Biodiversity Conservation

SACRED GROVES :ECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE & CONSERVATION CHALLENGES

Sacred groves are community-protected patches of natural vegetation preserved due to religious and cultural beliefs, representing one of India’s oldest traditions of conservation. Found across diverse ecological regions, these landscapes act as biodiversity refuges, support groundwater recharge, prevent soil erosion, and help regulate local microclimates. They also serve as ecological corridors and genetic reservoirs for rare and endemic species. However, sacred groves are increasingly threatened by declining cultural practices, land encroachment, infrastructure and renewable energy projects, and the lack of proper mapping and legal recognition. Strengthening community rights under the Forest Rights Act, recognising them as Community Reserves or OECMs, and integrating traditional knowledge into modern conservation frameworks can enhance their role in biodiversity protection and climate resilience.

Safeguarding India’s sea turtle nesting grounds with development

The debate over proposed “turtle trails” highlights tensions between eco-tourism and conservation at sensitive nesting beaches of the endangered Olive Ridley sea turtle. Scientists warn that light, noise, human presence, and tourism infrastructure can disrupt mass nesting events, particularly along Odisha’s globally significant arribada sites. While awareness and livelihoods are important, experts argue that strict protection of core nesting habitats, science-based regulation, and off-site educational initiatives are essential to ensure that conservation priorities are not compromised by tourism development.

India’s Expanding Ramsar Network

The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty adopted in 1971 for the conservation and wise use of wetlands, recognizing their importance for biodiversity, water security, climate regulation, and human livelihoods. Wetlands designated as Ramsar Sites receive global recognition for their ecological value, including support for migratory birds, flood control, groundwater recharge, and carbon storage. In India, the addition of new sites such as Patna Bird Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh and Chhari-Dhand Wetland in Gujarat reflects the country’s growing commitment to wetland conservation. These designations strengthen scientific management, international cooperation, and sustainable use while balancing ecological protection with community livelihoods.

Dugongs and Seagrass Ecosystems

The Union Environment Ministry’s Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) has asked the Tamil Nadu government to revise the design of the proposed International Dugong Conservation Centre at Manora in Thanjavur district. Although the project aims to support dugong research, rescue, rehabilitation, and awareness, the committee raised concerns because most of the proposed construction falls within ecologically sensitive Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) areas, including a No Development Zone and regions with mangroves and seagrass meadows.

The EAC objected to the heavy use of conventional concrete structures in such a fragile coastal environment and recommended adopting low-impact, eco-friendly construction methods. It also suggested relocating as many facilities as possible outside the restricted zones and studying best practices from similar conservation centres. The project will be reconsidered only after a revised, environmentally sensitive plan is submitted.

NATURE- BASED SOLUTION : TURNING CLIMATE COMMITMENTS INTO GROUND ACTION

Nature-based Solutions involve using ecosystems such as forests, wetlands, mangroves, grasslands, rivers, and urban green spaces to address climate change, biodiversity loss, disasters, and livelihood challenges. They are increasingly recognised as central to India’s climate and development strategy because they provide carbon storage, flood control, water security, food security, and job creation while being cost-effective. However, challenges such as inadequate finance, policy gaps, land conflicts, weak monitoring, and risks of greenwashing remain. Global initiatives such as ENACT aim to accelerate and scale up Nature-based Solutions worldwide, helping countries integrate them into climate policies, mobilise funds, and promote community participation for a resilient and sustainable future.

OPERATION THUNDER 2025: DECODING GLOBAL WILDLIFE CRIME TRENDS

Operation Thunder 2025, led by Interpol and WCO across 134 countries, exposed the vast scale of wildlife crime through 4,640 seizures. It highlighted growing trafficking in smaller species, marine life and plants, disrupting global criminal networks threatening biodiversity, biosecurity and livelihoods worldwide.

NAVARA : KERALA RARE MEDICINAL RICE

Navara is an ancient medicinal rice native to Kerala’s Palakkad region, valued for its therapeutic role in Ayurveda and its rich nutritional profile. Once widely grown, it has become rare due to low yields, labour-intensive cultivation, pest sensitivity, and competition from hybrid varieties. Despite these challenges, Navara remains important for its cultural significance, biodiversity value, GI tag recognition, and unique place in traditional health practices.

PANAMA MEETINGS: INAUGURAL SB8J MEETING

The inaugural SB8J meeting in Panama established a permanent CBD body to enhance Indigenous Peoples’ and Local Communities’ participation. It aims to integrate traditional knowledge into the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, supporting the 30x30 targets. Its strategic recommendations will be presented at COP17 for adoption.

INDIA'S EXPANDING GREEN FOOT PRINT : GLOBAL RANKINGS, ACHIEVEMENTS, & THE WAY FORWARD

According to the FAO’s Global Forest Resources Assessment (GFRA) 2025, India ranks 9th globally in total forest area and maintains the 3rd position in net annual forest area gain, reflecting strong progress in afforestation and forest management. The country is also 5th among top global carbon sinks, with forests absorbing about 150 million tonnes of CO₂ annually (2021–2025).

As per the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023, India’s forest cover spans 7,15,343 sq km (21.76% of its geographical area). Government initiatives like the Green India Mission, National Afforestation Programme, and Mission LiFE are driving ecological restoration, community participation, and sustainable living.

India’s achievements demonstrate its multidimensional commitment to climate action, biodiversity conservation, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 13 & SDG 15), positioning it as a global leader in green growth and environmental stewardship.

ELEPHANT CENSUS & THEIR FUTURE

India’s latest All India Elephant Estimation (2021–25) reports 22,446 wild elephants, the largest population globally. Most elephants are concentrated in the Western Ghats (11,934) and Northeast (6,559) regions. However, challenges such as habitat loss, fragmentation, mining activities, and rising human–elephant conflicts persist. The new scientific census provides an updated baseline for future conservation efforts under Project Elephant, highlighting the need for stronger habitat protection, corridor restoration, and coexistence strategies.

TROPICAL FOREST FOREVER FACILITY (TFFF): MEANING, SIGNIFICANCE, WAY FORWARD

 The Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF), led by Brazil, proposes a $125 billion blended-finance fund to provide permanent, performance-based payments for tropical forest conservation, prioritizing Indigenous communities, and ensuring predictable climate finance. It will be launched at COP30 in Belém, Brazil.

AUSTRALIA APPROVED VACCINE TO COMBAT CHLAMYDIA IN KOALAS

The koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) is an arboreal, herbivorous marsupial native to eastern and southeastern Australia. Solitary and eucalyptus-dependent, it sleeps 18–20 hours, breeds via pouches, inhabits woodlands and shrublands, and is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.