Sambhav-2025

Approach Introduce the Act and its key objectives. Explain major changes like schedule restructuring, trade regulations, and CITES compliance. Analyze implications, including conservation benefits and regulatory concerns, with examples. Conclude suitably.

Introduction

The Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022, passed in December 2022, seeks to strengthen wildlife conservation efforts by increasing species protection, restructuring legal frameworks, and implementing the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This amendment brings significant changes to the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, including modifications to species schedules and trade regulations.

Body

Key Changes and Their Implications:

• Reduction in the Number of Schedules
  • The six existing schedules have been reduced to four:
    • Schedule I – Species with the highest level of protection (e.g., tigers, elephants).
    • Schedule II – Species needing comparatively lesser protection (e.g., certain birds, reptiles).
    • Schedule III – Protected plant species.
    • Schedule IV – Species under CITES regulation for international trade.
  • Implication: Simplifies species classification but raises concerns about lifting protection on some Schedule II species.
• Implementation of CITES Provisions
  • The Act establishes a Management Authority for regulating trade in wildlife specimens.
  • A Scientific Authority is introduced to monitor export permits and conservation status.
  • Implication: Strengthens global wildlife trade regulation but increases compliance burden on authorities.
• Changes in Wildlife Trade Regulations (Wild Life (Protection) Licensing Rules, 2024)
  • Certain species are now excluded from licensing restrictions, easing trade in captive animals, snake venom, and trophy animals.
  • New licensing criteria include evaluating facilities, business viability, and sources of supply.
  • Implication: May boost legal trade and medicinal research but raises concerns over illegal wildlife trafficking.
• Controversial Clause on Elephant Ownership
  • Section 43 amendment allows Schedule I elephants to be used for "religious or any other purpose".
  • Concerns: Wildlife activists fear increased illegal capture, worsening elephant trafficking and exploitation.
  • Implication: Facilitates cultural and religious practices but could undermine elephant conservation efforts.
• Establishment of a Standing Committee under State Wildlife Boards
  • A Standing Committee is empowered to take conservation decisions without full board consultation.
  • Implication: Enhances decision-making efficiency but may reduce transparency in wildlife governance.
• Stronger Penalties for Wildlife Crimes
  • Higher fines and stricter enforcement against poaching, habitat destruction, and illegal trade.
  • Implication: Acts as a deterrent but requires better implementation and monitoring.
• Protection for Forest-Dwelling Communities
  • The Act allows grazing, movement of livestock, and traditional activities in protected areas.
  • Implication: Supports tribal livelihoods while maintaining wildlife conservation.

Conclusion

The Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022 strengthens conservation through CITES implementation, stricter penalties, and governance reforms. However, concerns over species protection downgrades and elephant trade provisions require transparent enforcement and stakeholder engagement for effective wildlife conservation.