Nadu. Gond tribals protecting reserved forests in Mendha (Lekha) village, Maharashtra.

Conclusion

  • Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves serve as vital tools in preserving and protecting biodiversity, wildlife habitats, and traditional community rights. 
  • Through these designated areas, efforts are made to balance conservation objectives with sustainable use and community participation. 
  • By promoting community involvement, these reserves play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation, ecological restoration, and ensuring the well-being of both wildlife and local communities.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Areas owned by the state dedicated to protecting habitat, seascape, and biodiversity. Controlled by a Conservation Reserve Management Committee.

100 operational reserves covering 4927.28 km² (0.15% of India's land area).

Yes, the State Government can designate any government-owned region.

Thirupudaimaruthur, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu.

Areas on community or private land dedicated to conserving local flora, fauna, customs, cultures, and practices.

219 operational reserves covering 1446.28 km² (0.043% of India's land area).

Conserve biodiversity while enhancing the socioeconomic conditions of local populations.

The State Government upon consent from the community or individuals.
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