Mains Practice Questions

Approach

• Start your answer by briefly introducing Community-Based Conservation.
• Discuss the role of Community-Based Conservation in Protecting Endangered Species.
• Conclude accordingly.

Introduction

• India is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to a diverse range of wildlife species. However, several species in India are listed as endangered, and their populations are declining at an alarming rate. Community-based conservation efforts have been crucial in protecting endangered species in India.

Body

• Community-Based Conservation:
  • Community-based conservation refers to the involvement of local communities in conservation efforts. It involves empowering local communities to manage and protect natural resources, including endangered species.
  • Community-based conservation recognizes the critical role that local communities play in preserving biodiversity and their traditional knowledge in managing ecosystems.
  • There had been various legislation around it like:
    • The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: which provides for preserving and promoting Community reserves and conservation reserves.
    • National Forest Policy (1999): It legitimizes the customary rights and concessions of communities living in and around forests, stating that the domestic requirements of the rural poor should take precedence over industrial and commercial demands for forest products.
• Role of Community-Based Conservation in Protecting Endangered Species:
  • The conservation of endangered species is a complex process that involves multiple stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and local communities. Community-based conservation efforts have played a vital role in protecting endangered species in India.
  • Here are some ways community-based conservation is helping in protecting endangered species in India:
    • Conservation Education:
      • Community-based conservation efforts have been successful in educating local communities on the importance of endangered species and their role in preserving them. Education programs have helped in changing local attitudes towards wildlife and have reduced the human-wildlife conflict.
        • For example, the Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh launched the "Nature Education Program" to educate local communities on the importance of wildlife conservation.
        • The program has helped in reducing poaching and human-wildlife conflict in the area.
    • Community-Based Monitoring:
      • Community-based monitoring involves the participation of local communities in monitoring the populations of endangered species in their area.
        • The local communities are trained to collect data on the population and behavior of endangered species, which is used to inform conservation efforts.
        • For example, the Snow Leopard Trust works with local communities in Ladakh, Jammu, and Kashmir, to monitor the population of snow leopards.
          • The program has been successful in reducing poaching and improving the conservation of the species.
    • Community-Based Conservation Reserves:
      • Community-based conservation reserves involve the creation of protected areas managed by local communities.
        • The local communities are responsible for managing and protecting the endangered species in the area.
        • For example, the Panchayat (local government) in Boriya-Kharadi in Maharashtra established a community-based conservation reserve to protect the Great Indian Bustard.
          • The community-based conservation reserve has helped in increasing the population of the Great Indian Bustard.
    • Community-Based Anti-Poaching Efforts:
      • Poaching is a significant threat to endangered species in India. Community-based anti-poaching efforts involve local communities in the prevention and reporting of poaching activities.
        • For example, the Meenangadi forest range in Kerala, with the support of local communities, launched a community-based anti-poaching program.
          • It has been successful in reducing poaching and improving the conservation of endangered species in the area.

Conclusion

Community-based conservation efforts have been crucial in protecting endangered species in India. The involvement of local communities in conservation efforts has improved the conservation of endangered species and reduced human-wildlife conflict. The government and NGOs should continue to support community-based conservation efforts to protect endangered species in India.