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Home/upsc: conservation

Mains Answer Writing Latest Questions

Team
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TeamSupreme
Asked: August 23, 2024In:
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What is meant by a wetland? Describe the Ramsar principle of “wise use” in relation to the preservation of wetlands. Give two Indian Ramsar sites as examples. (150 words) [UPSC 2018]

upsc: conservation
  1. Team
    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Introduction Wetlands are unique ecosystems where water is the primary factor influencing the environment and the associated flora and fauna. These areas can be characterized by the presence of water, either permanently or seasonally, and include marshes, swamps, bogs, and mangroves. WeRead more

    Model Answer

    Introduction

    Wetlands are unique ecosystems where water is the primary factor influencing the environment and the associated flora and fauna. These areas can be characterized by the presence of water, either permanently or seasonally, and include marshes, swamps, bogs, and mangroves. Wetlands are vital for maintaining biodiversity, regulating water flow, improving water quality, and providing habitats for various species.

    The Ramsar Concept of ‘Wise Use’ in Wetland Conservation

    The Ramsar Convention, established in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971, is an international treaty focused on the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. The central tenet of the Ramsar Convention is the concept of ‘wise use,’ which emphasizes the sustainable utilization of wetland resources while ensuring their conservation. This approach considers ecological, economic, cultural, and social aspects, recognizing that wetlands can provide significant benefits to human communities while maintaining their ecological integrity. The ‘wise use’ principle promotes actions that preserve the ecological character of wetlands and address the needs of local communities, thereby fostering sustainable livelihoods and respecting cultural values.

    Examples of Ramsar Sites in India

    1. Chilika Lake, Odisha: Chilika Lake is the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia, located on the east coast of India. It supports a rich diversity of plant and animal species, including endangered species like the Irrawaddy dolphin and the blackbuck. The lake is crucial for migratory birds and sustains local communities through fishing and tourism.
    2. Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan: Formerly known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Keoladeo National Park is renowned for its avian diversity. It attracts thousands of migratory birds, including Siberian cranes, each year. The wetland ecosystem here is vital for supporting these migratory birds and serves as an important breeding ground for resident species.

    Conclusion

    The Ramsar Convention underscores the importance of preserving and responsibly utilizing wetlands. Notable Ramsar sites in India, such as Chilika Lake and Keoladeo National Park, exemplify the successful application of the ‘wise use’ principle, contributing to biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihoods.

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Kumudini Lakhia
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Kumudini LakhiaEnthusiast
Asked: January 20, 2025In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction to Rewilding Define rewilding in the context of environmental conservation. Mention the main goal: restoring ecosystems altered by human activity by reintroducing wildlife and natural processes. Briefly state its relevance to biodiversity restoration. 2. Explanation of Rewilding Highlight rewilding as ...

upsc: conservation
  1. Team
    Best Answer
    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Rewilding is an innovative approach to environmental conservation aimed at restoring ecosystems that have been altered by human activities to their natural state. It involves allowing wildlife and natural processes to reclaim areas that are no longer under human management, helping to rRead more

    Model Answer

    Rewilding is an innovative approach to environmental conservation aimed at restoring ecosystems that have been altered by human activities to their natural state. It involves allowing wildlife and natural processes to reclaim areas that are no longer under human management, helping to rejuvenate biodiversity and ecosystem functions.

    Principles Guiding Rewilding Initiatives

    1. Utilization of Wildlife
      Rewilding efforts should include the reintroduction of keystone species that play a critical role in ecological balance. These species help restore trophic interactions and contribute to ecosystem health. For instance, the reintroduction of the rare pygmy hog in Assam’s Manas National Park and Tiger Reserve is an example of this principle in action.
    2. Identification of Core Areas
      Rewilding requires securing core areas that support diverse species, restoring connectivity between these regions, and ensuring that humans and wildlife can coexist peacefully. Critical Wildlife Habitats, such as those established in national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, help protect these essential areas.
    3. Community Engagement
      Local community support is vital for the success of rewilding projects. In the Western Himalayan region, local communities actively protect snow leopard habitats, showing the importance of involving indigenous knowledge and fostering stewardship.
    4. Focus on Ecological Recovery
      Rewilding initiatives should prioritize the recovery of ecological processes and interactions that once existed in healthy ecosystems. These efforts must be based on scientific evidence and local knowledge to guide restoration.
    5. Climate Change Mitigation
      Rewilding projects should address the impacts of climate change by incorporating adaptive strategies. For example, the ecological restoration in the Aravali Biodiversity Park uses climate-resilient tree species like babool and ghatbor.
    6. Scientific and Local Knowledge
      A successful rewilding approach must integrate both scientific research and local, traditional knowledge. Sacred groves in the Western Ghats, managed with a blend of religious and ecological understanding, exemplify this approach.
    7. Adaptive Management
      Continuous monitoring and adaptive management strategies are essential for ensuring rewilding projects remain effective and can evolve based on changing ecological and climatic conditions.

    These principles form the foundation for rewilding efforts that aim to restore biodiversity, mitigate climate change, and achieve long-term ecological sustainability.

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Rohit Valiyan
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Rohit ValiyanLearner
Asked: June 22, 2024In:
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Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): What Are They? Talk about the difficulties in growing the MPA network across the nation while highlighting their importance. (Answer in 200 words)

upsc: conservation
  1. Puja Singh
    Puja Singh Begginer
    This answer was edited.

    A Marine Protected Area (MPA) has been defined by the World Conservation Union (IUCN) as "any area of intertidal or subtidal terrain, together with its overlying water, and associated flora, fauna, historical and cultural features, which has been reserved and protected by law or other effective meanRead more

    A Marine Protected Area (MPA) has been defined by the World Conservation Union (IUCN) as “any area of intertidal or subtidal terrain, together with its overlying water, and associated flora, fauna, historical and cultural features, which has been reserved and protected by law or other effective means to protect part or all of the enclosed environment”. In the wake of global threats such as climate change, ocean acidification and intensified resource extraction, the world’s seas are at risk. As a result, many nations have adopted Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) as a tool for conserving biodiversity and ecosystem functions. There are 24 MPAs in peninsular India and more than 100 MPAs in the country’s islands. The Gulf of Kachchh Marine National Park, Gulf of Mannar National Park, Sundarbans National Park and Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park are some of the important MPAs of India.

    Significance of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs):

    • Protecting habitats: A declaration of an area as a Marine Protected Area helps to protect habitats. For example, it can help to restore the nesting sites of the Olive Ridley turtles at Odisha’s Ganjam district, which is under threat due to sea erosion.
    • Helps to protect endemic species: MPAs help the authorities deal with the invasive species to protect the local biodiversity. They are also the key to arresting and possibly reversing the global and local decline in fish populations and productivity by protecting critical breeding, nursery and feeding habits. Further, they are sites for scientific study.
    • Restrict human activities: MPA network declaration addresses habitat conversion to other land use, over exploitation of resources, pollution from domestic and industrial effluents, which otherwise lead to ecosystem degradation and destruction of coastal areas.
    • Aid in income generation: MPAs raise the profile of an area for marine tourism, as they provide sites for nature-based recreation and also broaden local economic options.

    The marine protected area network in India has been used as a tool to manage natural marine resources for biodiversity conservation and for the well-being of people dependent on it.

    Challenges in extending the MPA network in India:

    • Difference of opinion on factors: There is no consensus regarding factors that should be considered in declaring an area as a Marine Protected Area like the size of area, its habitat heterogeneity etc.
    • Financial resources: It is difficult for a developing country like India to maintain and manage such areas in the long-run due to lack of adequate financial resources.
    • Criticised as “paper parks”: Lack of synchronisation between social conditions and conservation efforts have led to MPAs being deemed as mere “paper parks”.
    • Difficulty in extending the network: Due to the socio-economic dependency on coastal areas, it is difficult to extend the MPA network as national parks or sanctuaries.
    • Lack of data: Poor data on status and distribution of the marine species in India has resulted in a compromise of the assessment of the conservation status of coastal and marine species of India using the IUCN Regional Red Listing Guidelines.

    Way forward:

    • Climate change adaptation plan: There is an urgent need to frame a climate change adaptation plan for the coastal and marine protected areas in the country.
    • Inter-departmental coordination: Coordination among all the organizations/institutions that work for conservation of threatened marine species and the welfare of coastal communities is required.
    • Maintaining data: Documentation and updation of database of information obtained through research on threatened marine species is urgently required.
    • Human resource: Development of human resources to manage the MPAs of India is critical.

    Dedicated efforts are required to secure and strengthen community participation in managing the Marine Protected Area network in India. Such efforts will also help to achieve the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, especially Target Number 11 and Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Target of ’30×30′.

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Meera Singh
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Meera SinghBegginer
Asked: June 29, 2024In:
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Talk about how wildfires affect the environment. What role does the UNEP’s Fire Ready Formula play in addressing the threat posed by wildfires? (Answer in 150 words)

upsc: conservation
  1. Santosh Singh
    Santosh Singh Learner

    A wildfire is an uncontrolled fire that burns in wildland vegetation. It can start with a natural occurrence-such as a lightning strike-or a human-made spark. According to the European Space Agency, "wildfire affects an estimated four million square kilometres of Earth's land each year." Impact of wRead more

    A wildfire is an uncontrolled fire that burns in wildland vegetation. It can start with a natural occurrence-such as a lightning strike-or a human-made spark. According to the European Space Agency, “wildfire affects an estimated four million square kilometres of Earth’s land each year.”
    Impact of wildfires on the ecosystem

    • Drives natural selection: Certain species of plant and animal life depend on fire and help in the evolution process by creating a disequilibrium that gives them new opportunities to become stronger and more resilient. Hence, fire becomes the disruptor driving the process of natural selection.
    • Hurts biodiversity: They tend to hurt the biodiversity within the region they occur in. Many species become endangered or closer to extinction as a result. For instance, the Australian Bushfire in 2020 impacted critical habitats of more than 800 native species.
    • Affects health: It can have other indirect health impacts, due to smoke and other particulate matter, leading to respiratory issues such as asthma, bronchitis, reduced lung function, as well as skin problems, eye irritation, and in some cases even premature death.
    • Climate change: Wildfires release carbon dioxide and their emissions can prove to be significantly high resulting in increased climate change.
    • Affects air quality: Particles from smoke and the burning of hazardous chemicals can also travel long distances, further reducing air quality.
    • Affects soil quality: Following a wildfire, the soil’s capacity to absorb water is significantly compromised, increasing probability of post-fire flooding.
    • Affects water quality: Watersheds may retain higher levels of nitrogen and dissolved carbon dioxide for 15 years after a wildfire, reducing drinking water quality within surrounding communities.
    • Economic impacts: It threatens livelihood of people who are directly/indirectly dependent on forest ecosystems; loss of personal property, public infrastructure etc.

    As per United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) analysis, the number of extreme wildfire events will 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’.

    • The Formula envisages 66% of spending to be devoted to planning, prevention, preparedness, and recovery and the remaining 34% to be spent on response.
    • In general, it’s a shift away from investing only in the response and more into prevention, planning and recovery.
    • The changing scale and intensity of wildfires may especially impact achievements in developing countries, across several of the SDGs that impact human health and well-being. Thus, preparedness and prevention is more important.
    • Since the true cost of wildfires – financial, social, and environmental – extends for days, weeks, and even years after the flames subside, investment in pre-disaster period into adaptation and prevention would help minimise such cost.

    Further, in future it may pave the way for development of international standards for wildfire management and establishing an integrated fire management approach considering the vagaries of climate change.

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Rubi Gautam
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Rubi GautamBegginer
Asked: July 24, 2024In:
  • 1

Emphasize the ecosystem services that wetlands offer. Additionally, describe the reasons behind India’s loss of wetlands.

upsc: conservation
  1. Neeru Kumari
    Neeru Kumari Begginer

    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

    • Groundwater replenishment: Wetland systems are directly linked to groundwater and a crucial regulator of both the quantity and quality of water found below the ground.
    • Water purification: Many wetland systems possess biofilters, hydrophytes, and organisms that in addition to nutrient up-take abilities have the capacity to remove toxic substances that have come from pesticides, industrial discharges, and mining activities.
    • Flood control and shoreline stabilisation: Tidal and intertidal wetland systems protect and stabilize coastal zones. Coral reefs and mangroves provide a protective barrier to coastal shoreline. Wetlands help to lessen the impacts of flooding by absorbing water and reducing the speed at which flood water flows.
    • Nutrient retention: Wetland vegetation uptake and store nutrients found in the surrounding soil and water.
    • Aquaculture: Wetlands are used to harvest fish/aquatic animals for human consumption and pharmaceuticals.
    • Wetland products: It includes important products such as rice, honey from mangroves, fuel wood, salt, animal fodder, traditional medicines (e.g. from mangrove bark), fibres for textiles, dyes and tannins etc.
    • Climate change mitigation and adaptation: Wetlands perform mitigation effects through their ability to sink carbon, and adaptation effects through their ability to store and regulate water.
    • Recreational, historical, scientific, and cultural values: Wetlands such as Pushkar lake in Rajasthan are of significant religious, historical or archaeological value to many cultures around the world. They are often popular for recreational activities including hiking, fishing, bird watching, photography and hunting.

    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:

    • Urbanisation: Unplanned urban development and resource extraction has led to encroachment, transformation and draining of wetlands.
    • Hydrologic activities: Construction of canals and diversion of streams and rivers to transport water to lower arid regions for irrigation has altered the drainage pattern and significantly degraded the wetlands of the region.
    • Agricultural activities: Following the Green Revolution, vast stretches of wetlands have been converted to paddy fields. Also, high fertiliser use stimulates algal growth, leading to eutrophication of surface water bodies. Intensive aquaculture: Demand for shrimps and fishes has provided economic incentives to convert wetlands and mangrove forests for development of pisciculture and aquaculture ponds.
    • Invasive species: Indian wetlands are threatened by exotic plant species introduced such as water hyacinth and Salvinia. They clog waterways and compete with native vegetation.
    • Climate change: Increased air temperature; shifts in precipitation; increased frequency of storms, droughts, and floods; sea level rise could also affect wetlands.

    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.

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Ajay Sundar
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Ajay SundarLearner
Asked: January 7, 2025In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing Introduction Briefly define human-wildlife conflict (HWC) and its significance in India. Mention the impact of HWC on both wildlife conservation and human communities. Causes of Growing Human-Wildlife Conflict Habitat Depletion and Fragmentation: Discuss how urbanization and agricultural expansion lead to the ...

upsc: conservation
  1. Team
    Best Answer
    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Causes of Growing Human-Wildlife Conflict in India-wildlife conflict (HWC) in India is escalating due to several interrelated factors: Habitat Depletion and Fragmentation: Rapid urbanization, agricultural expansion, and infrastructure development have led to significant habitat loss forRead more

    Model Answer

    Causes of Growing Human-Wildlife Conflict in India-wildlife conflict (HWC) in India is escalating due to several interrelated factors:

    1. Habitat Depletion and Fragmentation: Rapid urbanization, agricultural expansion, and infrastructure development have led to significant habitat loss for wildlife. This forces animals to venture into human settlements in search of food and water.
    2. Movement of Livestock and Humans: Economic pressures compel marginalized communities to exploit resources within protected areas, increasing encounters with wildlife.
    3. Invasive Alien Species: The introduction of non-native species can disrupt local ecosystems, reducing food and water availability for native wildlife, which in turn leads to competition with humans.
    4. Climatic Factors: Climate change alters vegetation patterns and affects the foraging behavior of species like lions and leopards, increasing the likelihood of conflict with humans.
    5. Increase in Wildlife Populations: Conservation efforts have successfully increased the populations of certain species, which can exceed the carrying capacity of their habitats, leading to “spillover” into human areas.
    6. Stochastic Events: Natural disasters such as floods and forest fires can displace wildlife, forcing them into populated areas in search of food and shelter.

    Government Measures to Mitigate Human-Wildlife Conflict

    The Indian government has implemented several strategies to address HWC:

    1. National Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation Strategy: This framework aims to tackle the root causes of conflict through a structured approach focusing on drivers, pressures, and responses.
    2. Standing Committee of National Board of Wildlife Guidelines: These guidelines promote community involvement, provide crop loss insurance, and establish early warning systems to mitigate conflict.
    3. Legislative Framework: Laws such as the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 and the National Biodiversity Act of 2002 protect wildlife and their habitats, facilitating the creation of protected areas.
    4. State-Level Initiatives: States like Kerala and Uttarakhand have formed committees to address HWC and implement localized solutions.
    5. Creation of Wildlife Corridors: States including Kerala and Madhya Pradesh have developed corridors to allow the safe movement of wildlife between habitats, reducing encounters with humans.
    6. Funding and International Cooperation: The central government provides financial support for wildlife conservation, and projects like the Indo-German Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation Project aim to establish best practices for coexistence.

    While completely eradicating human-wildlife conflict is challenging, these integrated approaches can foster coexistence between humans and wildlife.

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Rishi Sharma
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Rishi SharmaBegginer
Asked: June 25, 2024In:
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Finding possible locations for the reintroduction of cheetahs in India, talking about the importance of the project and the difficulties involved. (Answer in 150 words)

upsc: conservation
  1. Irfan Ahamad
    Irfan Ahamad Begginer

    After being declared extinct in 1952, Cheetahs are being reintroduced in India under Project Cheetah, the world's first inter-continental large wild carnivore translocation project. From the historical ranges where Cheetahs were once found, following 10 potential sites from the states of Rajasthan,Read more

    After being declared extinct in 1952, Cheetahs are being reintroduced in India under Project Cheetah, the world’s first inter-continental large wild carnivore translocation project.
    From the historical ranges where Cheetahs were once found, following 10 potential sites from the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh are found to be suitable:

    • Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve and Guru Ghasidas National Park: Cheetahs were last observed in this region but presently prey-density is low.
    • Kuno-Palpur region: High potential as the region is already restored for introducing the Asiatic lions. Nauradehi WLS, MP: It has reasonable prey-density.
    • Kaimur WLS, UP and Bagdara WLS, MP: Continuous region with reasonable prey-density but much land is under agriculture.
    • Shahgarh landscape of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan: It is suitable because the area is well fenced along the international border.
    • Banni grasslands and Kachchh WLS, Gujarat: Potential habitat but prey base needs to be developed.
    • Desert National Park in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan: It is large and has a good number of prey but is the last stronghold for the great Indian bustard.

    Significance of reintroduction of Cheetahs in India:

    • Establish viable cheetah metapopulation in India: It will re-establish cheetah’s functional role as a top predator, restoring historic evolutionary balance and positive impacts like:
      • Better management and restoration of wildlife habitat (grasslands, scrublands and open forest ecosystems).
      • Conservation of cheetah’s prey and sympatric endangered species.
      • Top-down effect of a large predator that enhances and maintains the diversity in lower trophic levels of the ecosystems.
    • Resource mobilization: Cheetah as a charismatic flagship and umbrella species can help to garner resources for restoring open forest and ecosystem services like soil moisture conservation, water security, etc.
    • Enhance local community livelihoods through eco-development and eco-tourism prospects.

    Challenges regarding relocation

    • Exaggerated and unfeasible conservation claims: At low numbers, the introduced cheetahs might not be able to effectively impact the ecosystem functions.
    • 750 sq-km Kuno national park could limit their movement: Unlike other large cats, free- ranging cheetahs are characterised by disproportionately large home ranges and very low population densities.
      • Due to their homing instincts, diurnal nature and large home ranges, cheetahs are likely to stray outside of territory and come in contact with humans.
      • Cheetahs could face attacks from or be forced to compete for food with aggressive predators such as tigers and leopards.
    • Difficulties in adaptation: African Cheetahs may find it difficult to adapt to India’s climatic conditions.
    • Risk of diseases: There is a risk of disease spread to both the individual animals that are being introduced and to the wildlife species which inhabit the site.
    • Displacement of local communities: Several villages have been relocated for the project and introducing more Cheetahs may require more relocation.

    The reintroduction of apex carnivores should be seen as “ecosystem conservation” rather than merely as species conservation. However, a thorough disease screening process should be followed, along with counselling and training of local communities.

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Kanhiya Lal
  • 1
Kanhiya LalBegginer
Asked: July 24, 2024In:
  • 1

What does ecosystem stability mean to you? Describe how biodiversity makes an environment more stable.

upsc: conservation
  1. Rubi Gautam
    Rubi Gautam Begginer

    Ecosystem stability refers to the capacity of a natural system to apply self-regulating mechanisms to ensure sustained productivity, resistance or resilience to occasional disturbances (natural or man-made). For e.g. resistance to invasions by alien species. Therefore, stability is about maintainingRead more

    Ecosystem stability refers to the capacity of a natural system to apply self-regulating mechanisms to ensure sustained productivity, resistance or resilience to occasional disturbances (natural or man-made). For e.g. resistance to invasions by alien species. Therefore, stability is about maintaining a steady state after every disturbance and minimize dynamic fluctuation. Among the different factors effecting ecosystem stability, biodiversity plays a crucial role in the increased stability of the ecosystem. It must be noted that there are certain biomes and ecosystems that are less biodiverse and are still healthy like the Tundra and desert biomes. However, biodiversity is considered an important measure of ecosystem’s health and stability due to the following reasons:

    • Promotes functional specialization: The diversity promotes ecological niche in the ecosystem. which ensures efficient utilisation of resources therefore maintains a consistent level of productivity.
    • Increased mutualism: Further, increasing species diversity leads to an increase in interactions between species. It has a positive effect on the ecosystem because these interactions are mutually supportive and prevent other species from overgrowing and become invasive species.
    • Ensure ecosystem recovery: Diversity provides for the number of alternative pathways within the system through which energy could flow. It would not allow any organism to die due to absence of food resources. Therefore, enable the ecosystem to recover from a disturbance and return to its pre-disturbed state.
    • Resist alien invasion: In a diverse ecosystem, most of the functional roles are filled and it is difficult for invader species to compete with the existing niche species. Therefore, it creates resistance to invasions by alien species.
    • Check population growth: Diversity in species helps to control the population. If there is diversity then there will be different modes of nutrition. This will lead to a closed food chain,which will directly control the population.

    Therefore, while making efforts to enhance an ecosystem’s stability, conserving biodiversity must form a critical component of the strategy.

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Krishna Vasudev
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Krishna VasudevLearner
Asked: July 27, 2024In:
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Evaluate how well India’s payment for ecosystem services (PES) programs work to encourage conservation initiatives.

upsc: conservation
  1. Kartik Raman
    Kartik Raman Begginer

    Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) schemes are designed to provide financial incentives to landowners or communities for managing their land in ways that protect or enhance ecosystem services. In India, these schemes aim to address environmental degradation, conserve biodiversity, and support sustRead more

    Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) schemes are designed to provide financial incentives to landowners or communities for managing their land in ways that protect or enhance ecosystem services. In India, these schemes aim to address environmental degradation, conserve biodiversity, and support sustainable land use practices. Here’s an assessment of the effectiveness of PES schemes in incentivizing conservation efforts in India:

    1. Overview of PES Schemes in India

    Concept:

    • PES Schemes: PES involve transactions where landowners or resource managers are compensated for providing ecosystem services such as clean water, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity conservation.
    • Implementation: Various PES schemes have been implemented in India, often focusing on forest conservation, watershed management, and biodiversity protection.

    Examples:

    • Forestry Programs: Initiatives like the Joint Forest Management (JFM) and the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) include components that align with PES principles.
    • Watershed Management: Programs like the Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) incorporate PES elements to incentivize sustainable land use in watersheds.

    2. Effectiveness of PES Schemes

    Positive Outcomes:

    • Enhanced Conservation Efforts: PES schemes have led to improvements in conservation practices, including reforestation, improved watershed management, and enhanced biodiversity protection.
      • Case Study: In the Western Ghats, PES schemes have supported reforestation and sustainable agriculture practices, contributing to biodiversity conservation and improved ecosystem health.
    • Increased Community Involvement: By providing financial incentives, PES schemes encourage local communities to actively participate in conservation efforts and sustainable land management.
      • Case Study: The Satpura Landscape Program has engaged local communities in conservation activities, improving forest management and reducing poaching.
    • Sustainable Livelihoods: PES can provide alternative income sources for communities, reducing the reliance on activities that degrade the environment.
      • Case Study: The Agastya Nature Foundation’s PES program has provided training and financial support to communities in Karnataka, leading to better conservation outcomes and enhanced local livelihoods.

    Challenges:

    • Limited Scale and Coverage: Many PES schemes in India are small-scale or pilot projects with limited geographical coverage, making it challenging to assess their impact on a larger scale.
      • Issue: The effectiveness of PES schemes can be constrained by their limited reach, preventing widespread adoption and impact.
    • Inadequate Funding: Some PES schemes face challenges related to insufficient funding or irregular payments, which can undermine their effectiveness and sustainability.
      • Issue: Inconsistent funding can lead to a lack of trust and commitment from participants, affecting the long-term success of PES schemes.
    • Complex Implementation: The design and implementation of PES schemes can be complex, requiring coordination between various stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and local communities.
      • Issue: Complexities in scheme design and stakeholder engagement can lead to inefficiencies and challenges in achieving desired conservation outcomes.
    • Monitoring and Evaluation: Effective monitoring and evaluation mechanisms are essential for assessing the impact of PES schemes, but these can be lacking or inadequately developed in some cases.
      • Issue: Without robust monitoring, it is difficult to measure the effectiveness of PES schemes and make necessary adjustments.

    3. Case Studies and Success Stories

    1. Western Ghats:

    • Implementation: PES schemes in the Western Ghats have supported reforestation, watershed management, and sustainable agriculture.
    • Outcome: Improved forest cover, enhanced biodiversity, and better watershed health.

    2. Satpura Landscape Program:

    • Implementation: Engaged local communities in forest management and anti-poaching activities.
    • Outcome: Better forest management practices and reduced poaching incidents.

    3. Agastya Nature Foundation (Karnataka):

    • Implementation: Provided financial support and training for sustainable land management.
    • Outcome: Improved conservation practices and enhanced livelihoods for local communities.

    4. Strategies for Improvement

    1. Scaling Up:

    • Expand Coverage: Increase the scale and coverage of PES schemes to enhance their impact and reach more areas in need of conservation.
    • National Framework: Develop a national framework for PES to standardize practices and improve coordination across regions.

    2. Secure Funding:

    • Diversify Funding Sources: Explore diverse funding sources, including private sector investments, government support, and international grants.
    • Ensure Regular Payments: Establish mechanisms to ensure timely and consistent payments to participants.

    3. Simplify Implementation:

    • Streamline Processes: Simplify the design and implementation processes for PES schemes to reduce complexity and improve efficiency.
    • Engage Stakeholders: Foster effective collaboration between stakeholders to enhance the success of PES schemes.

    4. Strengthen Monitoring and Evaluation:

    • Develop Robust Metrics: Create robust monitoring and evaluation metrics to assess the impact of PES schemes and make data-driven adjustments.
    • Regular Reporting: Implement regular reporting and feedback mechanisms to track progress and address challenges.

    Conclusion

    PES schemes in India have shown promise in incentivizing conservation efforts, improving community involvement, and supporting sustainable livelihoods. However, their effectiveness is currently limited by challenges related to scale, funding, implementation complexity, and monitoring. By addressing these challenges and implementing strategies for improvement, PES schemes can become a more effective tool for conservation and sustainable development in India.

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Tina Singh
  • 0
Tina SinghBegginer
Asked: June 25, 2024In:
  • 0

Outlining the necessity for India to establish Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) and talking about the problems that come with it. Mention the most current advancements in this area as well. (Answer in 250 words)

upsc: conservation
  1. Ritika Sharma
    Ritika Sharma Learner

    Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) are ecologically important and fragile areas around protected areas designated to be protected from industrial pollution and unregulated development under the Environment Protection Act (EPA), 1986. As per the National Wildlife Action Plan (2002-2016), land within 10 km ofRead more

    Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) are ecologically important and fragile areas around protected areas designated to be protected from industrial pollution and unregulated development under the Environment Protection Act (EPA), 1986. As per the National Wildlife Action Plan (2002-2016), land within 10 km of the boundaries of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries is to be notified as Eco- Sensitive Zones (ESZs).
    Need for creation of ESZS:

    • They are created as “shock absorbers” for the protected areas, to minimize the negative impact on the “fragile ecosystems” by certain human activities taking place nearby.
    • They act as transition zones from areas requiring higher protection to those requiring lesser protection and help in refining the environment around them.
    • They enable in-situ conservation of an endangered species in their natural habitat as well as reducing man-animal conflict.

    Issues related to the creation of ESZs:

    • Several states like Kerala, Karnataka, etc. have been lobbying for a reduction in areas demarcated as ESZs due to the impact on habitation, developmental activities and revenue. For example, the total extent of the wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala is eight lakh acres. If one-km of ESZ is demarcated from their boundaries, around 4 lakh acres of human settlements, including farmlands, would come within that purview.
    • There is a lack of participatory planning exercise while implementing the ESZs. This coupled with lack of awareness regarding conservation techniques and the adverse impact of overexploitation of resources in these areas pose challenges to the local communities.
    • There is also a lack of ground investigation for proposals with areas being randomly marked on topographic sheets. Moreover, to cater to the increasing demand for eco-tourism, the government is developing new sites and gateways to the ESZs leading to an increase in plastic and carbon footprint of the area.
    • There have been demands that human settlements located close to the forest boundary must be exempted from ESZs as it restricts land-use change, affecting livelihood prospects of local residents. Also, the density of human population around the forest lands is high in some regions, making implementation of ESZ regulations tough.

    Recently, the Supreme Court (SC) has directed that every protected forest, national park and wildlife sanctuary in the country should mandatorily have a minimum 1 km ESZ, from its demarcated boundary. Further, mining within a national wildlife sanctuary or national park cannot be permitted. According to the SC, no new permanent structure will be allowed within the ESZ. Because of this, protests erupted across the high ranges of Kerala in response to the Apex Court’s directions. Due to the high density of human population near the notified protected areas, farmers’ groups and political parties have been demanding that human settlements be exempt from the ESZ ruling. Thus, certain measures need to be undertaken to avoid such reactions in the future and enable smooth implementation of ESZs. Some of these include undertaking participatory planning of ESZs to balance needs of indigenous people, conducting on-ground investigations to verify environmentally fragile zones, promoting eco-friendly livelihood practices, and building consensus among states. This would require collaboration between the government, civil society and other stakeholders to balance sustainable development with economic growth in the long-run.

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