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International Geographical Union Regional Conference, Chile 2011
CLIMATE CHANGE CHALLENGES TO INDIA’S BIODIVERSITY
Dr. Mrs. Prabha Shastri Ranade
Ex Consulting Editor
Icfai Business School, Ahmadabad
Email ps_ranade@yahoo.com, ranadeprabha@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Biological diversity is defined as the variability among living organisms from all sources including
terrestrial, marine, and other aquatic ecosystems. Biodiversity is threatened by human-induced climate
change. Climate change is forcing biodiversity to adapt through shifting habitats Climate change is a
global challenge for humankind and a top issue for policymakers. Climate change affects biodiversity
directly through changes in temperature and indirectly through the frequency of disturbances such as
fires and storms. Climate change leads to increasing risks of floods, droughts, disease outbreaks.
Extreme weather conditions associated with climate change affect biodiversity. The livelihoods of
populations living in a variety of habitats are affected by threats to local biodiversity caused by climate
change.
This paper focuses on major challenges posed by climate change to India’s rich biodiversity. It aims to
study factors responsible for biodiversity loss and the role of Protected Areas in biodiversity
conservation. Climate change impacts on biodiversity are explained with the example of Marine
National Park of Gujarat. The paper presents biodiversity conservation measures undertaken in India,
strategies to preserve habitats in order to facilitate adaptation of biodiversity to climate change, an
outline of India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change. UNDP’s role in biodiversity conservation
and combating climate change is also discussed.
India is one of the top-ten species rich countries or mega diverse countries in the world. Because of its
vast expanse in the tropical region, India has a variety of ecosystems. It has two bio diversity hotspotsEastern Himalayas and the Western Ghats. India has 2.4% of the world’s land area and accounts for 78% of the recorded species on the earth. It has over 45,000 species of plants and 91,000 species of
animals. India is home to 8.58% of the world’s mammals, 13.66% of avian, 7.9% of reptiles, 4.66% of
amphibians, 11.72% of fish, and 11.80% of plant species.
National Parks have been designated to conserve biodiversity and to protect migratory species. These
protected areas are susceptible to the impacts of climate change. Gulf of Kutch Marine national Park
at Jamnagar (Gujarat) is a unique habitat of biodiversity and abounds in a variety of marine wealth,
corals and mangroves. Some aspects of its biodiversity loss are reflected in loss of species richness
and habitat loss. This marine habitat needs to be protected from natural hazards, degradation from
industrialization, and improved for the habitation of marine life.
To mitigate the effects of global warming on biodiversity, both long term and short term actions need
to be taken. India has ratified all international conventions related to biodiversity conservation.
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Suitable laws and policies are developed by the Indian Government to cope up with climate change
challenges. There are enough financial resources and technical knowledge available to overcome
the challenge of climate change and biodiversity loss. What is needed is political will, resource
allocation and commitment.
Introduction
Climate change is a global challenge for humankind and a top issue for policymakers around the
world. One of the biggest environmental challenges today is that of global warming due to emission of
greenhouse gases. The danger of spiraling emissions has embraced the entire world. Developing
countries are particularly affected by the impacts of climate change. Biodiversity is threatened by
human-induced climate change. Biological diversity is defined as the variability among living
organisms from all sources including terrestrial, marine, and other aquatic ecosystems. Biodiversity is
visible at three levels, species diversity, genetic diversity and ecosystem diversity. Climate change is
forcing biodiversity to adapt through shifting habitats.
This paper focuses on challenges posed by climate change to India’s rich biodiversity. It aims to
study climate change and other factors responsible for biodiversity loss, climate change impacts on
biodiversity in National Parks, with an example of Marine National Park of Gujarat. The paper outlines
measures taken in India for conservation of biodiversity and to cope with various climates induced
challenges. An outline of India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change, including the Green India
Mission, the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 for India, UNDP’s role in combating climate
change and biodiversity conservation in India are also discussed.
International Biodiversity Day
May 22 is celebrated world wide as International biodiversity day. The day highlights the need for
urgent action. This year’s celebration coincided with the launch of the 2011-20 UN decades on
biodiversity. This year’s theme was “Forest Biodiversity” as a contribution to the 2011 International
Year of Forest. The forests are disappearing at an alarming rate. Forests harbour biodiversity and make
an important contribution to regulating climate and the greenhouse gases that are causing climate
change.
The wealth of species or biodiversity is created over the earth by evolution driven by the sun’s
energy. The present biodiversity is the result of evolution of the last over 3.5 billion years. It is shaped
by natural processes and human influences. Biological diversity strengthens ecosystem functioning and
supports the provision of ecosystem services essential for mankind. The provision of clean air and
water is facilitated by its existence. It is essential for the achievement of the Millennium Development
Goals, including poverty reduction. The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment was carried out by natural
and social scientists of 95 countries. It found the trend of loss of biodiversity over several parts of the
world. At the Rio UN summit of 1992 a convention was signed on the need to conserve biodiversity at
3 levels- ecosystem, species and genetic diversity. Most states signed this convention. In spite of this
treaty and subsequent protocols, the trend of loss of biodiversity has continued unabated.
Factors responsible for biodiversity loss
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According to economist Nicolas Stern, biodiversity loss is attributed to climate change. Climate
change is impacting all natural ecosystems as well as socio economic systems. Another force behind
biodiversity loss is human population growth. Human population has increased fourfold during the 20th
century. Human activities are responsible for current high rate of biodiversity loss. With demographic
changes, land to man ratio and forest to man ratio has declined. Along with the land use changes, use
of primary products by human beings is rising. The demand of land for food, fodder and firewood is on
increase. Unsustainable resource extraction from forests, overexploitation of wild bio resources, the
increased use of bio mass by human consumption, poaching and hunting, pollution of atmosphere,
water and land have led to depletion of biodiversity. Habitat destruction and deterioration are posing
threats to biodiversity. Habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation result due to agricultural activities.
Infrastructure development and dam construction projects have also led to deforestation and
biodiversity loss. Additional land is required for new housing and infrastructure projects, tree
plantation for agro fuels and paper and pulp industry. Land use for mining also destroys biodiversity
and hampers livelihood in densely populated areas. Biodiversity loss is also linked with desertification.
Human induced changes in terrestrial ecosystems have been adversely impacting the marine
biodiversity. Other factors responsible for biodiversity loss are invasive alien species. Introduction of
genetically modified (GM) crops is also leading to loss of biodiversity in agriculture. Farmers are
struggling to save their traditional seed varieties from the onslaught of GM hybrids. Widespread and
excessive use of pesticides and herbicides has aggravated the problem. Several human interferences,
such as agriculture, fires and dams, alter forest structure and plant composition and completely destroy
the habitats of birds, animals, and butterflies. Illegal trade in wild animals and butterflies is also
rampant.
Climate change- threat to biodiversity
Climate change on account of built up of greenhouse gases leads to global warming and poses
significant threat to biodiversity, ecosystems and the goods and services they provide. The projected
changes in temperature and CO2 concentration may alter growth and reproduction in both plants and
animals. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in its summary report has estimated huge
loss of biodiversity for biodiversity rich mega diverse countries such as India because of higher
greenhouse gas emission. The world’s oceans are faced with an unprecedented loss of species. The
seas are degenerating because of the cumulative impact of several factors such as global warming, sea
water acidification, widespread chemical pollution. The experts have found that the effects of climate
change coupled with other human induced impacts such as overfishing and nutrient runoff from
farming have caused a dramatic decline in ocean health. Climate change experts estimate that by the
end of the century, ocean acidity worldwide will change because of CO2 emissions. The rising
concentration of CO2 will reduce ocean pH from its present level of 8.1 to 7.8. The effects of a pH
drop below 7.8 would be ‘catastrophic” for the coral reefs. (The Times of India, Ahmadabad, 25-052011) Coral reefs around the world are facing the threat of extinction by the end of the century as the
oceans are becoming more and more acidic.
Climate Change Impacts and India
India is extreme vulnerability to global warming. Climate change is manifested in India through
changes in average temperatures, rainfall patterns and monsoon timings. The frequency and intensity
of natural disasters is on increase. The nation's economy is closely tied to natural resources. Climate
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change is affecting India's entire environment. It is impacting agriculture, water availability,
biodiversity and sea-levels. The impacts of the loss of biodiversity will be widespread. Poor people in
India are extremely vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. It is estimated that 26% of India's
people live below the poverty line. They include the farmers, forest dwellers and fishermen living in
rural areas. These are the most vulnerable population groups, whose adaptive capacity is very low. The
most severe impact of biodiversity loss will fall on them. They depend on the ecosystem for day-to-day
subsistence. The livelihood of these communities is affected by climate change. They have been
traditionally dependent on biodiversity resources such as fodder, fuel wood, timber and minor forest
produce. Ecosystems and biodiversity availability have direct and indirect relationships with the
incidence of poverty. Availability of natural capital helps in poverty reduction. With the loss of
biodiversity, the access of these resources to the poor is denied. This will affect the efforts of the
governments to achieve the Millennium Development Goals
Biodiversity in India
India is known for its rich heritage of biological diversity. India possesses a distinct identity for the
great diversity of its natural ecosystems, in addition to its geography, history and culture. A wide
variety in physical features and climatic situations has resulted in a diversity of habitats and
ecosystems. India has 2.4% of the world’s land area and accounts for 7-8% of the recorded species of
the world. There are two biodiversity hotspots in India- the Eastern Himalayas and the Western Ghats.
The diverse ecological habitats found are forests, grasslands, wetlands, lakes, coastal and marine
ecosystem, desert ecosystem, coral reefs. Forests cover 23.6% of its total geographical area. Over
91,000 species of animals and 45,000 species of plants are documented in its 10 bio-geographic
regions. India has 59,355 insect species, 2546 fish species, 240 amphibian species, 460 reptile species,
1232 bird species, 397 mammal species, and 18669 species of vascular plants. 5650 microbial species
have been described. In addition about 140 breeds of domesticated animals are also found. (Source:
State of Environment Report India 2009, Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of India)
With 1,800 known species and subspecies, India has 10 per cent of the global biodiversity in butterfly.
India is also rich in medicinal and aromatic plants. About 2000 native plant species have curative
properties and 1300 species are known for their aroma and flavors. The Ministry of Environment and
forests has identified 9500 plant species considering their importance in pharmaceutical industry. On
this background, it needs to be pointed out that India contains 2.9% of IUCN designated threatened
species. At least 10% of the country’s recorded wild flora and fauna are on the threatened list on the
verge of extinction. India continues to lose its rich butterfly diversity at an alarming rate. The
biodiversity hot spots of eastern Himalayas and the Western Ghats are the prime hunting grounds. The
rate of species extinction and the spread of vector-borne diseases have accelerated with climate change.
Coastal and marine biodiversity
Nearly 50 % of the aquatic plants of the world are recorded from the Indian sub continent. India has a
strong base of indigenous knowledge on various aspects of biodiversity including marine and coastal
biodiversity. India’s marine resources have a vast economic potential. The coastal waters of India
have extremely rich fishing areas. Coral reefs are highly productive and the world’s richest marine
ecosystem. Coral reefs occur along the Gulf of Kutch Gulf of Mannar and its adjoining islands. Indian
coral reefs are of great economic importance as they provide a large variety of resources. Green tiger
prawns and five species of marine turtles are found. Mangroves in India account for about 5 % of
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world’s mangrove forests. They are the most productive and bio-diverse wetlands, the most threatened
habitats in the world.
Biodiversity in Wetlands /Lake Habitats
Wetlands/ lakes are biodiversity ‘hotspots’ regions of the world. They are a home to diverse flora and
fauna. Shorelines or banks of lakes attract a variety of plants and animals. The fauna that surrounds
lakes as well as wetland area of the lake contribute towards microclimate as well as biodiversity.
Wetlands attract migratory birds. They play an important role as critical stopover for migratory birds,
as well as their feeding and breeding habitats. Wetlands are important for the conservation of global
biological diversity, which is critically endangered. The International Wetland Convention (came into
force in India on February 1, 1982. India has 25 “Ramsar” sites. Economic activities around lakes and
wetlands like agriculture, forestry, tourism, fisheries and transportation are weather dependent.
Climate is the most important factor controlling biodiversity and distribution of aquatic organisms in
lakes. With climate change, the lakes’ temperature, pH and oxygen level are likely to change. These
variations separately or in combination influence the health of the fish and other organisms and their
availability. Several lakes in India are the victims of global warming. The plant and animal life
associated with them is threatened. The average water temperature of several lakes has increased. Due
to evaporation and due to human interferences, the extent of several lakes is shrinking. In the
Himalayan lakes, the ice break up occurs earlier in summers. Invasive species also pose a challenge.
These might thrive due to the warmer lake temperature as the habitats of native species are likely to be
destroyed or disturbed.
Protected Areas for biodiversity conservation
National Parks or Protected areas are the focal point of biodiversity conservation in India. As a part of
India’s strategy for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, it has accorded special status to
protecting biodiversity rich areas by declaring them as National parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and
biosphere reserves. Protected areas, both terrestrial and marine, have been designated to conserve
biodiversity and to protect migratory species. India has 93 National Parks and 485 sanctuaries for
protecting various forms of wild life. This list includes 5 Marine National Parks as well. The Forest
Department is involved in the management of Protected Areas. It controls and prevents grazing and
harvesting of fuel wood by patrolling the area. It also undertakes programmes of regeneration of
mangroves through plantations. The number of tourists visiting national parks has recorded an
increasing trend. Surveys reveal that tourists visiting national parks expressed a positive attitude
towards protected areas and expect that biodiversity in them should be conserved. The biodiversity in
the Marine National Park and the impact of climate change on its biodiversity is illustrated with the
example of Gulf of Kutch Marine National Park in Gujarat.
Ecosystem in Gulf of Kutch Marine National Park
This Marine National Park and sanctuary are the first in the country to be notified. It is situated at
Jamnagar (Gujarat) in the inter-tidal zone of the Gulf of Kutch in the Arabian Sea on the west coast of
India. This MNP at is a unique habitat of biodiversity and abounds in a variety of marine wealth,
corals and mangroves. This MNP has been classed as one of the “Unique and Rich” biodiversity areas
of Gujarat (GEC, 1996) because of the variety of living resources, and rare species. The protected area
includes an archipelago of 42 islands. The Gulf of Kutch is a unique geographical region of the Indian
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Ocean with tidal interface. The mudflats within inter tidal zone of the protected area comprises nearly
two thirds of the total area of the park. The sandy beaches make up an ecosystem distinct from
mudflats. The low tide mudflat area and the beaches is the home of sea algae and provide shelter to
marine creatures and birds from the tide. The coastal water of Gulf of Kutch is blessed with a system
of coral reefs. As the Gulf of Kutch area is shallow, it has outcrops on which corals grow.
Marine flora
Marine flora in this park consists of mangroves and sea grasses. Well stacked mangrove vegetation is
found in pockets along the creeks within the mudflats. The mangroves are observed to be in good
condition. Mangrove forests provide a variety of habitats and ecological niche for numerous species of
wildlife and sustain fisheries. In addition, over 120 species of marine algae, sea weeds, and mollusks
are found here. Some of the varieties have become nearly extinct. Certain sea grass species in MNP
support unique endangered fauna like dugong and sea horse.
Bird life
Mangrove forests provide excellent habitat for water and shore birds. In addition, scrub forest / thorn
forest found along the rocky stretches of the Gujarat coastline and on the higher areas of the islands
support a rich variety of birdlife which breed and nest here. About 94 species of water birds and 78
species of terrestrial birds are observed. During monsoon, 30 different species of migratory birds make
their homes in the mangrove forests.
Coral reefs
The 33 of total 42 islands in the MNP support fringing reefs. Some of the islands support good
colonies of live corals. Up to 56 species of corals have been documented from this area. A study of the
Coral reefs of Kutch published by Gujarat Ecology Commission mentions that live corals- both soft
and stony-at different stages of growth are abundantly present at the sub-tidal regions of the reefs.
Fauna
This marine park is the home of wild buffaloes, Asiatic wild dogs, wild pigs, common otters. It has a
rich variety of fishes and avifauna. Researchers have listed about 180 species of fish including 8
species of shark and 200 different types of sponges, 27 species of prawns, 30 species of crabs, more
than 200 species of mollusks, over 12 species of echinoderms, 5 species of annelids, 108 species of
brown, green and red algae. The park has recorded the presence of Dugongs, porpoise and rare species
called Bonellia.
The Sea Turtles
The islands of the Gulf are visited by three types of endangered species of sea turtles to nest every
summer: Green sea turtle, Olive Ridley turtle and Leather back turtle. Migratory sea turtles depend on
sea grass, which is available in the Gulf. Green turtles migrate from the coast of Brazil to Indian coast.
They breed along the Gulf of Kutch and on the sea shore of Saurashtra.
Whales and dolphins
Dolphins are frequently seen in the major creeks in the Gulf of Kutch. The Whale sharks are seen near
the Gujarat coast between March and May every year. Eight varieties of small sharks were encountered
in the Gulf of Kutch (Singh, 2001). Whale sharks undertake huge migrations from Australia, Mexico,
South Africa and breed in tropical waters of the Indian Ocean.
Climate change threats to MPA
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The protected areas are susceptible to the impacts of climate change. Climate change is impacting the
biodiversity of the MNP. Due to global warming, the average temperature of the Gulf of Kutch is
undergoing changes, which is affecting the entire ecosystem. Its biodiversity loss is reflected in loss of
species richness and habitat loss. Coral bleaching is a major contributing factor for their decline.
Bleaching was noticed in several reef areas of islands in the MNP. Unfavorable conditions associated
with global warming such as increase in ocean temperature and salinity is leading to coral bleaching in
MNP. Number of endangered species of the park is increasing. The migratory route and timings of
migratory birds is impacted.
Tourism in MPA
Gulf of Kutch MNP is an ideal place for developing marine ecotourism because of its distinctive and
diverse ecosystem. The area under dense mangroves can be developed for ecotourism. (Ranade,
2007).Coral reefs are one of the world’s biggest tourist attractions. Coral reefs over here offer not just
visual beauty; they provide opportunities for dive tourism, in addition to other economic benefits. In
contrast to mass tourism, this is special interest tourism. While promoting tourism in MNP it has to be
ensured that the marine ecosystem and marine resources are not adversely affected or over-exploited.
Excessive or inappropriate tourist activities can constitute a major stress factor for ecosystem and a
serious disturbance to marine life. An effective management is essential for maintaining and improving
the ecosystem within the MNP. The policies have to be designed to be compatible with the philosophy
of sustainable ecotourism to promote both economy and ecology.
Conservation of MPA
The coastal areas of Gulf of Kutch are witnessing tremendous boost in industrial development with
the construction of new ports, jetties, salt and cement industries, crude oil terminals and refineries, gas
plants, etc. More developments are in the pipeline. Utmost care should be taken to ensure that safe
distance is maintained from MPA, and it is fully protected from wastes/effluents and industrial
pollution. The project implementing authorities in this area are required to be very careful while
carrying out dredging, mining or reclaiming and ensure that no damage is caused to the coral reefs and
ecosystem. This marine habitat needs to be protected from natural hazards, degradation from
industrialization, and improved for the habitation of marine life, so that the adverse impacts of climate
change are minimized.
The National Committee on wetlands has identified mangroves and coral reefs in the Gulf of Kutch for
intensive conservation and development. The biophysical monitoring of coral reef areas in the MNP
was carried out in March 2011 by a team of experts. (The Times of India, Ahmadabad, 24-03-2011)
The objective was to know the present status of the coral reef and associated marine flora and fauna.
The factors contributing to the loss of coral reef biodiversity were assessed. The scientists will
compare these findings with earlier research data and will suggest remedies for the effective
conservation of the coral reefs. The first Coral Atlas of the state of Gujarat prepared by the Gujarat
Ecology Commission was released on 30 April 2011. (The Times of India, Ahmadabad, May 2, 2011).
The Atlas comprises of thematic maps of coral reefs on the coastline of the state, The Atlas is based on
the latest figures on coral reefs and details of the habitat scenario of each of the coral reefs. The Coral
atlas will be useful to various stakeholders and natural resource managers and will help in preparing
the upcoming “Integrated coastal zone management plan” for Gujarat.
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UNDP’s role in combating climate change and biodiversity conservation in India
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Equator Initiative is a United Nations-led
partnership that supports local efforts in biodiversity conservation and poverty alleviation. It was
initiated with an objective to improve the livelihoods of people living in biodiversity rich areas of the
world, who are extremely poor and do not have the capacity to convert this natural wealth into better
livelihood opportunities. It aims to focus global attention to the community-led conservation efforts.
UNDP is financing a large number of projects in areas related to climate change (mitigation and
adaptation) under Equator Initiative. As climate change is expected to increase the ferocity of natural
disasters, UNDP is supporting the Government's National Disaster Management Programme which
helps to better manage the impacts of natural disasters.
UNDP projects aim to conserve biodiversity, prevent land degradation and to promote sustainable
livelihoods. Poor communities that inhabit vulnerable ecosystems are supported to rehabilitate land.
The project activities are strengthening the livelihoods of communities and enhancing conservation of
biodiversity outside protected forests. In this connection Caitlin Wiesen, Country Director, UNDP
India has remarked- “If we are to reverse the trend of depleting environmental assets, much will
depend on the abilities of local communities to build sustainable livelihoods while conserving the
environment for future generations.” UNDP is assisting the women’s groups living in ecologically
sensitive areas such as Orissa, Sunderbans and Gulf of Mannar to reduce their dependence on climate
sensitive activities such as agriculture. It is encouraging them to take up non agricultural activities,
such as animal husbandry and vegetable farming. They are thus managing to reduce their vulnerability
to the impacts of climate change. Since 1997, it has supported Indian government efforts to monitor
the migration and conservation of Olive Ridley turtles. Population of Olive Ridley turtles has declined
steadily. UNDP is assisting The Samudram Women’s Federation in Orissa, which has undertaken a
state wide campaign to increase the number of turtles. It is promoting responsible fishing practices,
monitoring their breeding and restoring their habitats by protecting beaches. Other projects under
implementation are: (1) Conservation and sustainable use of Gulf of Mannar Biosphere reserve coastal
biodiversity, (2) Coastal and Marine Biodiversity Conservation in the East Godavari River Estuarine
Ecosystem in Andhra Pradesh focusing on the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary. A project-Conservation and
sustainable use of medicinal plant diversity is implemented in North eastern states, Uttaranchal and
Bastar. They have demonstrated that plant-based traditional medicines have the potential to
substantially reduce the healthcare costs of rural communities.
Biodiversity conservation: The Indian tradition
Using biodiversity sustainably is part of Indian culture and heritage. Indian society’s traditional respect
for rivers, ecology and nature is strongly rooted in its heritage. E.g. the Bishnoi tribes of Rajasthan for
over centuries have protected trees and wild animals in and around their villages. They have traditional
norms and practices for conservation of neighborhood forests. Sacred groves are initiatives of
communities based on their religious beliefs for conserving biodiversity in village forests. India has
over 19,000 sacred groves. The Shankaracharya sacred grove in Jammu and Kashmir, being
maintained for aesthetic and recreational purposes, is reported to be well managed(India
Environmental Portal) People have realized that conserving biodiversity is essential for their survival.
There are successful examples of small forest around several villages maintained under joint forest
management. Various programmes of forestation of degraded lands and wastelands are undertaken.
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India has several traditional crop varieties cultivated by the tribal people. These need to be conserved.
A coastal state, notably Gujarat, has shown an increase in mangrove forests. Ecosystem restoration
activities such as plantation of mangroves enhance ecosystem services and create employment. They
are also effective measures to combat the adverse impact of climate change.
Biodiversity conservation legislations in India
The aim of India National Forest Policy 1988 is to ensure environmental stability and maintenance of
ecological balance. For wildlife conservation, Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 has been passed.
Protection of sea based bio-diversity is covered under this Act. For protecting the endangered species
massive conservation programmes such as of tigers and elephants are carried out. India has
participated actively and ratified all international conventions related to biodiversity conservation.
India was an important player in drafting the text of Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD) and
became a party to it in Feb 1994. India has enacted Biological Diversity Act 2002. This is the guiding
framework for biodiversity conservation in India. UNDP assists in capacity development to implement
the Biological Diversity Act in states. The Government has promulgated the Biological Diversity Rules
in 2004. India’s National Environmental Policy 2006 forms the basic framework for National
Biodiversity Action Plan. The NBAP proposes to design actions based on the assessment of current
and future needs of conservation and sustainable utilization. It was approved by the Government of
India on 6th Nov 2008.
The Convention on Biodiversity and the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020
The Convention on Biodiversity is an international treaty for the conservation of biodiversity, the
sustainable use of the components of biodiversity and the equitable sharing of the benefits derived
from the use of genetic resources. The convention seeks to address all threats to biodiversity and
ecosystem services including threats from climate change through full and active involvement of
relevant stakeholders. (www.cbd.int)
The purpose of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 is to promote effective implementation
of the Convention through a strategic approach, comprising a shared vision, a mission, and strategic
goals and targets (“The Aichi Biodiversity Targets”). It helps to develop methodologies and initiatives
to monitor status and trends of biodiversity and ecosystem services, share data, develop indicators and
measures, and undertake regular and timely assessments on biodiversity and ecosystem services. The
United Nations General Assembly is considering for adoption relevant elements of the Strategic Plan
for Biodiversity 2011-2020 and it’s Aichi Targets as integral elements in the Millennium Development
Goals 7 on ensuring environmental sustainability.
Emission of Greenhouse gases and countering climate change
The way the emissions are increasing is a matter of concern. It is becoming extremely challenging to
keep global warming under control. In the current economic growth model, it is not possible to reduce
emissions drastically. This is why the industrialized world has not been able to cut emissions. It is
essential to mitigate the emission of greenhouse gases. Developed countries collectively emitted 10
tonnes of per capita emissions. India’s per capita emission in 2010 was 1.5 tonnes. India’s contribution
to cumulative global CO2 emissions is only 5%, but the impacts are severe at local level. India is a fast
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growing economy. It is important for the nation to continue on its path of economic growth in order to
reduce poverty. India’s future developmental targets are directly or indirectly linked to energy and
increased greenhouse gas emissions. Most Indian industry is efficient in terms of its use of energy and
emissions. Many sectors of Indian industry are performing at global best levels. The Government is
pursuing a policy aimed at expanding people's access to energy; India is contributing towards
international efforts to counter climate change. IPCC estimates 30 to 40 per cent emissions reduction
below 1990 levels is required to contain the rising temperature. The world remains divided on the
matter of how to cut emissions of greenhouse gases that determine economic growth. Developing
countries have developed a domestic agenda for climate change mitigation. India has launched a
campaign and is asking developed nations to ensure their greenhouse gas emissions peak by 2012 and
then collectively bring their emissions down by 40%-50% from 1990 levels by 2020. In January 2011
India declared that it would voluntarily reduce emissions intensity of the GDP by 20-25 per cent by
2020 in comparison to the 2005 level.
India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change
It is necessary to take immediate action to decrease the direct pressures on biodiversity, to restore
biodiversity wherever necessary and to safeguard ecosystem services. There are many actions that are
being taken to help counter climate change and its impacts in India. Several ministries and departments
in India have undertaken programmes related to biodiversity conservation. Renewable and clean
energy technologies are utilized for improving energy efficiency in conserving the habitats and
promoting the livelihoods. Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh released India's National Action Plan
on Climate Change on 30 June 2008. The Action Plan reflects the importance the Government attaches
to mobilizing our national energies to meet the challenge of climate change. The National Action Plan
focuses attention on 8 priorities National Missions. These are: 1. Solar Energy, 2. Enhanced Energy
Efficiency, 3. Sustaining Habitat, 4. Conserving Water, 5.Sustaining Himalayan Ecosystem, 6. “Green
India”, 7. Sustainable agriculture, 8. Strategic Knowledge Platform for Climate Change. Awareness is
created by the Government and the NGOs regarding the adverse impact of climate change on
biodiversity through mass campaigns. As a part of World Environment Day Celebrations 2011, a film
festival was organized in New Delhi to screen films related to Biodiversity conservation.
National Mission for Green India
The National Mission for a Green India (GIM) acknowledges the influence that forestry sector has on
environmental amelioration through climate mitigation, water security and biodiversity conservation.
The Mission recognizes that climate change phenomena will seriously affect and alter the distribution,
type and quality of natural resources and the livelihoods of the people. Before the turn of the century
about 56 per cent of India's forests will be transformed under global warming. Biodiversity Boards
have raised an alarm over the advancing dry climate for the loss of forest cover in the hills. The
Mission proposes to take a holistic view of forestry and not merely focus on plantation to meet carbon
sequestration targets. It focuses on preserving and enhancing biodiversity and increasing the quality of
forest cover. It has the target of doubling the area to be taken up for forestation in India in the next 10
years. At present 2.6% of India’s GDP is spent on measures to adapt to the impact of climate change.
Concluding observations
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Scientific studies project a continuing loss of habitats and high rates of extinctions throughout this
century if current trends of global warming persist. Unless urgent action is taken to reverse current
trends, services derived from ecosystems, supported by biodiversity, are likely to be lost. There is need
to conserve forest fragments unprotected so far as biodiversity parks. More focused scientific research
on impacts of climate change on biodiversity, forest types, ecosystem zones, crop yields, synergizing
efforts to combat desertification and promote biodiversity conservation is required under the present
changing climate regime. If the pressures on biodiversity are reduced, ecosystems are restored,
biological resources are sustainably used, and it will help in mitigating the adverse impacts of climate
change on biodiversity. For this adequate financial resource need to be provided and appropriate
policies need to be effectively implemented. The most vulnerable people should be reached to help
them to adapt to climate change. If we are to avoid the harmful impacts of climate change on
biodiversity, all nations should use fossil fuels in a sustainable manner and aim to be on their way to
becoming "low carbon" economies by mid-century.
References1.Biomass energy for rural development, A project under Global Environment Facility and UNDP,
Conserving Habitats; Protecting Livelihoods: A women’s Group in Orissa, India Leads the Way.
Articles on UNDP website-www.undp.org
2. “Down to Earth” Various issues of the fortnightly journal published by the Centre for Science and
Environment, New Delhi.
3. Kumar, Pushpam and John Martinez Alier,(2011), The economics of ecosystem services and
biodiversity; an international assessment, Economic and Political Weekly, Vol XLVI, No 24, 76-80.
National Mission for a Green India, National Consultations, Ministry of environment and Forest, Govt
of India , Consultation organised by Centre for Environment Education, 2010.
4. Ranade, Prabha Shastri, (ed) (2008) Climate Change and Biodiversity: Perspectives and Mitigation
Strategies, Icfai university Press, Hyderabad
5. (2008), Climate change: impact and mitigation, Icfai university Press, Hyderabad.
6. (2008), Lakes: Conservation and management Icfai university Press, Hyderabad
7. (2007). “Tourism in Marine National Park of Gujarat” Proceedings of the 5th International Coastal
and Marine Tourism Congress, Auckland, New Zealand, p. 219-233
8. State of Environment Report India 2009, Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of India
http://www.cbd.int/idb/2011/
9. Press Releases by Press Information Bureau, Government of India, Ministry of Science &
Technology, Ministry of Environment and Forests.
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