Q17. How does biodiversity vary in India? How is the Biological Diversity Act, of 2002 helpful in the conservation of flora and fauna?

Model Answer:

Introduction

 India is one of the world’s most biodiverse countries, rich in various ecosystems that range from the Himalayas in the north to the coastal regions in the south, and from the Thar Desert in the west to the wet evergreen forests in the east. Here’s a detailed examination of how biodiversity varies in India and the role of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 in the conservation of flora and fauna.

Body

Variations in Biodiversity in India

1. Geographic Diversity:

• Ecosystems: India has several ecosystems, including forests, grasslands, wetlands, and deserts. Each of these ecosystems supports distinct species of plants and animals.
• Altitude and Climate: The diversity is influenced by varying altitudes, climate zones, and rainfall patterns. For instance, the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is known for its high endemism and rich flora and fauna.

2. Species Diversity:

• Flora: India has over 47,000 species of plants, including medicinal plants, flowering plants, and trees. The Himalayan region alone hosts around 18,000 species of flowering plants.
• Fauna: India is home to over 90,000 species of animals, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. Iconic species include the Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, and Indian rhinoceros.

3. Genetic Diversity: India showcases a wide range of genetic diversity, particularly in crops and livestock. Indigenous varieties of rice, wheat, and pulses have been cultivated for thousands of years, contributing to genetic resilience and food security.

Biological Diversity Act, 2002

The Biological Diversity Act, of 2002 was enacted by the Government of India to conserve biological diversity, promote sustainable use of its components, and ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of biological resources.

a. Objectives:

• Conservation of Biological Diversity: The Act aims to protect and conserve the biological diversity in India, including ecosystems, species, and genetic diversity.
• Sustainable Use of Biological Resources: It promotes the sustainable use of biological resources, ensuring that these resources are not over-exploited.
• Equitable Sharing of Benefits: The Act establishes a framework for the equitable sharing of benefits derived from biological resources, especially with Indigenous communities who have been stewards of these resources.

b. Key Provisions:

• Access and Benefit Sharing: The Act requires that any access to biological resources and associated traditional knowledge should be done with the approval of the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) and benefits should be shared with the local communities.
• Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs): The Act encourages the formation of BMCs at the local level to manage biodiversity and facilitate the conservation of flora and fauna. These committees help raise awareness and promote local participation in conservation efforts.
• Documentation and Data Collection: The Act emphasizes the need for documenting biological diversity, creating inventories of species, and maintaining databases to aid conservation efforts.

c. Impact on Conservation:

• Empowerment of Local Communities: By involving local communities in the management and conservation of biodiversity, the Act fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility towards environmental stewardship.
• Promotion of Research and Development: The Act encourages biodiversity research, leading to the discovery of new species and the sustainable use of genetic resources.
• Legal Framework for Conservation Efforts: The Act provides a legal framework for the enforcement of conservation measures, ensuring compliance and monitoring of biodiversity-related activities.

Conclusion

India’s biodiversity is characterized by its rich variety of ecosystems, species, and genetic resources. The Biological Diversity Act, of 2002 plays a crucial role in the conservation of flora and fauna by promoting sustainable practices, involving local communities, and ensuring equitable sharing of benefits. This legislative framework is essential for maintaining India’s biodiversity and fostering a sustainable relationship between its diverse biological resources and the communities that depend on them. 

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