Environment & Ecology (Environmental Governance) by Rajvardhan

Model Answer

Question #1. India is one of the megadiverse countries of the world. How is the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 helpful in conservation of flora and fauna? 10 marks (150 words)

Ans

India with its diverse geographical regions and climatic conditions has different life forms living in different parts of India. This tag of mega bio diverse country to India has been given by the conservation international.

Important features of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002:

The act provides a framework for the conservation of biological diversity, the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of biological resources, and the maintenance of ecological processes and systems.

• The act establishes a National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) and State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) to ensure the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable use of its components.
• The NBA and SBBs are responsible for implementing the provisions of the act, including the grant of licences for the commercial use of biological resources, the promotion of traditional knowledge, and the conservation of rare and endangered species.
• The act also provides for the setting up of Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) at the local level to conserve biodiversity, promote sustainable use of its components, and facilitate equitable sharing of benefits. The BMCs are responsible for preparing and implementing local biodiversity management plans.

The act has also helped to promote equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of biological resources, and has encouraged the development of sustainable practices in the use and management of biological resources.

The Biological Diversity Act, 2002 has been instrumental in the conservation of flora and fauna in India. By providing a legal framework for the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable use of its components, the act has helped to ensure that the country's rich biological heritage is protected and conserved for future generations.

Question #2. Discuss the features of the Wildlife Protection (Amendment) Act, 2022. 15 marks (250 words)

Ans

The wildlife protection act 1972 has been amended recently in order to give more protection to wildlife in India. It also ensures that the CITES convention is also implemented in India.

Following are the features of the wildlife protection amendment act, 2022:

• Align with CITES- It seeks to increase the species protected under the law, and implement the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
• The Convention requires countries to regulate the trade of all listed specimens through permits.
• Rationalising schedules- It seeks to reduce the number of schedules from VI to IV whereby Schedule V for vermin or animals that destroy food crops will be done away with.
• Obligations under CITES- The Act provides for the Central government to designate a

?Management Authority- The authority grants export or import permits for trade of specimens, ?Scientific Authority- The authority gives advice on aspects related to impact on the survival of the specimens being traded.

• Control of sanctuaries- The Act entrusts the Chief Wild Life Warden to control, manage and maintain all sanctuaries in a state. They are appointed by respective State government.
• Surrender of captive animals- It provides for any person to voluntarily surrender any captive animals or animal products to the Chief Wild Life Warden.

?No compensation will be paid to the person for surrendering such items.

 ?The surrendered items become property of the State government.

• Special areas- For sanctuaries falling under special areas, the management plan must be prepared after due consultation with the concerned Gram Sabha.

 With these provisions, the wildlife protection in India is supposed to increase thereby the goals of the convention on biological diversity will also be achieved in India.