MEV 017: Unit 14 – Habitat and Trade

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 UNIT 14: HABITAT AND TRADE

14.1 Introduction

Human activities have had profound impacts on ecosystems across the globe, threatening species, degrading habitats, and polluting natural environments. To protect fragile ecosystems, particularly those that are transboundary, and to regulate trade in endangered species, several international treaties and conventions have been adopted over the years.

This unit discusses key international agreements related to habitat conservation and regulation of international trade that affects wildlife, marine life, and ecologically sensitive areas. These agreements aim to ensure sustainable use, scientific research, and environmental protection on a global scale.

14.2 Objectives

After completing this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Understand the purpose and scope of international agreements for habitat protection.
  • Describe the role of trade-related treaties in biodiversity conservation.
  • Analyze the legal provisions of treaties such as CITES, Ramsar, MARPOL, and UNCLOS.
  • Appreciate the global effort to protect ecologically significant and endangered habitats.

14.3 The Antarctic Treaty, 1959

The Antarctic Treaty was signed in 1959 and entered into force in 1961. It governs all international relations concerning Antarctica—the only continent without a native human population.

14.3.1 Important Provisions of the Treaty

  • Antarctica is to be used exclusively for peaceful purposes (no military activity).
  • Scientific investigation and cooperation are encouraged.
  • Territorial sovereignty claims are put on hold.
  • No nuclear explosions or disposal of radioactive waste are allowed.
  • Environmental protection is emphasized.
  • Includes a Protocol on Environmental Protection (1991) that bans all mining and ensures conservation of flora and fauna.

Significance:

  • A model for international cooperation.
  • First arms control agreement of the Cold War era.
  • Laid foundation for science-led environmental protection in polar regions.

14.4 The Ramsar Convention, 1971

The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971, is a global treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.

Key Objectives:

  • Promote wise use of wetlands.
  • Maintain the ecological character of wetlands.
  • Foster international cooperation on transboundary wetlands.

Features:

  • Establishes a list of Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Sites).
  • Encourages national wetland policies and monitoring.
  • India is a party to the Convention with 75 Ramsar Sites as of 2025.

Examples of Ramsar Sites in India:

  • Chilika Lake (Odisha)
  • Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan)
  • Loktak Lake (Manipur)
  • Sundarbans Wetland (West Bengal)

14.5 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), 1973

CITES, signed in 1973 and enforced from 1975, regulates international trade in wild animals and plants to ensure that such trade does not threaten their survival.

Key Features:

  • Over 38,000 species of plants and animals are listed.
  • Species are grouped into three Appendices:
    • Appendix I: Species threatened with extinction – trade is banned.
    • Appendix II: Species not yet threatened but could become so – trade is regulated.
    • Appendix III: Species protected in at least one country – trade allowed under restrictions.

Implementation in India:

  • India is a signatory to CITES.
  • The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 is used to implement its provisions.
  • Customs and forest officials are responsible for monitoring trade.

14.6 International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), 1973/78

MARPOL stands for Marine Pollution and is the most important international convention aimed at preventing pollution of the marine environment by ships.

Main Objectives:

  • Prevent pollution from oil, chemicals, sewage, garbage, and air emissions from ships.

Key Annexes:

  1. Annex I – Oil
  2. Annex II – Noxious liquid substances
  3. Annex III – Harmful substances in packaged form
  4. Annex IV – Sewage
  5. Annex V – Garbage
  6. Annex VI – Air pollution

India’s Role:

  • Enforced through the Merchant Shipping Act and Indian Coast Guard.
  • Ports are required to have waste reception facilities.
  • Important for protecting India’s long coastline and marine biodiversity.

14.7 Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals, 1972

This Convention was developed under the Antarctic Treaty to regulate the exploitation of seals in the Southern Ocean, ensuring that seal populations are not threatened.

Features:

  • Applies to all species of seals in Antarctic waters.
  • Sets harvesting limits and protected areas.
  • Encourages scientific research on seal populations.
  • Promotes monitoring and reporting of seal catch.

Significance:

Helps maintain ecological balance in Antarctica, a region vulnerable to exploitation due to its remoteness and biodiversity sensitivity.

14.8 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), 1982

UNCLOS, often called the “Constitution of the Oceans,” was adopted in 1982 and came into force in 1994. It governs all aspects of ocean space, including navigation rights, marine resources, and environmental protection.

Key Features:

  • Defines territorial waters, exclusive economic zones (EEZ), and continental shelves.
  • Grants coastal states sovereign rights over resources within their 200-nautical mile EEZ.
  • Encourages the protection of marine biodiversity.
  • Contains clauses for:
    • Marine scientific research
    • Pollution control
    • High seas governance

India’s Involvement:

  • India ratified UNCLOS in 1995.
  • Responsible for managing its vast EEZ in the Indian Ocean.
  • Developed the Deep Ocean Mission and Blue Economy policies under this framework.

14.9 Let Us Sum Up

This unit has explored major global conventions and treaties aimed at protecting critical habitats and regulating trade and pollution across borders:

  • Antarctic Treaty (1959): Ensures peaceful, scientific use of Antarctica.
  • Ramsar Convention (1971): Focuses on wetlands of international importance.
  • CITES (1973): Controls trade in endangered species.
  • MARPOL (1973/78): Prevents pollution from ships.
  • Conservation of Antarctic Seals (1972): Regulates seal exploitation.
  • UNCLOS (1982): Provides a comprehensive legal framework for oceans.

These agreements are vital in addressing the pressures of globalization, habitat loss, marine pollution, and illegal wildlife trade. India's participation in these global efforts showcases its commitment to biodiversity conservation, environmental sustainability, and equitable international governance.

14.10 Key Words

  • Habitat: The natural environment where a species lives.
  • Ramsar Site: A wetland designated as internationally important.
  • CITES: Convention regulating trade in endangered species.
  • MARPOL: Treaty to prevent marine pollution from ships.
  • UNCLOS: United Nations Convention governing the use of oceans.
  • Antarctic Treaty: Agreement to protect Antarctica for peaceful purposes.

 

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