Protected area network

Categorization of Protected Areas in India

India’s protected area network comprises various categories, each with specific rules and regulations. These are broadly classified into:

• National Parks: Areas declared for the protection of wildlife and its environment. Human activities like grazing, cultivation, and timber harvesting are strictly prohibited. (e.g., Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand)
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Areas where animal life is protected, and hunting or capturing of wildlife is prohibited except under specific conditions. Limited human activities are permitted. (e.g., Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala)
• Tiger Reserves: Protected areas designated for the conservation of tigers, managed under Project Tiger. These often overlap with National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries. (e.g., Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh)
• Biosphere Reserves: Areas of terrestrial and coastal ecosystems that promote conservation of biodiversity and sustainable use of natural resources. They have three zones: core, buffer, and transition. (e.g., Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve)
• Conservation Reserves & Community Reserves: Declared under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, these areas are managed with the involvement of local communities.

Legal and Governance Framework

The primary legislation governing protected areas in India is the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, amended in 1991, 2006, and most recently in 2022. Key provisions include:

• Establishment of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) and State Wildlife Boards (SWB) for policy guidance and oversight.
• Regulation of hunting and trade of wildlife species.
• Provision for declaring areas as National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and Conservation Reserves.
• Penalties for violations of the Act.

The Forest Conservation Act, 1980 also plays a role, regulating the diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes, which often impacts protected areas.

Management of protected areas is primarily the responsibility of the State Forest Departments, with support from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) at the central level.

Challenges Faced by the Protected Area Network

• Human-Wildlife Conflict: Increasing population and shrinking habitats lead to conflicts between humans and animals, resulting in loss of life and property.
• Poaching and Illegal Wildlife Trade: Despite stringent laws, poaching remains a significant threat, driven by demand for wildlife products.
• Habitat Fragmentation: Infrastructure development and agricultural expansion fragment habitats, isolating populations and reducing genetic diversity.
• Funding Constraints: Inadequate funding limits the effectiveness of conservation efforts, including anti-poaching measures and habitat restoration.
• Lack of Community Participation: Insufficient involvement of local communities in conservation efforts can lead to resentment and non-compliance.
• Climate Change: Altered rainfall patterns, increased temperatures, and extreme weather events pose a threat to biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.

Recent Initiatives and Developments

• Amendment to Wildlife (Protection) Act, 2022: This amendment aims to strengthen wildlife conservation by rationalizing schedules of animals, introducing provisions for conservation of marine ecosystems, and enhancing penalties for offences.
• Project Tiger: Launched in 1973, this initiative has been instrumental in increasing the tiger population in India.
• Project Elephant: Focused on the conservation of elephants and their habitats.
• National Wildlife Action Plan (2017-2031): Provides a roadmap for wildlife conservation in India, emphasizing habitat improvement, anti-poaching measures, and community participation.
• Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE): A framework for assessing the performance of protected areas, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and guiding management improvements.

Protected Area Category	Key Features	Management Authority
National Park	Strict protection, no human activity allowed	State Forest Department
Wildlife Sanctuary	Protection of animal life, limited human activity	State Forest Department
Biosphere Reserve	Conservation & sustainable use, three zones	State Government & Local Communities