Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Known informally as the Biodiversity Convention, is an international legally binding treaty.

It has three main goals: a) conservation of biological diversity (or biodiversity); b) sustainable use of its components; and c) fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources Rio+10 CBD summit in Johannesburg 2002 outline millennium development approaches with 2 more objectives d) reducing magnitude of BD loss at all 3 levels; global, national and regional e) to majorly facilitate the development of ways to reduce poverty, specifically in deprived African continent. Opened for signature at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro on 5 June 1992 and entered into force on 29 December 1993. At the 2010 10th Conference of Parties (COP) to the Convention on Biological Diversity in October in Nagoya, Japan, the Nagoya Protocol was adopted.[1] On 22 December 2010, the UN declared the period from 2011 to 2020 as the UN-Decade on Biodiversity. Conference of the Parties (COP): convention's governing body, consisting of all governments (and regional economic integration organizations) that have ratified treaty. This ultimate authority reviews progress under the Convention, identifies new priorities, and sets work plans for members. The COP can also make amendments to the Convention. Implementation National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAP): Principal instruments for implementing Convention at national level (Article 6). Convention requires countries to prepare a national biodiversity strategy (or equivalent instrument) and to ensure that this strategy is mainstreamed into planning and activities of all those sectors whose activities can have an impact (+ or -) on biodiversity. National Reports: Parties prepare national reports on the status of implementation of the Convention. Agenda 21 Non-binding, voluntarily implemented action plan of UN with regard to sustainable development. It is a product of UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1992. It is an action agenda for UN, other multilateral organizations, and individual governments around the world that can be executed at local, national, and global levels. The "21" in Agenda 21 refers to the 21st century. Also talked about poverty as the worst polluter as deprived sections cant go at par with planned living. Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD) Set of steps designed to use market and financial incentives in order to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases from deforestation and forest degradation. Its objective is to reduce greenhouse gases. REDD-plus: origin lies in Bali Action Plan Calls for activities with serious implications directed towards local communities, indigenous people and forests which relate to reducing emission from deforestation and forest degradation. Therefore this will involve enhancing existing forests and increasing forest cover. In order to meet these objectives, policies need to address enhancement of carbon stocks by providing funding and investments in these areas. Calls for developing CO2 sinks by developing countries. CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) Also known as the Washington Convention) is a multilateral treaty, drafted as a result of a resolution adopted in 1963 at a meeting of members of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Aims to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten the survival of the species in the wild. It is legally binding in nature. Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (also known as CMS or the Bonn Convention

Not to be confused with the Bonn Agreement, aims to conserve terrestrial, marine and avian migratory species throughout their range. It is an intergovernmental treaty, concluded under the aegis of the United Nations Environment Programme, concerned with the conservation of wildlife and habitats on a global scale. Legally binding treaties and MOUs. Ramsar Convention (The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, especially as Waterfowl Habitat) an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable utilization of wetlands, i.e., to stem the progressive encroachment on and loss of wetlands now and in the future, recognizing the fundamental ecological functions of wetlands and their economic, cultural, scientific, and recreational value. Ramsar definition of wetlands is fairly wide, including "areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six meters" as well as fish ponds, rice paddies and salt pans. International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN): HQ are located in Gland, near Geneva, Switzerland. International organization dedicated to finding "pragmatic solutions to our most pressing environment and development challenges". The organization publishes the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, which assesses the conservation status of species. Supports scientific research, manages field projects globally and brings governments, NGO, United Nations agencies, companies and local communities together to develop and implement policy. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (also known as the IUCN Red List or Red Data List) Worlds most comprehensive inventory of global conservation status of biological species. IUCN is the world's main authority on the conservation status of species. A series of Regional Red Lists are produced by countries or organizations, which assess the risk of extinction to species within a political management unit. Species are classified by the IUCN Red List into nine groups,[16] set through criteria such as rate of decline, population size, area of geographic distribution, and degree of population and distribution fragmentation. 1. Extinct (EX) No known individuals remaining. 2. Extinct in the Wild (EW) Known only to survive in captivity, or as a naturalized population outside its historic range. 3. Critically Endangered (CR) Extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. 4. Endangered (EN) High risk of extinction in the wild. 5. Vulnerable (VU) High risk of endangerment in the wild. 6. Near Threatened (NT) Likely to become endangered in the near future. 7. Least Concern (LC) Lowest risk. Does not qualify for a more at risk category. Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category. 8. Data Deficient (DD) Not enough data to make an assessment of its risk of extinction. 9. Not Evaluated (NE) Has not yet been evaluated against the criteria When discussing the IUCN Red List, the official term "threatened" is a grouping of three categories: Critically Endangered, Endangered, and Vulnerable Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) of UNESCO Established in 1971 to promote interdisciplinary approaches to management, research and education in ecosystem conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. Primary achievement is the creation in 1977 of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Refers to 3 dimensions of biodiversity; ecological, social, economic. Approaches conversation with economic development, thus defines BR as locations where economic activity in collaboration with natural balance is tested and demonstrated. Is distinguished from protected areas in its planning and implementation.

PAN in India In accordance with article 8 of CBD, in-situ conversation is done with 3 fold objectives a) Concerns on livelihood b) Mobilization of traditional knowledge c) Easy access to genetic resources Ministry of Environment & Forests Legislative work is based on 3 laws: EPA, 1986, FCA, 1980, WPA, 1972: flagship laws that provide authority to undertake all environment ecology related programmes. 5 fold objective: conservation & survey of plant & animal life, prevention and control of pollution, afforestration & regeneration of degraded areas, protection of environment and ensuring welfare of animals. Ministry is guided by the principle of sustainable development and enhancement of human wellbeing. Serves as the nodal agency in the country for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and for the follow-up of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED). Also entrusted with the issues relating to multilateral bodies such as the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD), Global Environment Facility (GEF) and of regional bodies like Economic and Social Council for Asia and Pacific (ESCAP) and South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC) on matters pertaining to environment. broad objectives of the Ministry are: Conservation and survey of flora, fauna, forests Afforestation and regeneration of degraded and wildlife, areas, Prevention and control of pollution, Protection of the environment, and Ensuring the welfare of animals. Wildlife sanctuary Area which is of adequate ecological, faunal, floral, geomorphological, natural or zoological significance. The Sanctuary is declared for purpose of protecting, propagating or developing wildlife or its environment. Certain rights of people living inside the Sanctuary could be permitted. Further, during settlement of claims, before finally notifying Sanctuary, Collector may, in consultation with the Chief Wildlife Warden, allow the continuation of any right of any person in or over any land within the limits of the Sanctuary. National Park Area having adequate ecological, faunal, floral, geomorphological, natural or zoological significance. Declared for purpose of protecting, propagating or developing wildlife or its environment, like that of a Sanctuary.

Difference between a WS and NP mainly lies in the vesting of rights of people living inside. Unlike WS, where certain rights can be allowed, in a National Park, no rights are allowed. No grazing of any livestock shall also be permitted inside NP while in WS; Chief Wildlife Warden may regulate, control or prohibit it. In addition, while any removal or exploitation of wildlife or forest produce from WS requires recommendation of State Board for Wildlife, removal etc., from a NP requires recommendation of National Board for Wildlife (However, as per orders of SC dated 9th May 2002 in Writ Petition (Civil) No. 337 of 1995, such removal/ exploitation from WS also requires recommendation of Standing Committee of National Board for Wildlife). Conservation Reserves Can be declared by State Governments in any area owned by Government, particularly areas adjacent to NP & WS and those areas which link one Protected Area with another. Such declaration should be made after having consultations with local communities. Declared for the purpose of protecting landscapes, seascapes, flora and fauna and their habitat. The rights of people living inside a Conservation Reserve are not affected. Community Reserves Can be declared by State Government in any private or community land, not comprised within NP, WS or a Conservation Reserve, where an individual or a community has volunteered to conserve wildlife and its habitat. Declared for purpose of protecting fauna, flora and traditional or cultural conservation values and practices. As in case of a Conservation Reserve, the rights of people living inside a Community Reserve are not affected. Biosphere reserve Special category of PA of land/coastal environments, where people are integral component of system. 1 of more NP makes a BR. protects larger area of natural habitat where protection is also granted to human activities. Core zone: kept undisturbed, acts as genetic reservoir. Secures legal protection & management & research activities that dont affect natural processes and wildlife are allowed. Free from all human pressure external to system. Buffer zone: uses and activities managed in a way to protect core zone. Uses are restoration, demonstration sites for enhancing value addition to resources, limited recreation, tourism, fishing and grazing which are permitted to reduce its effect on core zone. Research and educational activities are encouraged. Transition zone: outermost part usually not delimited and is a zone of cooperation where conservation, knowledge and management skills are applied and uses are managed in harmony with purpose of BR. At present map for each BR is prepared by concerned SG, and management is done by forest department. MAB established UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves : covers internationally designated protected areas, known as biosphere reserves that are meant to demonstrate a balanced relationship between man and nature (encourage sustainable development). Prominent MAB BR sites: gulf of mannar b/w SL and India, Nandadevi, nilgiri, nokrek (garo hills), panchmati (MP), simlipal and mayurbhanj in Orissa, sunderbans. MANGROVES FOR THE FUTURE (MFF) Regional initiative, being coordinated by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and IUCN. It aims at promoting coastal ecosystem conservation in six tsunami-hit countries including India. National institute of Mangrove study is constitute of MFF. National wetland protection programme highlights wetland as transitional biome b/w true terrestrial and true aquatic system. Coral reef As part of wetland convention, national coral reef research centre, Port Blair, develops, supervises reef protection, artificial reef development, techniques and measures. WPA, 1972 has given 2 prominent PA; WLS and NP WPA, 2003 has given 2 prominent PA; community and conservation reserves Category 1 animals; tiger, elephant, one horned rhino, gharial. Some flagship schemes

Scheme Project tiger Under WPA 1972

specifics Administered by NTCA under MOEF, Financial & technology support from WWF, identified with WPA,2006 that has facilitated establishment of WCCB with provision of satellite based surveillance & scientific management, WPA amendment act 2010 incorporated provisions of strong legal implications for category-1 of animals where illegal hunting will attract 5 yr jail & upto 30L fine Project For protection of wild asian elephants, includes 3 fold elephant objectives; protecting E within habitat, protecting migratory under WPA corridor, ensuring welfare of domesticated E. 2010 E 1972 declared national heritage animals and 3rd objective was added. NECA has formally notified 25 E reserves. MIKE: monitoring of illegal killing of E is mandated as per COP, incorporates resolution clauses of CITES, India launched it as part of project E in 2004. Prime objective of MIKE is to measure levels & trends of illegal hunting of E

Prominent locations Shivalik tarai, sunderbans, E&W ghats conservation units, central & NE units, Nagarjunasagar is largest tiger reserve NE& eastern region, moderate concentration in SW part. Prominent MIKE sites; chiragripu, dhangpaki (both assam), easter duars in WB, deomali in arunachal, nilgiri (TN)

Project gharial, WPA 2006 & 2010 dont apply Project hangul Project cheetah Project vulture

India only country where crocodile in wild, SL, Japan and US only in captivity, in endangered list and is schedule 1 animal, gets support from WWF species recovery programme. Habitat destruction main cause of decline river bed cultivation, sand mining, pollution, river taming (dams). Objectives; regenerate natural fresh water habitat with PA approach, captive breeding. (Kashmir stag ) State specific project, a regional initiative of WWF in collaboration with IUCN Extinct in India, attempt of artificial reintroduction in dry habitat. Have support of chinkara, its prominent prey

Dachigam NP (J&K), chamba (HP) Jaiselmer (Rajasthan) being selected site

Habitat is semi arid and arid, white billed, slender billed, long billed endangered. Targets phasing out of anti inflammatory drug DICLOFENAC. Second target is captive breeding Biodiversity protection Wildlife action plan 1983 has been revised as new National wildlife action plan; 2012-16. Objectives are: Conservation management, people participation and appropriate financial allocation. Biodiversity protection act,2002, elaborately targets sharing of genetic resources and utilization of local knowledge led to establishment of national biodiversity authority in Chennai in 2003 with 4 targeted departments 1. Prior informed consent (PIC) 2. Availability benefit sharing (ABS) 3. Mutually agreed terms (MAT) 4. Intellectual property rights (IPR) Likeminded Mega Diverse Countries (LMCC): 70% of global BD in these 17 countries. National biodiversity strategy action plan 2008: added 3 dimensions to BDA 2002 G-SHE: governance for sustaining Himalayan ecosystem Works are finalized for establishment of W.Ghats ecological authority on lines of TEEB Global Advisory Network Group on Environmental Sciences (GANGES): first time international participation specifically from NRIs, PIOs, has been included for BD management. Forest management approaches

Indian forest act, 1927: 1st comprehensive act for forest management with no provision of people participation, continued to regulate forest management strategies even after independence. Forest conservation act, 1980: marked change over from comprehensive to compensatory afforestration. Fundamental objective was to decrease diversion of forest land for non forest purposes. Users of forest land had to pay for compensatory afforestration. No people participation allowed. National forest policy, 1988: changed conservation act from being regulatory to participatory. Changed stance from revenue to conservation oriented. Joint forest management guidelines, 1990: outlined approaches for involvement of local communities in management of forest by ensuring that basic livelihood concerns are given due recognition. Environment protection act, 2006: strongly advocated recognition of traditional rights of local communities on forest to generate possibilities of remedial measures for serious historical injustice. This led to traditional dwellers recoginition of FRA that avails primary right to traditional dwellers on forest and forest base, i.e. timber and non timber produce. National action plan on climate change, 2008: incorporated Green India Mission. To increase green cover, to conserve both BD and mitigate climate change led to compensatory afforestration bill which authorised MOEF to create compensatory afforestration fund management and planning authority (CAMPA). Allocated fund of CAMPA was to be utilized for Green India Mission. REDD+, 2009: argues for compensating countries not only for reducing deforestration but also for conservation, sustainable management and increase of forest cover. India as constituent of REDD+ has mobilized 5 avenues: Reducing exploitation, encroachment, forest fire related loss, diversion of forest, restricting shifting cultivation. Central pollution control board (CPCB) Marked beginning of air quality monitoring programme. Criteria for monitoring include sulphur dioxide, suspended particles and nitrogen dioxide. Other monitoring constituents include ozone, arsenic, nickel and benzene. CPCB developed comprehensive environment pollution index (EPI) to asses air quality in industrial clusters of India. Water environment central pollution control board (WECPCB) Works in accordance with water prevention & control of pollution act, 1974. National river conservation plan, initiated in 1996, forms nodal plan for river water quality management, Ganga action plan is merged with it. Lake conservation programme: India as member of BASEL convention which is oriented toward reducing movement and genesis of hazardous chemical waste have enacted hazardous waste management rule act, 1989, as important constituent of water environment management.