MEVE 014: Unit 10 - Conservation through Protected Areas

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 UNIT 10: CONSERVATION THROUGH PROTECTED AREAS

10.1 Introduction

The degradation of biodiversity and ecosystems has emerged as one of the most pressing global environmental challenges. Protected Areas (PAs) have been recognized as a cornerstone strategy for conserving biological diversity, safeguarding endangered species, maintaining ecological processes, and promoting sustainable development. As human pressures on ecosystems continue to escalate, the role of PAs has become increasingly significant—not only for ecological reasons but also for social, cultural, and economic benefits.

10.2 Objectives

After studying this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Understand the concept, need, and scope of Protected Areas (PAs).
  • Explore the global and Indian frameworks for protected area management.
  • Assess the effectiveness of protected areas in biodiversity conservation.
  • Recognize the role of conservation outside traditional PAs.
  • Examine emerging concepts like ecological restoration and ecosystem services.
  • Understand the challenges of human-dominated landscapes and potential solutions.

10.3 Need of Protected Areas (PA) and Global Protected Area Framework

10.3.1 What are Protected Areas (PAs)?

Protected Areas are clearly defined geographical spaces recognized and managed through legal or other effective means to achieve the long-term conservation of nature, including ecosystem services and cultural values. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), PAs are classified based on their objectives ranging from strict nature reserves to areas allowing sustainable use of natural resources.

10.3.2 Global Protected Area Framework

Globally, efforts to establish protected areas have gained momentum under frameworks such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The Aichi Biodiversity Target 11 set a goal to protect at least 17% of terrestrial and inland water areas and 10% of marine and coastal areas by 2020. This has now evolved into the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) under the CBD, targeting 30% protection of the planet by 2030.

Key instruments include:

  • UNESCO World Heritage Sites
  • Ramsar Convention on Wetlands
  • Man and Biosphere Reserves (MAB)
  • Global Environment Facility (GEF) funding mechanisms

10.4 Establishment and Classification of Protected Areas

10.4.1 Protected Areas in India

India has a robust legal and institutional framework for establishing and managing protected areas, governed primarily under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The categories include:

  • National Parks: No human activity is allowed.
  • Wildlife Sanctuaries: Certain activities may be permitted.
  • Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves: Recognize the role of local communities in conservation.
  • Biosphere Reserves: Part of the UNESCO MAB programme.
  • Tiger Reserves: Protected under the National Tiger Conservation Authority.

As of 2025, India has:

  • 106 National Parks
  • 567 Wildlife Sanctuaries
  • 18 Biosphere Reserves
  • 99 Conservation Reserves
  • 220 Community Reserves

10.4.2 Steps for Establishment of Protected Areas

The process involves:

  1. Identification of ecologically sensitive regions.
  2. Demarcation of boundaries using scientific and community-based inputs.
  3. Notification by the Government through legal processes.
  4. Preparation of management plans and regular monitoring.

10.5 Effectiveness of Protected Area Management

Effective PA management includes:

  • Legal Enforcement: Preventing illegal logging, poaching, and encroachments.
  • Community Involvement: Engaging local communities in conservation.
  • Scientific Research: Monitoring biodiversity trends and threats.
  • Capacity Building: Training forest staff and stakeholders.
  • Conflict Resolution: Addressing human-wildlife conflicts and resource use.

Assessment tools:

  • Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT)
  • Green List by IUCN

10.6 Designing Protected Areas

A well-designed PA network should:

  • Include core, buffer, and transition zones.
  • Ensure connectivity between habitats via corridors.
  • Represent all ecoregions and biodiversity hotspots.
  • Be adaptive to climate change and migration patterns.
  • Integrate traditional ecological knowledge.

10.7 Managing Protected Areas

Management requires:

  • Zonation for varying degrees of protection.
  • Eco-tourism regulation to avoid degradation.
  • Sustainable financing through government and international support.
  • Monitoring and evaluation using remote sensing, GIS, and fieldwork.

10.8 Conservation Outside Protected Areas

Biodiversity conservation cannot rely solely on PAs. Conservation efforts must extend to:

  • Agroforestry systems
  • Sacred groves and community forests
  • Private reserves
  • Urban biodiversity parks

These approaches help in landscape-level conservation, especially in fragmented ecosystems.

10.9 Public and Private Lands

Effective conservation on non-protected lands involves:

  • Incentives for private landowners (e.g., tax rebates, payments for ecosystem services).
  • Community-led conservation initiatives.
  • Eco-labelling and certification to encourage sustainable use.

10.10 Human Dominated Landscapes

These are landscapes where human presence and activity are intensive. Conservation in such areas includes:

  • Promoting sustainable agriculture and fisheries.
  • Encouraging low-impact infrastructure.
  • Restoring degraded ecosystems.

10.11 In Situ Agriculture Conservation

It refers to conserving crop genetic resources within their natural agro-ecosystems by:

  • Supporting traditional farming practices.
  • Preserving indigenous varieties.
  • Involving local knowledge systems in climate-resilient agriculture.

10.12 Extractive Reserves

These are areas where sustainable extraction of natural resources is allowed. Examples include:

  • Non-timber forest products (e.g., honey, medicinal plants)
  • Sustainable fisheries
  • Community-based forest management

10.13 Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES)

PES is an incentive-based mechanism to encourage conservation by compensating those who manage ecosystems sustainably. Examples:

  • Water conservation projects (e.g., Costa Rica’s PES programme)
  • Forest carbon sequestration (REDD+ projects)

10.14 Ecosystem Management

An integrated approach that:

  • Focuses on maintaining ecological integrity.
  • Balances conservation and development.
  • Promotes adaptive management in response to climate change.

10.15 Restoration of Damaged Ecosystems

10.15.1 Causes

  • Deforestation
  • Pollution
  • Overgrazing
  • Mining and industrial activities

10.15.2 Effects on Environmental Degradation

  • Habitat fragmentation
  • Soil erosion
  • Biodiversity loss
  • Climate change

10.15.3 Solutions to Environmental Degradation

  • Afforestation and reforestation
  • Soil and water conservation
  • Pollution control
  • Policy interventions

10.15.4 Ecological Restoration

This involves reviving the structure and functioning of degraded ecosystems using:

  • Native species
  • Assisted natural regeneration
  • Wetland restoration
  • Invasive species control

10.16 Approaches to Ecosystem Restoration

  • Passive restoration: Allowing natural processes to recover ecosystems.
  • Active restoration: Direct human intervention (e.g., planting native species).
  • Community-based restoration: Involving local people in restoration efforts.
  • Landscape-level restoration: Large-scale integration across ecosystems.

10.17 Let Us Sum Up

Protected Areas are essential tools for conserving biodiversity and ecosystem services. However, conservation must also extend beyond these areas through inclusive, community-based, and ecosystem-centric approaches. The integration of restoration efforts, sustainable use, and policy innovations will ensure long-term ecological resilience and human well-being.

10.18 Keywords

  • Protected Areas (PAs)
  • Biosphere Reserve
  • Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Ecosystem Management
  • In Situ Conservation
  • Ecological Restoration
  • Human Dominated Landscapes
  • Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES)
  • Landscape Conservation
  • Biodiversity Hotspots

 

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