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State PCS


Mains Practice Questions

  • Q. The concept of 'nature-based solutions' is gaining traction globally. Discuss how India can effectively incorporate this approach in its environmental policy and biodiversity conservation efforts. (150 words)

    28 Aug, 2024 GS Paper 3 Bio-diversity & Environment

    Approach

    • Introduce by defining the Nature based Solutions
    • Give supporting arguments to Rising Global Interest in Nature-Based Solutions
    • Suggest ways to incorporate NbS in India’s Environmental Policy
    • Suggest ways to incorporate NbS in India’s Biodiversity Conservation
    • Conclude suitably.

    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.

    Body

    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.

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