Subject: Environment & Ecology

India's remarkable biodiversity stems from its unique geographical location and diverse climatic conditions, making it one of the 17 mega-biodiversity countries globally. The nation's rich biological heritage is reflected through its varied ecosystems, species diversity, and genetic resources.

Biodiversity Variation in India

Geographic Distribution:

• India hosts 4 global biodiversity hotspots: The Himalayas, Indo-Burma, Western Ghats-Sri Lanka, and Sundaland (including Nicobar Islands).
• Each hotspot exhibits unique characteristics of species richness and endemism.
• The Western Ghats houses over 5000 flowering plant species with 35% endemism.

Ecosystem Diversity:

• Terrestrial Ecosystems: Range from alpine meadows to tropical rainforests.
• Aquatic Ecosystems: Including coastal, marine, and freshwater systems.
• Desert Ecosystems: Both cold (Ladakh) and hot (Thar) deserts contributing to unique biodiversity.

Role of Biological Diversity Act, 2002

Conservation Framework:

• Establishes a three-tier structure (National, State, and Local) for biodiversity management.
• Promotes conservation through Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs).
• Implements Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) mechanisms for sustainable resource use.

Protection Mechanisms:

• Regulates access to biological resources and associated traditional knowledge.
• Mandates preparation of People's Biodiversity Registers (PBRs).
• Controls biopiracy through strict monitoring and penalties.

Implementation Challenges:

• Recent studies indicate a 90% loss of area in biodiversity hotspots.
• 25 species have gone extinct due to various anthropogenic pressures.
• Bureaucratic complexities and unclear Intellectual Property Rights frameworks hamper effective implementation.

The preservation of India's biodiversity requires a holistic approach combining legislative measures with community participation. The success of the Biological Diversity Act depends on addressing implementation challenges while ensuring equitable benefit-sharing with local communities, as demonstrated by successful conservation models like Sacred Groves and Community Reserve Areas.