Mains Practice Questions

Introduction

Nature-based solutions (NbS) are actions to protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural or modified ecosystems that address societal challenges effectively and adaptively, simultaneously providing human well-being and biodiversity benefits.

• This concept is gaining global importance as countries seek sustainable ways to address climate change, disaster risk reduction, and biodiversity loss.
• India, with its diverse ecosystems and rich biodiversity, has significant potential to implement NbS.

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Rising Global Interest in Nature-Based Solutions:

• In 2022, in a landmark decision, the United Nations Environment Assembly formally recognized nature-based solutions.
• The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) has incorporated NbS into its post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework.
• The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030) emphasizes NbS as a key approach to achieving its goals.

Incorporating NbS in India’s Environmental Policy:

• Policy Framework: India can integrate NbS into its existing environmental policies and create new, dedicated policies. For example:
  • Updating the National Biodiversity Action Plan to explicitly include NbS strategies.
  • Incorporating NbS into the National Action Plan on Climate Change.
  • Developing a specific Nature-based Solutions Policy to guide implementation across sectors.
• Cross-sectoral Integration: NbS should be integrated across various sectors, including agriculture, urban development, water management, and disaster risk reduction. For instance:
  • Urban planning policies can mandate green infrastructure and urban forests.
• Financial Mechanisms: Establish dedicated funding mechanisms for NbS projects:
  • Create a Nature-based Solutions Fund, similar to the existing National Adaptation Fund.
  • Incentivize private sector investment through tax benefits and green bonds.

Incorporating NbS in India’s Biodiversity Conservation:

• Ecosystem Restoration: Scale up ecosystem restoration efforts using NbS principles:
  • Expand mangrove restoration along coastlines for coastal protection and biodiversity enhancement.
  • Restore degraded forests through assisted natural regeneration and community forestry.
  • Example: The Sundarbans Mangrove Restoration Project in West Bengal, which not only enhances biodiversity but also provides storm protection and livelihood opportunities.
• Protected Area Management: Enhance protected area management using NbS approaches:
  • Implement buffer zone management strategies that benefit both wildlife and local communities.
  • Use ecological corridors to connect fragmented habitats.
  • Example: The Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong Landscape conservation initiative, which uses corridors to connect Kaziranga National Park with surrounding forests.
• Urban Biodiversity: Promote urban biodiversity through NbS:
  • Develop urban wetlands for stormwater management and biodiversity.
  • Example: The Yamuna Biodiversity Park in Delhi, which has restored native flora and fauna while providing ecosystem services to the city.
• Agro-biodiversity Conservation: Integrate NbS in agricultural landscapes:
• Promote traditional agroforestry systems like 'Dehesa' in Spain or 'Khejri' in Rajasthan.
• Example: The NABARD-funded Wadi project in tribal areas, which combines fruit tree cultivation with forestry and agriculture.
• Community-based Conservation: Empower local communities in NbS implementation:
  • Scale up Joint Forest Management and Community Forest Resource rights under the Forest Rights Act.
  • Example: The Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary in Nagaland, managed by the local community.

Conclusion

By leveraging its rich natural capital and traditional knowledge, India can become a global leader in NbS implementation. This approach not only enhances biodiversity conservation but also contributes to climate change mitigation and adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable development.