List the national and international actions that have been implemented to address land degradation and desertification, emphasizing their negative effects. (Answer in 200 words)
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) in India has been a crucial instrument in the addressing environmental degradation and pollution-related issues since its establishment in 2010. The NGT was designed to expedite environmental justice, offering a specialized forum for the efficient resolution of enviRead more
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) in India has been a crucial instrument in the addressing environmental degradation and pollution-related issues since its establishment in 2010. The NGT was designed to expedite environmental justice, offering a specialized forum for the efficient resolution of environmental disputes. The NGT’s efficacy is evident in its proactive stance on various environmental issues, such as industrial pollution, illegal mining, and deforestation. The Tribunal has passed significant judgments mandating the cleanup of polluted rivers, halting environmentally destructive projects, and imposing fines on violators. Its ability to deliver timely verdicts has often provided swift relief to affected communities, which is critical in preventing irreversible environmental damage. Moreover, the NGT has expanded the scope of environmental jurisprudence in India, emphasizing the principle of sustainable development and reinforcing the “polluter pays ” principle. It has increased accountability by compelling both public and private entities. However, the NGT faces challenges that limit its efficacy. These include limited enforcement power, resource constraints, and occasional conflicts with other judicial bodies. Additionally, the lack of widespread awareness about its role among the general public sometimes hinders access to justice. Despite these challenges, the NGT has played a pivotal role in strengthening environmental governance in India.
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Land degradation is defined as a negative trend in land condition, caused by direct or indirect human induced processes, including anthropogenic climate change, expressed as long-term reduction or loss of at least one of the following: biological productivity, ecological integrity, or value to humanRead more
Land degradation is defined as a negative trend in land condition, caused by direct or indirect human induced processes, including anthropogenic climate change, expressed as long-term reduction or loss of at least one of the following: biological productivity, ecological integrity, or value to humans. Desertification, on the other hand, refers to the land degradation within dryland regions (arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid regions), which turns fertile land into a desert. As per the Desertification and Land Degradation Atlas of India, around 29.7% of India’s total geographical area underwent land degradation during 2018-19. Impacts of land degradation and desertification
National level initiatives
International initiatives
Land is the fundamental building block for supporting all lives and livelihoods. Restoration of land can start a virtuous cycle of good soil health, increased land productivity, food security and improved livelihoods. With its own efforts, India is already on the way to achieve land degradation neutrality (LDN) by 2030.
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