Emphasize the ecosystem services that wetlands offer. Additionally, describe the reasons behind India’s loss of wetlands.
Model Answer Introduction India is renowned for its vast biodiversity, encompassing a wide range of plant and animal species, many of which are unique to the region. With diverse habitats, including tropical forests, grasslands, deserts, and coastal areas, India is recognized as one of the 12 megadiRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
India is renowned for its vast biodiversity, encompassing a wide range of plant and animal species, many of which are unique to the region. With diverse habitats, including tropical forests, grasslands, deserts, and coastal areas, India is recognized as one of the 12 megadiverse countries globally.
Biodiversity Variation in India
Western Himalayas
This region features rich biodiversity with alpine vegetation, including rare species like the Blue Poppy and the Snow Leopard, found in national parks such as Hemis and Great Himalayan.
Eastern Himalayas
Home to dense forests, the Eastern Himalayas host various plant species, including Rhododendron and fauna like the Red Panda. National parks like Singalila and Namdapha protect this unique biodiversity.
Indo-Gangetic Plains
The fertile Indo-Gangetic plains support diverse ecosystems, including wetlands and grasslands, hosting avian species like the Sarus Crane and the Indian Skimmer.
Western Ghats
A recognized biodiversity hotspot, the Western Ghats feature lush forests housing endemic species such as the Lion-tailed Macaque and the Nilgiri Tahr, preserved in parks like Periyar and Silent Valley.
Coastal Regions
India’s coastal areas, with mangrove forests and marine ecosystems, support rich marine life, including coral reefs and species like sea turtles and dolphins. Notable protected areas include Bhitarkanika and Gulf of Mannar.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
These islands boast extraordinary biodiversity, including endemic species like the Nicobar Megapode. Their marine ecosystems are home to diverse coral reefs.
Significance of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002
The Biological Diversity Act, 2002, is pivotal for conserving India’s flora and fauna. It provides a legal framework for the protection and sustainable use of biodiversity, promoting research and equitable benefit-sharing.
Conservation Measures
The Act establishes biodiversity management committees, encouraging community participation and empowering indigenous communities. It regulates access to biological resources and protects traditional knowledge linked to biodiversity conservation.
Preserving Ecosystem Services
By addressing access to genetic resources and benefit-sharing, the Act safeguards ecosystem services and supports the sustainable utilization of biological resources for current and future generations.
Conclusion
The Biological Diversity Act, 2002, plays a crucial role in conserving India’s rich biodiversity. By establishing regulatory frameworks and promoting sustainable practices, it ensures the protection of flora and fauna while benefiting local communities.
See less
increase up to 14% by 2030. By 2050, the increase will climb to 30%. However, the direct responses to wildfires received over half of related expenditures, while planning and prevention received just 0.2 per cent of the total budget for wildfires. In this context, the UNEP called on global governments to adopt a new ‘Fire Ready Formula’.
A wetland is a distinct ecosystem that is flooded by water, either permanently or seasonally, where oxygen-free processes prevail. The primary factor that distinguishes wetlands from other landforms or water bodies is the characteristic vegetation of aquatic plants. They are reservoirs of biodiversiRead more
A wetland is a distinct ecosystem that is flooded by water, either permanently or seasonally, where oxygen-free processes prevail. The primary factor that distinguishes wetlands from other landforms or water bodies is the characteristic vegetation of aquatic plants.
They are reservoirs of biodiversity and provide a range of ecosystem services, which benefit us, including
Despite its numerous benefits, India has lost nearly one-third of its natural wetlands over the last four decades as per Wetlands International South Asia (WISA). The causes of wetland loss in India include:
Therefore, the government has brought the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2016 to preserve the ecological character of wetlands through the implementation of ecosystem approaches.
See less