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Subject: Conservation & Mitigation

1. Conservation Progs.
2. Worldwide initiatives
3. Mitigation Strategies
4. Conventions and Protocols

  • Resource Efficiency Circular Economy Industry Coalition (RECEIC)

    Central Idea

    • The Resource Efficiency Circular Economy Industry Coalition (RECEIC) was launched with 39 multinational corporations committing to resource efficiency and circular economy principles.

    What is RECEIC?

    • Foundation: The RECEIC, conceived during India’s G20 Presidency, is an industry-led initiative with a global focus on promoting resource efficiency and circular economy practices
    • Objectives: It aims to address environmental issues arising from waste, such as plastics, microplastics, e-waste, and chemical waste.
    • Participation: 39 multinational corporations from sectors such as steel, FMCG, and electronics joined RECEIC’s launch.
    • Leadership: The coalition will be industry-led, with the government playing a supporting role.
    • Focus: The coalition aims to address environmental challenges arising from different types of waste through resource efficiency and circular economy principles.
    • Presence: Ministers from Mauritius, Denmark, Italy, Canada, UAE, France, and the European Union attended the event.

    India’s measures in this regard

    • In 2021-22, India generated around 41 lakh tonnes of plastic waste, with 30 lakh tonnes allocated to registered recyclers and plastic waste processing units.
    • The Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2022, established Extended Producers’ Responsibility (EPR) guidelines to manage plastic waste effectively.
    • Plastic waste processors generated 2.6 million tonnes of EPR certificates, and purchased approximately 1.51 million tonnes of those certificates for 2022-23 obligations.

    Also read:

    [RSTV Archive] Circular Economy: Concept & Challenges

  • Silvopasture Systems for Local Climate Resilience

    silvopasture

    Central Idea

    • Amidst the global decline of natural resources and forests, silvopasture systems emerge as a relevant solution to counter deforestation trends.

    What is Silvopasture?

    • Silvopasture is a sustainable land management practice that integrates trees, forage crops, and livestock grazing on the same parcel of land.
    • The term “silvopasture” is derived from the Latin words “silva” (forest) and “pastura” (pasture), emphasizing the combination of forestry and pasture practices.
    • In this system, carefully selected trees or tree species are planted or retained on grazing lands or pastures.
    • The trees can be scattered throughout the pasture, arranged in rows, or established as windbreaks and hedgerows.
    • Livestock, such as cattle, sheep, or goats, graze freely within the area, utilizing the available forage while benefiting from the shade and other advantages provided by the trees.

    Advantages offered

    Enhanced Climate Resilience
    • Silvopasture systems regulate local climate conditions, buffering against temperature and wind extremes.
    • Trees provides shade and reduces heat stress for livestock and other animals, promoting a more favorable living environment.
    Carbon Sequestration
    • Trees act as natural carbon sinks, sequestering significant amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
    • Such systems can store 5-10 times more carbon than pastures without trees, contributing to greenhouse gas mitigation and combating climate change.
    Soil Enrichment
    • Extensive root systems of trees within silvopasture plots contribute to nutrient cycling, improved soil stability, and enhanced soil quality.
    • Effectively combats erosion, making the soil more resilient and fertile.
    Improved Microclimatic Conditions
    • Foster milder microclimatic conditions compared to open pastures.
    • Livestock experience reduced heat stress due to the shading provided by trees, leading to improved animal welfare.
    Biodiversity Conservation
    • Promotes habitat diversity, creating a suitable environment for a variety of plant and animal species.
    • Provides a sustainable habitat for native wildlife, contributing to biodiversity conservation.
    Sustainable Land Use
    • By integrating trees with livestock grazing, silvopasture supports sustainable land management.
    • Allows for livestock farming while preserving and restoring forested areas, offering a practical solution to deforestation trends.
    Water Storage and Infiltration
    • Enhance water storage potential by improving soil infiltration rates.
    • Presence of trees helps retain water, reducing runoff and contributing to water conservation.
    Economic Benefits
    • Improved farm income through increased productivity and reduced input costs.
    • Integration of multiple elements on the same land optimizes resource use and enhances overall farm profitability.

     

  • Dr. Madhav Gadgil Report on Western Ghats

    gadgil

    Central Idea

    • A devastating landslide in Maharashtra’s Raigad district recently resulted in the loss of 27 lives and the destruction of an entire village.
    • This tragic incident has reignited discussions about the 2011 Dr Madhav Gadgil report on the conservation of the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats.

    Dr Madhav Gadgil Report

    • Formation: In 2010, the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP), chaired by ecologist Dr Madhav Gadgil, was appointed by Union Environment Ministry.

    Key recommendations:

    (1) Proposition of ESZs: The report proposed classifying 64 percent of the Western Ghats, spanning six states, into Ecologically Sensitive Zones (ESZ) – ESZ 1, ESZ 2, and ESZ 3, and designating the entire region as an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA).

    (2) Development Restrictions: The report recommended stopping almost all developmental activities, including mining, construction of thermal power plants, and dams, in ESZ 1. It also called for the phasing out of mining in ESZ 1 in Goa, banning new polluting industries in ESZ 1 and ESZ 2 in Maharashtra’s Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts, and implementing zero pollution norms for existing industries.

    (3) Sustainable Farming: The report advocated a ban on growing single commercial crops, such as tea, coffee, cardamom, rubber, banana, and pineapple, to promote sustainable farming practices in the Western Ghats.

    (4) Establishing a dedicated Authority: It recommended decentralization and granting more powers to local authorities in the governance of the environment. The establishment of a Western Ghats Ecology Authority was proposed to manage the region’s ecology and ensure sustainable development.

    (5) Certain prohibitions: The report urged the prohibition of genetically modified crops, plastic bags, Special Economic Zones, and new hill stations, along with the protection of river ecosystems and public lands.

    Challenges in Implementation:

    • Stakeholder Resistance: The recommendations faced opposition from stakeholder states, fearing negative impacts on development and livelihoods.
    • Formation of Kasturirangan Panel: In response to the resistance, a High-Level Working Group on Western Ghats, led by Dr K Kasturirangan, was constituted. This panel’s report, released in 2014, designated only 37 percent of the region as ecologically sensitive, significantly less than Gadgil’s proposal.
    • Revision and Splitting of ESZ: The Kasturirangan report divided the Western Ghats into cultural (human settlements) and natural (non-human settlements) regions. It suggested designating cultural lands as ESAs and introduced red, orange, and green categories for activities based on regulation levels.

    Controversy and Criticism

    • Dr Madhav Gadgil criticized the Kasturirangan report, stating that it distorted and perverted the essence of his panel’s original recommendations.
    • He highlighted the importance of including local communities in economic decisions and the need for a more pro-nature approach.

    Current Status

    • High-Powered Committee: By 2022, the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) announced the formation of a high-powered committee to conduct physical landscaping and submit a detailed report within a year.

    Conclusion

    • The Raigad landslide tragedy and the discussions about the Dr Madhav Gadgil report underscore the significance of preserving the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats.
    • The delicate balance between conservation efforts and developmental requirements remains a complex issue.
    • It is essential for stakeholders, governments, and experts to collaborate and find sustainable solutions to protect this vital ecosystem and its biodiversity for future generations.

  • Genetic Resources Commission gathers in Rome

    genetic

    Central Idea

    • Delegates from around the world have convened in Rome, Italy for the 19th session of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA).

    What is Commission on Genetic Resources?

    Description
    Establishment Established in 1983 by the FAO
    Membership 181 member countries including India
    Governing Body Bureau consisting of Chairperson, Vice-Chairpersons, and FAO representative
    Mandate Promote conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources for food and agriculture
    ITPGRFA Responsible for implementing the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
    Functions Address specific areas such as plant genetic resources, animal genetic resources, and digital sequence information
    Global Goals Contributes to SDG 2 on Zero Hunger and sustainable agricultural development

     

    Focus areas

    • The session will focus on three main topics:
    1. Review of work on biodiversity, nutrition, and human health.
    2. Access and benefit-sharing for food and agriculture.
    3. Digital sequence information for food and agriculture.
    4. Biodiversity for food and agriculture.
    5. The role of genetic resources in mitigating and adapting to climate change.
    6. Forest genetic resources.
    7. Microorganism and invertebrate genetic resources, including pollinators and biological control agents.
    8. Animal genetic resources

  • Species in news: Atlantic Menhaden

    atlantic

    Central Idea

    • Researchers have discovered that the population of ospreys, a fish-eating bird, is facing a decline due to the decreasing numbers of Atlantic menhaden, their primary food source.
    • The depletion of menhaden, a small silvery fish, is attributed to commercial fishing practices.
    • The decline in osprey reproduction reflects the broader ecological impact of reduced menhaden numbers.

    About Atlantic Menhaden

    • Atlantic menhaden, scientifically known as Brevoortia tyrannus, is a species of fish belonging to the Clupeidae family.
    • They are commonly found along the Atlantic coast of North America, ranging from Florida to Nova Scotia.
    • Atlantic menhaden play a vital ecological role and have significant commercial and ecological importance.

    Importance of Atlantic Menhaden

    • Role in Coastal Ecosystem: Menhaden play a crucial role in the ecology of coastal waters along the Eastern Seaboard, providing sustenance for larger fish, marine mammals, and birds.
    • Nutrient-Rich and Filtering Capacity: Menhaden are nutrient-rich, containing omega-3 fatty acids, and they filter substantial quantities of ocean water while consuming smaller organisms like plankton.

    Commercial Fishing Impact

    • Increased Catch Allowance: The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission raised the allowable catch of menhaden to 233,550 metric tons for the next two years, a 20% increase from previous years.
    • Fishery Quota: The commission maintained a quota of 51,000 metric tons for the Chesapeake Bay’s reduction fishery, where menhaden are used for bait and fish products.
    • Ecological Concerns: Critics argue that the removal of significant menhaden quantities is degrading the ecosystem, negatively affecting species like ospreys and striped bass that rely on menhaden.

    Low Reproductive Numbers and Menhaden Depletion

    • In mid-June, researchers found only three young ospreys out of 84 nests checked in Mobjack Bay, part of the Chesapeake Bay.
    • Scientists at the College of William & Mary, monitoring the local osprey population for over 50 years, recorded the lowest reproductive number.
    • The decline in breeding success is attributed to the depletion of Atlantic menhaden, the osprey’s primary food source.

    Lawsuit and Ecosystem Protection

    • Recreational Fishermen Lawsuit: A group of recreational fishermen from Maryland sued the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, claiming it contributed to the menhaden decline by endorsing quotas that harm fish populations and the recreational fishing industry.
    • Commercial Fishing Practices: Critics highlight the negative impact of industrial techniques used by companies like Omega Protein, which catch menhaden in unsustainable quantities, contributing to the decline of other species and damaging ecosystems.
    • Restoring Menhaden Stocks: Non-profit organizations advocate for rebuilding menhaden populations along the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts to maintain a balanced ecosystem.

    Positive Signs beyond Chesapeake Bay

    • Menhaden Recovery: Outside the Chesapeake Bay, menhaden populations have increased since the Atlantic commission took measures to address overfishing in 2012, leading to a recovery of the fish population within two years.
    • Ecological Impact: The recovery of menhaden populations has brought back various predators such as humpback whales, tuna, sharks, and bald eagles off the coasts of New York and New Jersey.

     

  • Urban Deluge due to rising Yamuna Level in Delhi

    yamuna flood

    Central Idea

    • The Yamuna River in Delhi is experiencing it’s highest-ever water levels, causing concerns and necessitating emergency actions.
    • Heavy rainfall in northwest India, including the Yamuna basin states, and increased water release from the upstream Hathnikund Barrage in Haryana are contributing to the unprecedented water levels.

    Unprecedented Water Levels and Emergency Response

    • Delhi’s Yamuna River is currently flowing at the highest-ever recorded level in the city.
    • Delhi CM has written to Union Home Minister, requesting controlled water release from the Hathnikund Barrage to manage the situation.
    • The water release from the barrage, typically around 352 cusecs during non-monsoon months, reached a peak of 3.59 lakh cusecs due to heavy rainfall in northwest India.

    Importance of Water Release

    • Impact of Upstream Water Release: The water level in the Yamuna River in Delhi is determined by the release of water upstream from the Hathnikund Barrage.
    • Regulation of Water Flow: The barrage acts as a regulator and can only control the amount of water released downstream and to canals.
    • Flooding Concerns: Failure to release water from the upstream can lead to increased flooding in areas upstream, including Haryana.

    Potential Consequences of Water Accumulation

    • Increased Flooding: Failure to regulate the water levels in the Yamuna River can result in severe flooding in Delhi and surrounding areas.
    • Infrastructure Damage: High water levels pose a risk to infrastructure, including roads, buildings, and public utilities.
    • Displacement of Residents: Excessive flooding can force people to evacuate their homes, leading to displacement and potential humanitarian challenges.

    Addressing the Emergency

    • Controlled Water Release: Controlled water release from the Hathnikund Barrage can mitigate the flooding risks.
    • Collaboration and Coordination: Cooperation between Delhi and Haryana authorities, as well as with central government agencies, is essential to manage the situation effectively.
    • Monitoring and Emergency Preparedness: Continuous monitoring of water levels, timely communication, and preparedness to handle any evacuation or relief efforts are crucial during this emergency situation.

    Conclusion

    • The unprecedented water levels in the Yamuna River in Delhi demand immediate attention and coordinated efforts to prevent further damage and protect affected communities.

    Also read:

    [Sansad TV] Perspective: Urban Deluge (Floods)

  • Turtle Rehabilitation: A Crucial Element in Ganges Conservation

    turtle

    Central Idea

    • Hundreds of turtles will be released into the river as a joint endeavour between the Namami Gange Programme, the Forest and Wildlife Department, and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII).
    • These turtles, hatched at a breeding and rehabilitation center in Varanasi, aim to contribute to the cleanliness and rejuvenation of the sacred Ganges.

    Turtle Rehabilitation Center: A Crucial Element in Ganges Conservation

    • Significance: The turtle rehabilitation center in Varanasi, established under the Ganga Action Plan (GAP) in the late 1980s, plays a pivotal role in the conservation of the Ganges River.
    • Achievements: Over 40,000 turtles have been released from the center, with approximately 28,000 turtles released during the initial phase of the GAP.
    • Renewed Focus: The center has gained renewed attention and support following the launch of the Namami Gange Programme in 2014, a flagship initiative of the Central government aimed at combating pollution and restoring the river’s ecological balance.

    Strengthening the Ganges Clean-up Efforts

    • Turtle Population: The center nurtures around a dozen turtle species, including herbivores and carnivores, which are vital in maintaining a balanced ecosystem.
    • Collection of Eggs: The Forest and Wildlife Department collects turtle eggs from the coastal areas of the Chambal region.
    • Controlled Hatching Process: The eggs are carefully monitored for 70 days in a specially designed room for hatching. They are buried in sand-filled wooden boxes placed on a water-filled ground with bricks on top.
    • Monitoring and Care: After hatching between June and July, the turtles are observed and nurtured in an artificial pond for two years to ensure their health and readiness for release into the river.

    Role of Turtles in Ganges Restoration

    • Impact on Water Quality: Turtles contribute to improving the quality of the Ganges by feeding on meat and waste products present in the river.
    • Positive Indicators: Water quality assessments conducted by the Namami Gange Programme reveal improvements in biochemical demand (BOD), faecal coliform (FC), and dissolved oxygen (DO) levels.
    • Government’s Findings: The Uttar Pradesh Government confirmed that the pH levels at various locations, including Varanasi, meet bathing water quality criteria, while DO, BOD, and FC levels have shown improvement at 16, 14, and 18 out of 20 locations, respectively.

  • Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023

    Central Idea

    • A parliamentary committee has given its endorsement to the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, which seeks to amend the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
    • The proposed amendments have attracted objections and controversies, raising concerns about dilution of forest protection and potential impacts on biodiversity, forest rights, and national security.

    Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023: An overview

    • The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, safeguards India’s forest land from unauthorized non-forestry use and allows for compensation in case of diversion.
    • Previous amendments aimed to expand protection, but the current amendments focus on removing ambiguities and clarifying the Act’s applicability on various types of land.
    • The amendments emphasize promoting tree cover, carbon sinks, national security infrastructure, and livelihood opportunities for forest-dwelling communities.

     

    Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980

    • It is the principal legislation that regulates deforestation in the country.
    • It prohibits the felling of forests for any “non-forestry” use without prior clearance by the central government.
    • The clearance process includes seeking consent from local forest rights holders and from wildlife authorities.
    • The Centre is empowered to reject such requests or allow them with legally binding conditions.
    • Process of approval for the diversion of forest land culminates after issuance of final diversion order by the State Government or UT concerned which authorises use of forest land for intended purpose and hands over the land to the user agency.

    Key features

    • Inclusion and Exclusion of Land: The Bill amends the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 to make it applicable to land notified as a forest under the Indian Forest Act, 1927 or in government records after the 1980 Act came into effect. Land converted to non-forest use before December 12, 1996, will not fall under the Act’s purview.
    • Exemptions: Certain types of land are exempted from the Act, including land within 100 km of India’s border required for national security projects, small roadside amenities, and public roads leading to habitation.
    • Assignment of Forest Land: The state government requires prior approval from the central government to assign forest land to any private or government entity. The Bill extends this requirement to all entities and allows assignment on terms and conditions specified by the central government.
    • Permitted Activities: The Bill expands the list of permitted activities in forests, including establishing check posts, fencing, bridges, running zoos, safaris, and eco-tourism facilities.

    Controversial parts of the Amendment

    • Dilution Concerns: Some critics argue that the amendments dilute the Supreme Court’s 1996 Godavarman case judgment, which extended protection to forests not officially classified as such.
    • Geographically Sensitive Areas: Projects within 100 km of international borders or the Line of Control would no longer require forest clearance, which raises concerns about the environment and security.
    • Deemed Forests and Tourism: Central protection for deemed forests and restrictions on activities like tourism could be compromised, affecting biodiversity conservation and forest integrity.
    • Impact on Forest Cover: Exempting land near border areas for national security projects may adversely affect forest cover and wildlife in northeastern states, which have high forest cover and are biodiversity hotspots.
    • Potential Adverse Effects: Blanket exemptions for projects like zoos, eco-tourism facilities, and reconnaissance surveys may have negative consequences for forest land and wildlife.

    Opposition and Criticism

    • Northeast States’ Opposition: Some northeastern states objected to forest land being used for defense purposes without their consent.
    • Environmental Groups’ Concerns: Environmental organizations criticized the removal of Central protection for deemed forests and allowing tourism in these areas, risking biodiversity and forest conservation.
    • Name Change Controversy: The proposal to change the name of the Act to Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam faced objections for being non-inclusive and excluding certain regions’ populations.

    Conclusion

    • The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, despite attracting objections and controversies, has received the endorsement of the parliamentary committee.
    • The proposed amendments aim to bring clarity to the Act’s applicability and promote tree cover, national security infrastructure, and livelihood opportunities.

  • What is Ambergris?

    amber

    Central Idea

    • The discovery of a sperm whale carcass on the shore of the Canary Island of La Palma has led to an extraordinary find.
    • During the post-mortem examination, a pathologist found ambergris, a highly valuable substance often referred to as “floating gold,” stuck in the whale’s colon.
    • The estimated worth of the retrieved lump of ambergris is around €500,000 (Rs 4,47,62,500).

    What is Ambergris?

    • Origin: Ambergris is a waxy substance formed in the digestive system of protected sperm whales.
    • Formation: One theory suggests that ambergris is produced in the gastrointestinal tract of sperm whales to aid the passage of hard objects ingested during feeding.
    • Appearance and Odour: Freshly passed ambergris is light yellowish and fatty, but it ages and turns waxy, taking on red-brownish colors. It possesses a mild, earthy, sweet smell with hints of marine odor.

    Uses and Rarity of Ambergris

    • Perfume Industry: Traditionally, ambergris is used in the production of perfumes, adding a musky note.
    • Historical Uses: In the past, ambergris was utilized to flavor food, alcoholic beverages, and tobacco in certain cultures.
    • Rarity and Value: Ambergris is a scarce substance, contributing to its high demand and significant price in the international market.

    Legal Restrictions in India

    • Wildlife Protection Act: Sperm whales, the source of ambergris, are a protected species under Schedule 2 of the Wildlife Protection Act in India.
    • Illegal Possession and Trade: The possession and trade of ambergris and its by-products, including in India, are prohibited under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
    • Smuggling and Trade Routes: Smuggling networks involved in ambergris trade often procure the substance from coastal areas in India and transport it through countries with comparatively less stringent sea trade regulations.

  • Diversity for Restoration (D4R) Tool

    Central Idea

    • The Diversity for Restoration (D4R) tool, has been modified to adapt to the Indian context by researchers from Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE).
    • The tool aims to support restoration programs in India by improving decision-making and promoting sustainable development.

    What is D4R tool?

    • The Diversity for Restoration (D4R) tool is a tool developed by Bioversity International.
    • It is designed to assist in promoting effective agroforestry and ecosystem restoration.
    • The tool aims to improve decision-making in restoration programs by providing information on tree species selection and their ecological benefits.

    Key features and functions of the D4R

    • Species Identification: Helping users identify tree species that align with their restoration objectives.
    • Geographic Suitability: Assisting in determining which plant species are best suited for specific geographic locations.
    • Resilience and Adaptation: Identifying species that can withstand local stresses and adapt to changing environmental conditions.
    • Seed Procurement: Providing information on areas and regions to obtain seeds for the required species.
    • Plant Functional Traits: Incorporating information on economic and ecological uses of tree species to guide selection.
    • Habitat Suitability Modeling: Predicting suitable habitats for specific tree species based on present and future climate scenarios.
    • Comprehensive Information: Providing details on commercial benefits, physiological resilience, windbreaking capabilities, nitrogen-fixing, and pollinator support of tree species.