Why in the News?
India has been ranked 176th in the Global Nature Conservation Index (NCI) 2024 with a score of 45.5 out of 100, placing it among the five worst performers alongside Kiribati (180), Turkey (179), Iraq (178), and Micronesia (177).
Reasons for India’s Low Ranking:
- High Rate of Land Conversion: 53% of India’s land is converted for urban, industrial, and agricultural purposes, contributing to deforestation and habitat fragmentation that severely impact biodiversity.
- Soil Pollution: India’s sustainable nitrogen index is 0.77, indicating high levels of soil pollution primarily due to extensive pesticide use, threatening soil health and agricultural sustainability.
- Minimal Marine Conservation: Only 0.2% of India’s national waterways are protected, with no protected areas in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), highlighting limited efforts in marine biodiversity conservation.
- Illegal Wildlife Trade: India ranks as the fourth-largest illegal wildlife trader globally, with an estimated annual trade value of £15 billion, putting added pressure on vulnerable wildlife species.
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About the Nature Conservation Index (NCI):
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Details |
| Developed By |
Goldman Sonnenfeldt School of Sustainability and Climate Change at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. |
| Purpose |
To assess each country’s progress in balancing conservation and development through data-driven analysis. |
| Aim |
To help governments, researchers, and organizations identify concerns and enhance conservation policies for long-term biodiversity protection. |
| Launch Date |
Launched on October 24, 2024. |
| Scope |
Ranks 180 countries based on their conservation efforts. |
| Pillars of the Index |
• Managing Protected Areas
• Addressing Threats Against Biodiversity
• Nature and Conservation Governance
• Future Trends in Natural Resource Management |
| Significance |
Provides insights into conservation policies and practices, aiding in the global effort to protect biodiversity and promote sustainable development. |
Key highlights of the reports:
- Finland, Norway, Switzerland, Costa Rica, and New Zealand ranked highest, showing strong conservation practices and governance.
- Nations with advanced climate adaptation policies (e.g., Sweden and Denmark) are better positioned to mitigate biodiversity risks from climate change.
- Despite Protected Areas, 46.9% of terrestrial and 67.5% of marine species are in decline worldwide.
- High-density nations such as Bangladesh and the Netherlands face intense biodiversity pressures, driving them to implement urban greening and sustainable practices.
PYQ:
[2018] “Momentum for Change: Climate Neutral Now” is an initiative launched by:
(a) The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
(b) The UNEP Secretariat
(c) The UNFCCC Secretariat
(d) The World Meteorological Organisation |
![[pib] Raigad Fort](https://d18x2uyjeekruj.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/raigad.jpg)
