Environment & Ecology Handout 2: GS PCM Batch 2019- 2020

Environment & Ecology Handout 2: GS PCM Batch 2019- 2020

Vajiram & Ravi (By Vaishali Anand) Page 1

This handout contains discussion on-

Tiger Census 2018

Some New Terms

Wetlands

Wetland Conservation & Management Rules 2017

Mangroves

Forests

India State of Forests Report-2017

UN REDD & REDD+ Strategy

India’s National REDD+ Strategy

Some Organizations for Biodiversity Conservation

Recent Plans for Biodiversity Conservation in India

o National Wildlife Action Plan (2017-2031)

o National Action Plan for Conservation of Migratory Birds and their habitats

along Central Asian Flyway (2018-2023)

Tiger Census 2018

Tiger population estimate in India- Tiger census is conducted in India every four years by NTCA.

Year Tiger Population

2006 1411

2010 1706

2014 2226

2018 2967

Major findings of the Tiger Census 2018 are-

i) Tiger population as per the latest census is 2967, which is almost a 33 % rise from the 2014

census.

ii) Tigers were observed to be increasing at a rate of 6% per annum in India when consistently

sampled areas were compared from 2006 to 2018.

iii) Madhya Pradesh became the new Tiger State of India with 526 Royal Bengal Tigers. MP has

overtaken Karnatka to become the tiger state as per 2018 census. Karnataka was earlier the

tiger state since 2010.

iv) Top 4 states with highest tiger population are-

State Tiger Population

Madhya Pradesh 526

Karnataka 524

Uttarakhand 442



Maharashtra 312

v) The 2018 tiger census divided the tiger habitats in India in 5 tiger landscapes. The tiger

landscapes and their tiger population are-

Tiger Landscape States Included Tiger Population as

per 2018 Census

Shivalik Gangetic

Plains

Bihar, Uttar Pradesh,

Uttarakhand

646

Central India and the

Eastern Ghats

Andhra Pradesh,

Telengana,

Chhattisgarh,

Jharkhand, Madhya

Pradesh, Maharshtra,

Odisha, Rajasthan

1033

Western Ghats Goa, Karnataka,

Kerela, Tamil Nadu

981

North Eastern Hills

and Brahmaputra

Flood Plains

Arunachal Pradesh,

Assam, Mizoram,

Nagaland, Northern

West Bengal

219

Sunderbans West Bengal 88

vi) States with maximum increase in tiger population since 2006 tiger census-

State Tiger Population % increase in tiger

population

Kerela 190 313%

Tamil Nadu 264 247%

Bihar 10 210%

vii) States with maximum decrease in their tiger population since 2006 tiger population-



State Tiger Population % decrease in tiger

population

Mizoram 0 100%

Odisha 28 38%

Chhatisgarh 19 27%

viii) No tigers were spotted in following three Tiger Reserves (TR)- Buxa TR, Dampa TR

and Palamau TR.

ix) There were no tigers spotted in the state of Mizoram.

x) Pench National Park in Madhya Pradesh and Periyar National Park in Kerala are the top-rated

Tiger Reserves in India.

xi) 2018 tiger census was conducted using the doubling sample technique comprising of two

phases. In the first phase the forest official, guards and forest rangers collected raw data based

on pugmarks, scat, and leftover prey. In the second phase, data and images from camera traps

were collected.

Learn some new terms now

Persistent Organic Pollutants (PoPs)- Chemical substances than remain in the environment are

transported over large distances, bioaccumulate through the food web and pose a risk of causing

adverse effects to the environment and human health. PoPs include pesticides like PPTs, etc.

Bioaccumulation- The accumulation of a substance such as toxic chemicals in various tissues of a

living organism. Bioaccumulation takes places within an organism when the rate of intake of a

substance is greater than the rate of excretion or metabolic transformation at that substance.

Biomagnification- The increasing concentration of a substance such as a toxic chemical in tissues of

organisms at successively higher lends in food chain. As a result of bio magnification, organisms at

the top of food chain generally suffer greater harm from a persistent toxin or pollutant than those at

lower levels.

Heavy Metals- Normally occur in nature and are essential to life but can become toxic through

accumulation in organic Arsenic, Cadmium, Mercury, Lead, Chromium, Copper, Nickel.

Source include- mining, industrial production, etc.

A few more related to Biodiversity

1. Keystone Species- The term keystone species was first coined by Robert Paine (1966)

https://www.bigcatsindia.com/pench-tiger-reserve/

https://www.bigcatsindia.com/periyar-national-park-travel-guide-best-time-to-visit/



A keystone in an arch's crown secures the other stones in place. Keystone species play the same role

in many ecological communities by maintaining the structure and integrity of the community. Thus,

a keystone species is an organism that helps define an entire ecosystem. Without its keystone

species, the ecosystem would be dramatically different or cease to exist altogether. Keystone

species are species that play a disproportionately large role in the prevalence and population levels

of other species within their ecosystem or community. Most importantly, the preservation and

restoration of keystone species is essential for maintaining and/or reestablishing the historic

structure and function of the ecosystems they inhabit.

Any organism, from plants to fungi, herbivore or carnivore, may be a keystone species; they are not

always the largest or most abundant species in an ecosystem.

For example- In African savannas such as the Serengeti plains in Tanzania, elephants are a keystone

species. Elephants eat shrubs and small trees, such as acacia, that grow on the savanna. Even if an

acacia tree grows to a height of a meter or more, elephants are able to knock it over and uproot it.

This feeding behavior keeps the savanna a grassland and not a forest or woodland. With elephants

to control the tree population, grasses thrive and sustaingrazing animals such as antelopes,

wildebeests, and zebras. Smaller animals such as mice and shrews are able to burrow in the warm,

dry soil of a savanna. Predators such as lions and hyenas depend on the savanna for prey.

Large Mammalian Predators- While small predators are important keystone species in many

ecosystems, as mentioned above, large mammalian predators are also considered keystone species

in larger ecosystems. For example, the lion, jaguar and gray wolf are considered keystone species as

they help balance large ecosystems (e.g., Central and South American rainforests) by consuming a

wide variety of prey species.

2. Umbrella Species-

Umbrella species are often conflated with keystone species. Both terms describe a single species on

which many other species depend. The key distinction between umbrella species and keystone

species is that the value of an umbrella species is tied to its geographic species range.

Umbrella species have large habitat needs, and the requirements of that habitat impact many other

species living there. Most umbrella species are migratory, and their range may include different

habitat types.

The identification of an umbrella species can be an important aspect for conservation. The

minimum species range of an umbrella species is often the basis for establishing the size of a

protected area.

The Siberian tiger, an endangered species, is an umbrella species with a range of more than 1,000

kilometers (620 miles) in Russia’s far east, with territory stretching into China and North Korea.

The species range includes heavily forested ecosystems in both temperate and boreal (subarctic)

biomes. Populations of deer, boar, and moose are under the snowy “umbrella” of the Siberian tiger

range.

3. Foundation Species-

Foundation species play a major role in creating or maintaining a habitat.

Corals are a key example of a foundation species across many islands in the South Pacific Ocean.

These tiny animals grow as a colony of thousands and even millions of individual polyps. The



rocky exoskeletons of these polyps create enormous structures around islands: coral reefs. Coral

reefs are one of the most vibrant and biologically diverse ecosystems on the

planet. Microscopic plankton, as well as crustaceans, mollusks, sponges, fish, and marine reptiles

and mammals are all part of healthy coral reef ecosystems.

4. Indicator Species-

An indicator species describes an organism that is very sensitive to environmental changes in its

ecosystem. Indicator species are almost immediately affected by changes to the ecosystem and can

give early warning that a habitat is suffering.

Changes associated with external influences such as water pollution, air pollution, or climate

change first appear in indicator species. For this reason, indicator species are sometimes known as

“sentinel species.” This makes ‘coral polyp’ as indicator species too.

5. Flagship Species-

A flagship species acts as a symbol for an environmental habitat, movement, campaign, or issue.

They can be mascots for entire ecosystems. The identification of a flagship species relies heavily on

the social, cultural, and economic value of a species. They are often “charismatic megafauna,”—

large animals with popular appeal due to their appearance or cultural significance. Flagship species

may or may not be keystone or indicator species.

Flagship species can sometimes be symbols of general ideas about conservation, not

representatives of specific ecosystems. However, specific issues are often associated with a specific

animal. Polar bears are the unchallenged flagship species associated with climate change.

The giant panda is perhaps the most familiar flagship species. Pandas are the global symbol of

endangered species and the value of captive breeding.

Now learn about some important Ecosystems- WETLANDS-

Wetlands are areas where water is the primary factor controlling the environment and the associated

plant and animal life. They occur where the water table is at or near the surface of the land, or

where the land is covered by water. Once treated as transitional habitats or seral stages in

succession from open water to land, the wetlands are now considered to be distinct ecosystems with

specific ecological characteristics, functions and values.

Ramsar Convention on Wetlands define wetlands as: "areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water,

whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh,

brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six

metres".

Wetlands, natural and manmade, freshwater or brackish, provide numerous ecological services. The

density of birds, in particular, is an accurate indication of the ecological health of a particular

wetland. The destruction of wetlands is a concern because they are some of the most productive

habitats on the planet. They often support high concentrations of animals—including mammals,

birds, fish and invertebrates—and serve as nurseries for many of these species. Wetlands also

support the cultivation of rice, a staple in the diet of half the world’s population. And they provide a

range of ecosystem services that benefit humanity, including water filtration, storm protection,

flood control and recreation.



Different types of Wetlands-

1. Coastal Wetlands-

Coastal wetlands are found in the areas between land and open sea that are not influenced by rivers

such as- shorelines, beaches, mangroves and coral reefs.

A good example are the mangrove swamps found in sheltered tropical coastal areas. The partly

submerged roots of mangrove trees spread out beneath the water to trap sediment and prevent it

being washed out to sea. Around 70% of tropical coastlines are mangrove-lined.

2. Shallow lakes and ponds-

These wetlands are areas of permanent or semi-permanent water with little flow. They include

vernal ponds, spring pools, salt lakes and volcanic crater lakes. They are small, shallow,

intermittently flooded depressions in grasslands or forests, and are often only wet in winter and

early spring.

3. Bogs-

Bogs are waterlogged peatlands in old lake basins or depressions in the landscape. Almost all water

in bogs comes from rainfall. Bogs have specialised and unique flora that have evolved in their

nutrient-poor and acidic conditions, including for example the carnivorous pitcher plant. As bogs

are unsuitable for agriculture, forestry or development they offer an undisturbed habitat for a wide

range of species, including moose, black bear, lynx, snowshoe hare and mink.

4. Marshes and Swamps

Also known as palustrine wetlands, marshes, swamps and fens account for almost half of all

wetlands throughout the world. Marshes are one of the broadest categories of wetlands and in

general harbour the greatest biological diversity. Marshes form in depressions in the landscape, as

fringes around lakes, and along slow-flowing streams and rivers. Marshes are dominated by

floating-leafed plants like water lillies and duckweed. Marshes slow down the rate of rainfall

drainage and control its flow into rivers, lakes, and streams.

Threats to Wetlands- unsustainable use of wetland without reckoning of their assimilative capacity

constitutes major threat to the conservation and management of these vital biodiversity rich areas.

As per WWF, over half of the world's wetlands have disappeared since 1900. Development and

conversion continue to pose major threats to wetlands, despite their value and importance.

Conversion of wetlands for commercial development, drainage schemes, extraction of minerals and

peat, overfishing, tourism, siltation, pesticide discharges from intensive agriculture, toxic pollutants

from industrial waste, and the construction of dams and dikes, often in an attempt at flood

protection, are major threats to wetlands everywhere.

Conservation Efforts for Wetlands-

Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017

Seeking to protect over 2 lakh wetlands across the country, the Centre has come out with rules to

identify and manage these ecologically fragile areas which play an important role in flood control,

groundwater recharge, preserving plant varieties, supporting migratory birds and protecting

coastlines. The new rules, notified by the environment ministry, decentralise wetlands management

by giving states powers to not only identify and notify wetlands within their jurisdictions but also



keep a watch on prohibited activities. It also indirectly widens the ambit of permitted activities by

inserting the 'wise use' principle, giving powers to state-level wetland authorities to decide what can

be allowed in larger interest. The notification says, "The wetlands shall be conserved and managed

in accordance with the principle of 'wise use' as determined by the Wetlands Authority." The

Centre's role under the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, will be restricted to

monitoring its implementation by states/UTs, recommending trans-boundary wetlands for

notification and reviewing integrated management of selected wetlands under the Ramsar

Convention — an international arrangement to preserve identified wetlands.

Some definitions as per rules-

“wetland" means an area of marsh, fen, peatland or water; whether natural or artificial, permanent

or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine

water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six meters, but does not include river channels,

paddy fields, human-made water bodies/tanks specifically constructed for drinking water purposes

and structures specifically constructed for aquaculture, salt production, recreation and irrigation

purposes;

“wetlands complexes" means two or more ecologically and hydrologically contiguous wetlands and

may include their connecting channels/ducts;

“wise use of wetlands” means maintenance of their ecological character, achieved through

implementation of ecosystem approach within the context of sustainable development;

“zone of influence” means that part of the catchment area of the wetland or wetland complex,

developmental activities in which induce adverse changes in ecosystem structure, and ecosystem

services.

These rules shall apply to the following wetlands or wetlands complexes, namely:— (a) wetlands

categorised as 'wetlands of international importance' under the Ramsar Convention; (b) wetlands as

notified by the Central Government, State Government and Union Territory Administration.

Restrictions of activities in wetlands as per the Rules—

(1) The wetlands shall be conserved and managed in accordance with the principle of 'wise use' as

determined by the Wetlands Authority.

(2) The following activities shall be prohibited within the wetlands, namely,-

(i) conversion for non-wetland uses including encroachment of any kind;

(ii) setting up of any industry and expansion of existing industries;

(iii) manufacture or handling or storage or disposal of construction and demolition waste covered

under the Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules, 2016; hazardous substances

covered under the Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemical Rules, 1989 or the Rules

for Manufacture, Use, Import, Export and Storage of Hazardous Micro-organisms Genetically

engineered organisms or cells, 1989 or the Hazardous Wastes (Management, Handling and

Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2008; electronic waste covered under the E-Waste (Management)

Rules, 2016;

(iv) solid waste dumping;

(v) discharge of untreated wastes and effluents from industries, cities, towns, villages and other

human settlements;



(vi) any construction of a permanent nature except for boat jetties within fifty metres from the mean

high flood level observed in the past ten years calculated from the date of commencement of these

rules; and,

(vii) poaching.

National Wetland Conservation Programme (NWCP)- Government of India opertionalized

National Wetland Conservation Programme (NWCP) in closed collaboration with concerned State

Government during the year 1985/86. Under the programme 115 wetlands have been identified till

now by the MoEFCC which requires urgent conservation and management initiatives.

Aim of the Scheme- Conservation and wise use of wetlands in the country so as to prevent their

further degradation.

Objectives of the Scheme- The scheme was initiated with the following objectives:-

to lay down policy guidelines for conservation and management of wetlands in the country;

to undertake intensive conservation measures in priority wetlands;

to monitor implementation of the programme; and

to prepare an inventory of Indian wetlands.

Ramsar Convention on Wetland- The Convention on Wetlands, signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971,

is an intergovernmental treaty which provides the framework for national action and international

cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. There are presently

158 Contracting Parties to the Convention, with 1758 wetland sites, totaling 161 million hectares,

designated for inclusion in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. Ramsar

Convention is the only global environment treaty dealing with a particular ecosystem.

The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands was developed as a means to call international attention to

the rate at which wetland habitats were disappearing, in part due to a lack of understanding of their

important functions, values, goods and services. Governments that join the Convention are

expressing their willingness to make a commitment to helping to reverse that history of wetland

loss and degradation.

In addition, many wetlands are international systems lying across the boundaries of two or more

countries, or are part of river basins that include more than one country. The health of these and

other wetlands is dependent upon the quality and quantity of the transboundary water supply from

rivers, streams, lakes, or underground aquifers. This requires framework for international discussion

and cooperation toward mutual benefits.

Major obligations of countries which are party to the Convention are:

Designate wetlands for inclusion in the List of Wetlands of International Importance.

Promote, as far as possible, the wise use of wetlands in their territory.

Promote international cooperation especially with regard to transboundary wetlands,

shared water systems, and shared species.

Create wetland reserves.



Montreux Record- Montreux Record under the Convention is a register of wetland sites on the List

of Wetlands of International Importance where changes in ecological character have occurred, are

occurring, or are likely to occur as a result of technological developments, pollution or other human

interference. It is maintained as part of the Ramsar List.

World Wetland Day- World Wetlands Day which is celebrated each year on 2 February, marks

the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on 2 February 1971, in the Iranian city of

Ramsar on the shores of the Caspian Sea. World Wetlands Day was celebrated for the first time on

February 2, 1997, on the 16th anniversary of the Ramsar Convention. Each year since 1997,

government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and groups of citizens at all levels of the

community have taken advantage of the opportunity to undertake actions aimed at raising public

awareness of wetland values and benefits in general and the Ramsar Convention in particular.

Latest Indian wetland added in Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance- Sundarbans

The largest wetland of country is- Vembanad Kol Wetland

The smallest wetland of country is- Renuka Wetland

Current Indian wetlands in Montreux Record-

Keoladeo National Park of Rajasthan;

Loktak Lake of Montreux Record

MANGROVES-

Mangroves are trees or large shrubs which are salt-tolerant and grow in intertidal zones in tropical

and subtropical regions. They form dense forests along many tropical and subtropical coasts. All of

these trees grow in areas with low-oxygen soil, where slow-moving waters allow fine sediments to

accumulate. Mangrove forests only grow at tropical and subtropical latitudes near the equator

because they cannot withstand freezing temperatures.

Many mangrove forests can be recognized by their dense tangle of prop roots that make the trees

appear to be standing on stilts above the water. This tangle of roots allows the trees to handle the

daily rise and fall of tides, which means that most mangroves get flooded at least twice per day.

The roots also slow the movement of tidal waters, causing sediments to settle out of the water and

build up the muddy bottom.

Mangrove forests stabilize the coastline, reducing erosion from storm surges, currents, waves, and

tides. The intricate root system of mangroves also makes these forests attractive to fish and other

organisms seeking food and shelter from predators. So basically, mangroves are critical coastal

ecosystems that impact our lives. They nourish biodiversity as nursery grounds for many coastal

and marine species and support fisheries. They buffer coastal communities against extreme weather

events such as hurricanes, stabilise coastlines and slow or reduce soil erosion. Despite these

benefits, half of the world’s mangroves (about 32 million hectares) have already been cleared or

destroyed – and those that remain are under threat.

The State of Forest Report 2017, released by the Forest Survey of India, says that the mangrove

cover in the country is increasing only marginally in the past two decades and now covers some

4,921 sq.km.

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/india-lost-40-of-its-mangroves-in-the-last-century-and-its-putting-communities-at-risk/article22999935.ece



FORESTS- important ecosystems- let’s learn something about them!

INDIA STATE OF FOREST REPORT (ISFR) 2017- released in February 2018 by Forest

Survey of India. It is a biennial publication and released every two years.

Background-

The India State of Forest Report 2017 is 15th such report in the series. In line with the Government of

India’s vision of Digital India and the consequent need for integration of digital data sets, the Forest

Survey of India has adopted the vector boundary layers of various administrative units upto districts

developed by Survey of India along with digital open series topo sheets, bringing about full

compatibility with the geographical areas as reported in Census, 2011.

Key Highlights-

1. India has shown an increasing trend in the forest and tree cover, in comparison to the global

trend of decreasing forest cover during the last decade.

2. India is ranked 10th

in the world in terms of forest area, with 24.4% of land area under forest

and tree cover.

3. There is an increase of 8, 021 sq km (about 80.20 million hectare) in the total forest and tree

cover of the country, compared to the previous assessment in 2015. The increase in the forest

cover has been observed as 6,778 sq km and that of tree cover as 1, 243 sq km. (The total

forest and tree cover is 24.39 per cent of the geographical area of the country)

4. Andhra Pradesh (2141 sq km), followed by Karnataka (1101 sq km) and Kerala (1043 sq km)

have shown the maximum increase in forest cover.

5. Madhya Pradesh has the largest forest cover of 77,414 sq km in the country in terms of area,

followed by Arunachal Pradesh with 66,964 sq km and Chhattisgarh (55,547 sq km).

6. In terms of percentage of forest cover with respect to the total geographical area,

Lakshadweep with (90.33 per cent) has the highest forest cover, followed by Mizoram (86.27

per cent) and Andaman & Nicobar Island (81.73 per cent).

7. As per the ISFR 2017, the total mangrove cover stands at 4,921 sq km and has shown an

increase of 181 sq km. All the 12 mangrove states have shown a positive change in the

mangrove cover, as compared to the last assessment. Mangrove ecosystem is rich in

biodiversity and provides a number of ecological services.

8. The extent of bamboo-bearing area in the country has been estimated at 15.69 million ha. In

comparison to the last assessment done in 2011, there has been an increase of 1.73 million ha

in bamboo area.

9. Considering the importance of water bodies in forest, FSI has assessed water bodies in forest

cover for the decade 2005-2015. As per the assessment, there is an increase of 2,647 sq km in

the extent of water bodies inside forest cover between 2005 to 2015.

UN- REDD & REDD+ PROGRAMME

Deforestation and forest degradation account for approximately 17 percent of carbon emissions, more

than the entire global transportation sector and second only to the energy sector.

REDD was first discussed in 2005 by the UNFCCC at its 11th session of the Conference of the Parties

to the Convention (COP) at the request of Costa Rica and Papua New Guinea, on behalf of the

Coalition for Rainforest Nations, when they submitted the document "Reducing Emissions from

Deforestation in Developing Countries: Approaches to Stimulate Action", with a request to create an

agenda item to discuss consideration of reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation

in natural forests as a mitigation measure.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005_United_Nations_Climate_Change_Conference



The UN-REDD Programme is the United Nations Collaborative Programme on Reducing Emissions

from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD+) in developing countries. The Programme was

launched in 2008 and builds on the convening role and technical expertise of the Food and

Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Development Programme

(UNDP) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The UN-REDD Programme

supports nationally led REDD+ processes and promotes the informed and meaningful involvement of

all stakeholders, including indigenous peoples and other forest-dependent communities, in national

and international REDD+ implementation.

Important- The UN-REDD Programme is celebrating 10 years of successfully working with 64

countries to achieve climate and forest goals. The Programme will continue to play a key role at the

global level to strengthen countries capacity to better protect, manage and monitor their forests, to

advance forest-related investments in partner countries and to support strategies and market access

for deforestation-free agriculture commodities as a measure to halt deforestation and ultimately

deliver emission reductions.

Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+) is a mechanism developed

by Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It creates a

financial value for the carbon stored in forests by offering incentives for developing countries to

reduce emissions from forested lands and invest in low-carbon paths to sustainable development.

Developing countries would receive results-based payments for results-based actions.

REDD+ decision in Cancun (COP16), Governments agree to boost action to curb emissions from

deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries with technological and financial support.

Developing country Parties, in accordance with their respective capabilities and national

circumstances are encouraged to contribute to mitigation actions in the forest sector by undertaking

the following activities, as deemed appropriate by each Party: I. Reducing emissions from

deforestation; II. Reducing emissions from forest degradation; III. Conservation of forest carbon

stocks; IV. Sustainable management of forest; and V. Enhancement of forest carbon stocks

http://www.un-redd.org/ourimpact

http://sdg.iisd.org/commentary/guest-articles/forests-a-natural-solution-to-climate-change-crucial-for-a-sustainable-future/

http://sdg.iisd.org/commentary/guest-articles/forests-a-natural-solution-to-climate-change-crucial-for-a-sustainable-future/



MoEFCC Released India’s National Redd+ Strategy

India’s National REDD+ strategy is one of the tools to achieve India’s commitment to Paris

Agreement.

In simple terms, REDD+ means “Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation”,

conservation of forest carbon stocks, sustainable management of forests, and enhancement of forest

carbon stocks in developing countries. REDD+ aims to achieve climate change mitigation by

incentivizing forest conservation. The strategy seeks to address drivers of deforestation and forest

degradation and also developing a roadmap for enhancement of forest carbon stocks and achieving

sustainable management of forests through REDD+ actions. The National REDD+ Strategy will soon

be communicated to the UNFCCC.

Paris agreement on climate change also recognizes role of forests in climate change mitigation and

calls upon country Parties to take action to implement and support REDD+. India has communicated

in its Nationally Determined Contribution under Paris Agreement, that it will capture 2.5 to 3 billion

tonnes of Carbon dioxide through additional forest and tree cover by 2030. India’s first biennial

update report to UNFCCC has revealed that forests in India capture about 12% of India’s total GHG

emissions. Thus, forestry sector in India is making a positive cost effective contribution for climate

change mitigation.

Complying with the UNFCCC decisions on REDD+, India has prepared its National REDD+

Strategy. The Strategy builds upon existing national circumstances which have been updated in line

with India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change, Green India Mission and India’s Nationally

Determined Contribution (NDC) to UNFCCC.



SOME ORGANIZATIONS FOR BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION

South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network (SAWEN)

It is an inter-governmental wildlife law enforcement support body of South Asian countries namely -

Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. SAWEN was

officially launched in January, 2011 in Paro Bhutan. It promotes regional cooperation to combat

wildlife crime in South Asia. It focuses on policy harmonization; institutional capacity strengthening

through knowledge and intelligence sharing; and collaboration with regional and international

partners to enhance wildlife law enforcement in the member countries. SAWEN operates its activities

from the Secretariat based in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Ongoing project of SAWEN- Trilateral Transborder Wildlife Interception [TTWI]

Objective- Reduction in illegal trafficking in wildlife products, particularly Indian one-horned rhinos

and Bengal tigers.

Project Details- The project is designed to improve the capacity of frontline customs and natural

resource law enforcement officers assigned at India-Nepal and Nepal-China border crossings. The

project will be jointly implemented by SAWEN, DNPWC and NTNC in collaboration with Wildlife

Institute of India (WII), TRAFFIC, USFWS: Asia Attaché, and Office of Law Enforcement, US

Embassy, Bangkok and US Embassy in Kathmandu.

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister had given its approval in April 2016 for India

adopting the Statute of the South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network (SAWEN) and India and

becoming its formal member in order to strengthen ties with the member countries in controlling the

trans-boundary wildlife crime through communication, coordination, collaboration, capacity building

and cooperation in the region.

Global Tiger Forum (GTF) -

It is the only intergovernmental international body established with members from willing countries

to embark on a global campaign to protect the Tiger.

Utilizing co-operative policies, common approaches, technical expertise, scientific modules and other

appropriate programmes and controls the GTF is focused on saving the remaining 5 sub-species of

Tigers distributed over 13 Tiger Range countries of the world.

The GTF was formed in 1993 on recommendations from an international symposium on Tiger

Conservation at New Delhi, India. In 1997, the GTF became an independent organization. A

Chairperson, usually a Minister from one of the Tiger Range countries heads GTF for a fixed tenure

of 3 Years. The Secretariat of GTF is headed by a Secretary General and is located in New Delhi,

India.

Objective is to highlight the rationale for Tiger preservation, provide leadership and utilize a common

approach throughout the world in order to safeguard the survival of the Tiger, its prey and its habitat.

Other objectives-

1. Promoting global campaigns to save the Tiger, its prey and its habitat.

2. Increasing the number of secure habitats for Tigers.

3. Promoting comprehensive legal frameworks for Tiger conservation.

4. Providing financial and infrastructural capabilities for Tiger Conservation.



5. Promoting training and research.

6. Eliciting support from Governments, Inter- governmental organizations and individuals.

7. Promoting bilateral co-operation.

8. Establishing a trust fund to enable the implementation of agreed programmes.

9. Calling upon Range Countries to prepare and update their National Action Plans for Tiger

conservation.

10. To urge countries to enter into relevant conventions for conservation and elimination of

illegal trade.

India’s National Redd+ Strategy Released by MoEFCC in August 2018

REDD+ came into being with India’s intervention. In simple terms, REDD+ means “Reducing

Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation”, conservation of forest carbon stocks,

sustainable management of forests, and enhancement of forest carbon stocks in developing countries.

Warsaw Framework for REDD+

In order to access results based finance through implementation of national REDD+ strategies was the

key outcome of COP19. The set of following seven key decisions is known as Warsaw Framework for

REDD+:

1. Work programme on results-based finance

2. Coordination of support for the implementation of activities in relation to mitigation actions in the

forest sector by developing countries, including institutional arrangements

3. Modalities for national forest monitoring systems

4. The timing and the frequency of presentations of the summary of information on how all the

safeguards are being addressed and respected

5. Guidelines and procedures for the technical assessment of submissions from Parties on proposed

forest reference emission levels and/or forest reference levels

6. Modalities for measuring, reporting and verifying

7. Addressing the drivers of deforestation and forest degradation

The strategy seeks to address drivers of deforestation and forest degradation and also developing a

roadmap for enhancement of forest carbon stocks and achieving sustainable management of forests

through REDD+ actions. The National REDD+ Strategy will soon be communicated to the UNFCCC.

Paris agreement on climate change also recognizes role of forests in climate change mitigation and

calls upon country Parties to take action to implement and support REDD+. India has communicated

in its Nationally Determined Contribution under Paris Agreement, that it will capture 2.5 to 3 billion

tonnes of Carbon dioxide through additional forest and tree cover by 2030. India’s first biennial

update report to UNFCCC has revealed that forests in India capture about 12% of India’s total GHG

emissions. Thus, forestry sector in India is making a positive cost effective contribution for climate

change mitigation.

Complying with the UNFCCC decisions on REDD+, India has prepared its National REDD+

Strategy. The Strategy builds upon existing national circumstances which have been updated in line



with India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change, Green India Mission and India’s Nationally

Determined Contribution (NDC) to UNFCCC.

Broad elements of National REDD+ Strategy-

In accordance with the COP decision the national REDD+ strategy or action plans, should address,

inter alia, the drivers of deforestation and forest degradation, land tenure issues, forest governance

issues, gender considerations and the safeguards identified, ensuring the full and effective

participation of relevant stakeholders, inter alia indigenous peoples and local communities.

Coverage of REDD+ includes-

REDD+ will cover all trees within forest areas and tree outside forests (TOF) also irrespective of the

legal status or ownership of land. TOF = Agroforestry, urban and peri-urban forestry, avenue

plantations, orchards and plantations on wasteland.

Future coverage of REDD+ will include grasslands, blue carbon and phytoplankton.

Finance will be mobilised internally by allocation through Green India Mission, CAMPA, Namami

Gange Programme, Green Highways Policy, etc. The deficit in finance to meet the NDC commitment

on REDD+ implementation will be sourced through external funding from Green Climate Fund

(GCF) under UNFCCC mechanism. The budget deficit on this count will be estimated separately and

communicated to UNFCCC and GCF in due course of time.

RECENT PLANS FOR BIODOVERSITY CONSERVATION IN INDIA

1. National Wildlife Action Plan (2017-2031)

This is the 3rd

such National Wildlife Action Plan. First Plan was unveiled in 1983 and second Plan’s

duration was 2002-2016. The Plan will help to mainstream wildlife conservation in development

planning processes.

Highlights of NWAP 3 are-

It focuses on preservation of genetic diversity and sustainable development.

It adopts a landscape approach in conservation of all wildlife.

It accords special emphasis to recovery of threatened species while conserving their habitats.

It is the first time India has recognised the concerns relating to climate change impact on

wildlife and stressed on integrating actions that need to be taken for its mitigation and

adaptation into wildlife management.

The plan also underscores the increasing need for people’s support for wildlife conservation

& recommends ‘core-buffer-multiple use surround’ structure.

The Plan also takes into account strong dependence of forest dwelling communities on forest

resources and their rights under Forest Rights Act, 2006.



2. National Action Plan for Conservation of Migratory Birds and their habitats along Central Asian

Flyway (2018-2023)

The Central Asian Flyway (CAF), one among the nine flyways in the world, encompasses

overlapping migration routes over 30 countries for different waterbirds linking their northern most

breeding grounds in Russia (Siberia) to the southernmost non-breeding (wintering) grounds in West

and South Asia, the Maldives and the British Indian Ocean Territory. India has a strategic role in the

flyway, as it provides critical stopover sites to over 90% of the bird species known to use this

migratory route.

Longer-term goal of NAP- to arrest population decline and secure habitats of migratory bird species.

Shorter term objective of NAP- by 2027, to halt the downward trends in declining meta-populations

and maintain stable or increasing trends for healthy populations.

The NAP draws from the Central Asian Flyway Action Plan which provides a common strategic

framework for regional collaboration for protecting, conserving, restoring, and sustainably managing

populations of migratory bird species and their habitats in the Indian subcontinent falling under the

Central Asian Flyway region.

Documents

Environment & Ecology Handout 2: GS PCM Batch 2019- 2020