Union Environment Ministry released Draft National Wildlife Action Plan (2017-2031)

Draft National Wildlife Action Plan (2017-2031) prepared by the Committee under the chairmanship of JC Kala was released on 3 February 2016 by Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate (MoEF).

The Committee was constituted by the MoEF to review the implementation of the National Wildlife Action Plan (2002-2016) and to suggest a new Plan of Action for Wildlife Conservation.

It will be the third National Wildlife Action Plan (NWAP-3) of the country. The other two are

• NWAP-1, adopted in 1983 and implemented from 1983 through 2001.

• NWAP-2, revised plan was put in place for the period 2002-2016.

The MoEF called for suggestions and comments on the released draft NWAP-3 latest by 17 February 2016.

Highlights of the Draft Plan

• It is based on the premise that essential ecological processes that are governed, supported or strongly moderated by ecosystems, are essential for food production, health and other aspects of human survival and sustainable development. And maintenance of these ecosystems which can be termed as Life Support Systems is vital for all societies regardless of their stage of development.

• It also emphasizes on other two aspects of living resource conservation which are preservation of genetic diversity and sustainable utilization of species and ecosystems which has direct bearing on our scientific advancements and support to millions of rural communities.

• It adopts landscap e approach in conservation of all uncultivated flora and undomesticated fauna that has ecological value to mankind irrespective of where they occur.

• It accords special emphasis to rehabilitation of threatened species of wildlife while conserving their habitats which include inland aquatic, coastal and marine eco-systems.

• It also takes note of concerns relating to climate change on wildlife by integrating it in to wildlife management Planning.

• It underlines the fact that despite being one of 12 mega biodiversity countries of the world, national planning has not taken serious note of adverse ecological consequences of reduction and degradation of wilderness areas from the pressures of population, commercialization and development projects.

• Accordingly, the plan has brought to focus the alarming erosion of our natural heritage comprising of rivers, forests, grasslands, mountains, wetlands, coastal and marine habitats arid lands and deserts

• The plan underscores the increasing need for people’s support for conservation of wildlife and to this effect recommends strengthening the core buffer multiple use surround structure with higher inputs for eco-development, education, innovation, training, extension, conservation awareness and outreach programs.

• The plan is alive to communities, inhabiting forest lands and other wilderness areas, to be treated appropriately in the light of Forest Rights Act and their inadequacy of resources and strong dependence on natural biomass resource.

• The plan takes note of and addresses rising human animal conflict owing to shrinkage, fragmentation and deterioration of habitats generating animosity against wild animals and protected areas.

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