Abhiyan: Environment Notes From Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Govt. of India

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YOUR AIM OUR MISSION

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Environment Notes from Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate

Change, Govt. of India
Special Edition
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Montreal Protocol & Ozone Cell (OC)
 The Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and
the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer are the
international treaties for the protection of the Ozone layer. India became
Party to the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol on 18th March,
1991 and 19th June 1992 respectively.
 The Montreal Protocol has been recognized as the most successful

international environmental treaty in history. It has been universally ratified
and all the 197 countries of the world are Parties to the Vienna Convention
and its Montreal Protocol. In the 27 years of its operation with extraordinary
international cooperation under the treaty has led to phase-out of
production and consumption of several major Ozone Depleting Substances
(ODSs) such as Chlorofluorocabons (CFCs), Carbontetrachloride (CTC) and
halons globally from 1st January, 2010. The Montreal Protocol has not only
contributed to protect the ozone layer but also has reduced Green House Gas
(GHG) emissions by about 11 Giga tonnes CO2 equivalent per year through
its ODS phase-out activities so far.
 The Government of India has entrusted the work relating to the ozone layer
protection and implementation of the Montreal Protocol on Substances the
Ozone Layer to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
(MoEF&CC). The Ministry has established an Empowered Steering
Committee (ESC) Chaired by Secretary (EF&CC), which is supported by two
standing committees viz. Technology and Finance Standing Committee
(TFSC) and the Standing Committee on Monitoring. The ESC is overall
responsible for implementation of the Montreal Protocol provisions, review
of various policies including implementation options, project approvals and
monitoring. The Ministry has set up an Ozone Cell as a National Ozone Unit
(NOU) to render necessary services for effective and timely implementation
of the Montreal Protocol and its ODS phase-out program in India.
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 India had prepared a detailed Country Program (CP) in 1993 for the phase-
out of ODSs in accordance with its National Industrial Development
Strategy by accessing funds from financial mechanism of the Montreal
Protocol. The CP was updated in 2006. India has proactively phased out the
production and consumption of CFCs except use in Metered Dose Inhalers
(MDIs) used for treatment of Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary
Disease (COPD) ailments from 1st August, 2008. Subsequently, the use of
CFCs in MDIs has been phased out from December, 2012. India has also
completely phased out production and consumption of CTC and halons as
of 1st January, 2010.
 Currently, the Ozone Cell is engaged in phase-out of production and

consumption of next category of chemicals, Hydrochlorofluorocarbons
(HCFCs) with an accelerated phase-out schedule as per the Montreal
Protocol.
National Mission for Green India
Introduction
 The National Mission for Green India (GIM) is one of the eight Missions
outlined under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). It
aims at protecting; restoring and enhancing India’s diminishing forest cover
and responding to climate change by a combination of adaptation and
mitigation measures. It envisages a holistic view of greening and focuses on
multiple ecosystem services, especially, biodiversity, water, biomass,
preserving mangroves, wetlands, critical habitats etc. along with carbon
sequestration as a co-benefit. This mission has adopted an integrated cross-
sectoral approach as it will be implemented on both public as well as private
lands with a key role of the local communities in planning, decision making,
implementation and monitoring.
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Mission Goals
 To increase forest/tree cover to the extent of 5 million hectares (mha) and

improve quality of forest/tree cover on another 5 mha of forest/non-forest
lands;
 To improve/enhance eco-system services like carbon sequestration and
storage (in forests and other ecosystems), hydrological services and
biodiversity; along with provisioning services like fuel, fodder, and timber
and non-timber forest produces (NTFPs); and
 To increase forest based livelihood income of about 3 million households.
Hazardous Substances Management

 The Hazardous Substances Management Division (HSMD) is the nodal
point within the Ministry for management of chemical emergencies and
hazardous substances.
 The main objective of the Division is to promote safe management and use
of hazardous substances including hazardous chemicals and hazardous
wastes, in order to avoid damage to health and environment.
 The Division is also the nodal point for the following four International
Conventions viz. Basel Convention on Control of transboundary
movement of Hazardous waste and their disposal; Rotterdam Convention
on Prior Informed Consent Procedure for certain Chemicals and Pesticides
in International trade; Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic
Pollutants, the Minamata Convention on Mercury and Strategic Approach
to International Chemicals Management.
1. International Conventions/Protocols
(i) Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of

Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal:
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 The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of
Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal was adopted on 22 March 1989 by the
Conference of Plenipotentiaries in Basel, Switzerland.
 The Convention entered into force on 5 May 1992.
 The overarching objective of the Basel Convention is to protect human health
and the environment against the adverse effects of hazardous wastes.
 Its scope of application covers a wide range of wastes defined as “hazardous
wastes” based on their origin and/or composition and their characteristics
(article 1 and annexes I, III, VIII and IX), as well as two types of wastes
defined as “other wastes” (household waste and incinerator ash; article 1
and annex II).
India deposited its instrument of ratification on June 1992. As on date there
are 180 Parties to the Convention.
(ii) Rotterdam Convention on the prior informed consent procedure for

certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade:
 The Rotterdam Convention on the prior informed consent procedure for

certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade entered
into force on 24thFebruary 2004.
 India acceded to the convention on 24th May 2005 and it became operative
on 23rd August 2005.
 During the interim period, over 170 countries identified 265
departments/institutes as Designated National Authorities (DNAs) to act on
their behalf in the performance of the administrative functions required by
the Convention.
 The Designated National Authorities (DNAs) for India are in Ministry of
Chemicals and Fertilizers, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperation. The
Official Contact Points (OCPs) are designated in Ministry of Environment,
Forests and Climate Change. There are 47 chemicals listed in Annex III to
this Convention, which include 33 pesticides and 14 industrial chemicals
that have been banned or severely restricted for health or environmental
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reasons by two or more Parties and which the Conference of the Parties
(COPs) has decided to subject to the Prior Informed consent (PIC) procedure.
(iii) Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants:
 The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) is a

global treaty to protect human health and the environment from POPs.
 The Convention sought initially 12 chemicals, for restriction or elimination
of the production and release. Now, the Convention covers 23 chemicals.
 The Convention was adopted in May, 2001 and came into force on 17th May,
2004. India ratified the Convention on 13th January, 2006 which came in to
force on 12th April, 2006.
 As per Article 7 of the Convention, Parties to the Convention were required
to develop a National Implementation Plan (NIP) to demonstrate how their
obligations to the Convention would be implemented and NIP has been
developed through Global Environment Facility (GEF) funding.
 Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change serves as the focal
point for GEF and Stockholm Convention in the country. Designated
national authorities are in Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperation and
Ministry of Chemicals and Petrochemicals. India has ratified 12 initially
listed chemicals.
(iv) Minamata Convention on Mercury:
 In February 2009, the Governing Council of UNEP adopted Decision 25/5 on

the development of a global legally binding instrument on mercury.
 At the Conference of Plenipotentiaries held from 9th-11th October 2013 in
Minamata and Kumamoto, Japan, the “Minamata Convention on Mercury”,
a global treaty to protect human health and the environment from the
adverse effects of mercury, was formally adopted and opened for signature
by States and regional economic integration organizations.
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 The Convention has till now received nine ratification and 128 signatures.
India has signed the Convention on 30th September 2014.
(v) Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management:
 In February 2006, over 190 countries including India acceded to the Strategic
Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM), an
international policy framework to foster sound management of chemicals.
Initial activities under SAICM included development or updating of
national chemicals profiles, strengthening of institutions, and
mainstreaming sound management of chemicals in national strategies.
 Towards this end, India initiated the preparation of the National Chemicals
Management Profile to assess India’s infrastructure and capacity for
management of chemicals. Other actions taken by the Ministry were: (i)
initiated studies of inventorisation of lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic
in paints, distemper and pigments in the country, (ii) initiated discussions
with leading national laboratories, (iii) notified the E-Waste (Management
and Handling) Rules, 2012 for the management of electronic waste, and (iv)
finalized the draft Dangerous Goods (Classification, Packaging and
Labelling) Rules, 2013 in the line of Globally Harmonized System.
Water Pollution
 The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act was enacted in 1974
to provide for the prevention and control of water pollution, and for the
maintaining or restoring of wholesomeness of water in the country.
 The Act was amended in 1988. The Water (Prevention and Control of
Pollution) Cess Act was enacted in 1977, to provide for the levy and
collection of a cess on water consumed by persons operating and carrying
on certain types of industrial activities.
 This cess is collected with a view to augment the resources of the Central
Board and the State Boards for the prevention and control of water
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pollution constituted under the Water (Prevention and Control of
Pollution) Act, 1974. The Act was last amended in 2003.
Project Elephant:
Project Elephant (PE) was launched by the Government of India in the year
1992 as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme with following objectives :
1. To protect elephants, their habitat & corridors
2. To address issues of man-animal conflict
3. Welfare of captive elephants
Elephant Reserves:
Till now 28 Elephant Reserves (ERs) extending over about 61830.08 sq km
have been formally notified by various State Governments. Consent for
establishment 2 more ERs – Khasi Elephant Reserve in Meghalaya and
Dandeli Elephant Reserve in Karnataka has been accorded by MoEF&CC.
Inclusion of Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary in Mysore Elephant Reserve has also
been approved by the Ministry. The concerned State Governments are yet
to notify these ERs.
Elephant reserves of Project Elephant in India (2005)

S.No. Reserve Name Range State Population
1 Mayurjharna East-Central West Bengal 96
2 Singhbhum East-Central Jharkhand 371
3 Mayurbhanj East-Central Orissa 465
4 Mahanadi East-Central Orissa 464
5 Sambalpur East-Central Orissa 336
6 Baitarni East-Central Orissa 108
7 South Orissa East-Central Orissa 138
8 Lemru East-Central Chhattisgarh
Badalkhol-
9 East-Central 138
Tamorpingla Chhattisgarh
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Kameng- Arunachal
10
Kameng Sonitpur Pradesh
Kameng-
11 612
Sonitpur Sonitpur Assam
12 Dihing-Patkai Eastern-South Assam 295
Arunachal
13 Eastern-South 129
South Arunachal Pradesh
Kaziranga-Karbi
14 Kaziranga 1,940
Anglong Assam
Dhansiri-
15 Kaziranga 275
Lungding Assam
16 Intanki Kaziranga Nagaland 30
North Bengal-
17 658
Chirang-Ripu Greater Manas Assam
North Bengal-
18 300-350
Eastern Dooars Greater Manas West Bengal
19 Garo Hills Meghalaya Meghalaya 1,047
20 Khasi Hills Meghalaya Meghalaya 383
Brahmagiri-
21 Nilgiri-Eastern 4,452
Mysore Ghats Karnataka
Brahmagiri-
22 Nilgiri-Eastern 636
Wayanad Ghats Kerala
Brahmagiri-
23 Nilgiri-Eastern 2,862
Nilgiri Ghats Karnataka
Brahmagiri-
24 Nilgiri-Eastern Andhra 12
Rayala Ghats Pradesh
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Brahmagiri-
Nilambur Ghats Kerala
Brahmagiri-
Coimbatore Ghats Tamil Nadu
Anamalai-
27 Nelliampathy- 179
Anamalai High Range Tamil Nadu
Anamalai-
28 Nelliampathy- 1,547
Anamudi High Range Kerala
Periyar-
29 1,100
Periyar Agasthyamalai Kerala
Periyar-
30 638
Srivilliputtur Agasthyamalai Tamil Nadu
North-
31 1,610
Shivalik[5] Western Uttarakhand
North- Uttar
32
Uttar Pradesh Western Pradesh
National Afforestation & Eco-Development Board

 The National Afforestation and Eco-Development Board (NAEB), set up in
August 1992,is responsible for promoting afforestation,tree planting,
ecological restoration and eco-development activities in the country, with
special attention to the degraded forest areas and lands adjoining the forest
areas, national parks, sanctuaries and other protected areas as well as the
ecologically fragile areas like the Western Himalayas, Aravallis, Western
Ghats, etc. The detailed role and functions of the NAEB are given below.
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1. Evolve mechanisms for ecological restoration of degraded forest areas and
adjoining lands through systematic planning and implementation, in a cost
effective manner;
2. Restore through natural regeneration or appropriate intervention the forest
cover in the country for ecological security and to meet the fuelwood, fodder
and other needs of the rural communities;
3. Restore fuelwood, fodder, timber and other forest produce on the degraded
forest and adjoining lands in order to meet the demands for these items;
4. Sponsor research and extension of research findings to disseminate new and
proper technologies for the regeneration and development of degraded
forest areas and adjoining lands;
5. Create general awareness and help foster people's movement for promoting
afforestation and eco-development with the assistance of voluntary
agencies, non-government organisations, Panchayati Raj institutions and
others and promote participatory and sustainable management of degraded
forest areas and adjoining lands;
6. Coordinate and monitor the Action Plans for afforestation, tree planting,
ecological restoration and eco-development;and
7. Undertake all other measures necessary for promoting afforestation, tree
planting, ecological restoration and eco-development activities in the
country.
Environmental Impact Assessment:
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is an important management tool

for ensuring optimal use of natural resources for sustainable development.
A beginning in this direction was made in our country with the impact
assessment of river valley projects in 1978-79 and the scope has subsequently
been enhanced to cover other developmental sectors such as industries,
thermal power projects, mining schemes etc. To facilitate collection of
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environmental data and preparation of management plans, guidelines have
been evolved and circulated to the concerned Central and State Government
Departments. EIA has now been made mandatory under the Environmental
(Protection Act, 1986 for 29 categories of developmental activities involving
investments of Rs. 50 crores and above.
National Wetland Conservation Programme (NWCP)

Background
 Wetlands are areas where water is the primary factor controlling the
environment and the associated plant and animal life. They occur where the
water table is at or near the surface of the land, or where the land is covered
by water. Once treated as transitional habitats or seral stages in succession
from open water to land, the wetlands are now considered to be distinct
ecosystems with specific ecological characteristics, functions and values.
 According to most widespread definition wetlands are defined as: "lands

transitional between terrestrial and aquatic eco-systems where the water
table is usually at or near the surface or the land is covered by shallow
water".
 Ramsar Convention on Wetlands define wetlands as: "areas of marsh, fen,

peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary,
with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of
marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six metres".
 Wetlands, natural and manmade, freshwater or brackish, provide numerous

ecological services. The density of birds, in particular, is an accurate
indication of the ecological health of a particular wetland. However,
unsustainable use of wetland without reckoning of their assimilative
capacity constitutes major threat to the conservation and management of
these vital biodiversity rich areas.
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1. National Wetland Conservation Programme (NWCP)
 Government of India opertionalized National Wetland Conservation

Programme (NWCP) in closed collaboration with concerned State
Government during the year 1985/86. Under the programme 115 wetlands
(Table 1) have been identified till now by the Ministry which requires urgent
conservation and management initiatives.
Aim of the Scheme
Conservation and wise use of wetlands in the country so as to prevent their

further degradation.
Objectives of the Scheme
The scheme was initiated with the following objectives:-

 to lay down policy guidelines for conservation and management of
wetlands in the country;
 to undertake intensive conservation measures in priority wetlands;
 to monitor implementation of the programme; and
 to prepare an inventory of Indian wetlands.
Ramsar Convention on Wetland
 The Convention on Wetlands, signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971, is an

intergovernmental treaty which provides the framework for national action
and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands
and their resources. There are presently 158 Contracting Parties to the
Convention, with 1758 wetland sites, totaling 161 million hectares,
designated for inclusion in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International
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Importance. Ramsar Convention is the only global environment treaty
dealing with a particular ecosystem.
 The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands was developed as a means to call

international attention to the rate at which wetland habitats were
disappearing, in part due to a lack of understanding of their important
functions, values, goods and services. Governments that join the Convention
are expressing their willingness to make a commitment to helping to reverse
that history of wetland loss and degradation.
 In addition, many wetlands are international systems lying across the

boundaries of two or more countries, or are part of river basins that include
more than one country. The health of these and other wetlands is dependent
upon the quality and quantity of the transboundary water supply from
rivers, streams, lakes, or underground aquifers. This requires framework for
international discussion and cooperation toward mutual benefits.
Major obligations of countries which are party to the Convention are:

 Designate wetlands for inclusion in the List of Wetlands of International
Importance.
 Promote, as far as possible, the wise use of wetlands in their territory.
 Promote international cooperation especially with regard to
transboundary wetlands, shared water systems, and shared species.
 Create wetland reserves.
Montreux Record
 Montreux Record under the Convention is a register of wetland sites on the

List of Wetlands of International Importance where changes in ecological
character have occurred, are occurring, or are likely to occur as a result of
technological developments, pollution or other human interference.
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 It is maintained as part of the Ramsar List.
 The Montreux Record was established by Recommendation 4.8 of the
Conference of the Contracting Parties (1990).
 Resolution 5.4 of the Conference (1993) determined that the Montreux
Record should be employed to identify priority sites for positive national
and international conservation attention. Sites may be added to and
removed from the Record only with the approval of the Contracting Parties
in which they lie.
World Wetland Day
 World Wetlands Day which is celebrated each year on 2 February, marks the
date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on 2 February 1971, in
the Iranian city of Ramsar on the shores of the Caspian Sea. World Wetlands
Day was celebrated for the first time on February 2, 1997, on the 16th
anniversary of the Ramsar Convention. Each year since 1997, government
agencies, non-governmental organizations, and groups of citizens at all
levels of the community have taken advantage of the opportunity to
undertake actions aimed at raising public awareness of wetland values
and benefits in general and the Ramsar Convention in particular.
3. Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON)
Introduction
 The necessity for the study and conservation of birds in particular, and
wildlife and biodiversity in general, prompted the Ministry of Environment
and Forests, Government of India to establish the Salim Ali Centre for
Ornithology & Natural History as a public - NGO partnership between the
MoEF, and the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) under the Centre of
Excellence Scheme vide MoEF letter No 1(2)/BNHS/87-CSC dated 1/11/1988.
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 The Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology & Natural History (SACON) is a
Society registered in 1990 under the Societies registration Act, with the object
of establishing and developing a Centre of Excellence to assist, institute,
conduct and promote scientific research in ornithology, and of species,
habitats and ecosystems with and within which avifauna coexist, and
developing scientific solutions to species, habitat and landscape
conservation problems that are sensitive to the socio-economic realities and
aspirations of the people.
Mangroves and Coral Reefs
Mangroves & Coral Reefs Division
1. Mangroves for the Future (MFF) is a unique multi- country, multi sectoral,
partner- led initiative which builds on the long history of coastal
management interventions and lessons learned during the course of post-
tsunami reconstruction and rehabilitation.
2. The initiative is founded on a vision for a more healthy, prosperous and
secures future for all Indian Ocean Coastal communities, where all the
ecosystems are conserved and managed sustainably and seeks to promote
investment and action in ecosystem conservation for sustainable coastal
development.
3. MFF is being coordinated by International Union for Conservation of
Nature, IUCN covering, initially, six Tsunami affected countries namely
India, Indonesia, Maldives, Seychelles, Srilanka and Thailand. India has
agreed to participate in the IUCN- MFF Initiative.
4. Mangroves for the Future have two objectives:
o To strengthen the environmental sustainability of coastal development.
o To promote the investment of funds and effort in coastal ecosystem
management for sustainable development.
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5. The initiative seeks to effect demonstrable changes and results across four
key areas of influence: regional cooperation, national programme support,
private sector engagement and community action using a strategy of
generating knowledge, empowering institutions and people to use that
knowledge and, thereby promoting good governance in coastal areas.
Biosphere Reserves
Definition:
Biosphere Reserves (BRs) are representative parts of natural and cultural
landscapes extending over large area of terrestrial or coastal/marine
ecosystems or a combination thereof and representative examples of bio-
geographic zones/provinces.
2. Criteria for designation of BR

 A site that must contain an effectively protected and minimally disturbed
core area of value of nature conservation.
 The core area should be typical of a bio-geographical unit and large
enough to sustain viable populations representing all trophic levels in the
ecosystem.
 The management authority to ensure the involvement/cooperation of local
communities to bring variety of knowledge and experiences to link
biodiversity conservation and socio-economic development while
managing and containing the conflicts.
 Areas potential for preservation of traditional tribal or rural modes of
living for harmonious use of environment.
3. International Status of Biosphere Reserves (BR)
The UNESCO has introduced the designation ‘Biosphere Reserve’ for
natural areas to minimize conflict between development and conservation.
BRs are nominated by national government which meet a minimal set of
criteria and adhere to minimal set of conditions for inclusion in the world
network of Biosphere reserves under the Man and Biosphere Reserve
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Programme of UNESCO. Globally 621 BRs representing from 117 countries
included in the network so far.
4. Structure and functions of BR:
Biosphere reserves are demarcated into following 3 inter-related zones:
Core Zone
Core zone must contain suitable habitat for numerous plant and
animal species, including higher order predators and may contain centres of
endemism. Core areas often conserve the wild relatives of economic species
and also represent important genetic reservoirs having exceptional scientific
interest. A core zone being National Park or Sanctuary/protected/regulated
mostly under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Whilst realizing that
perturbation is an ingredient of ecosystem functioning, the core zone is to be
kept free from l human pressures external to the system.
Buffer Zone
The buffer zone, adjoins or surrounds core zone, uses and activities
are managed in this area in the ways that help in protection of core zone in
its natural condition. These uses and activities include restoration,
demonstration sites for enhancing value addition to the resources, limited
recreation, tourism, fishing, grazing, etc; which are permitted to reduce its
effect on core zone. Research and educational activities are to be encouraged.
Human activities, if natural within BR, are likely to continue if these do not
adversely affect the ecological diversity.
Transition Zone
The transition area is the outermost part of a biosphere reserve. This

is usually not delimited one and is a zone of cooperation where conservation
knowledge and management skills are applied and uses are managed in
harmony with the purpose of the biosphere reserve. This includes
settlements, crop lands, managed forests and area for intensive recreation
and other economic uses characteristics of the region.
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Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (CPB)

 India is a party to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity
signed at Rio de Janeiro on the 5th day of June, 1992 which came into force
on the 29thDecember, 1993;
 The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (CPB), the first international regulatory
framework for safe transfer, handling and use of Living Modified Organisms
(LMOs) was negotiated under the aegis of the Convention on Biological
Diversity (CBD). The protocol was adopted on 29th January 2000. With
Palau acceding to the Protocol, the required number of 50 instruments of
ratification /accession /approval /acceptance by countries was reached in
May 2003. The Protocol entered into force on 11 September 2003. Currently
169 countries are Parties to the Protocol.
 The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (CPB), the first international regulatory
framework for safe transfer, handling and use of Living Modified Organisms
(LMOs) was negotiated under the aegis of the Convention on Biological
Diversity (CBD). The protocol was adopted on 29th January 2000. With
Palau acceding to the Protocol, the required number of 50 instruments of
ratification /accession /approval /acceptance by countries was reached in
May 2003. The Protocol entered into force on 11 September 2003. Currently
169 countries are Parties to the Protocol.
 The objective of the Protocol is to contribute to ensuring an adequate level
of protection in the field of the safe transfer, handling and use of LMOs
resulting from modern biotechnology that may have adverse effects on the
conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, taking also into
account risks to human health, and specifically focusing on transboundary
movements.
 The Protocol promotes biosafety by establishing rules and procedures for the
safe transfer, handling, and use of LMOs.
 It includes Advance Informed Agreement (AIA) procedures for imports of
LMOs for intentional introduction into the environment, and also
incorporates the precautionary approach, and mechanisms for risk
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assessment and risk management. The Protocol establishes a Biosafety
Clearing-House (BCH) to facilitate information exchange, and contains
provisions on capacity building and financial resources, with special
attention to developing countries and those without domestic regulatory
systems.
 The Protocol attempts to reconcile the respective needs of trade and
environmental protection in the light of rapidly growing biotechnology
industry.
 The Protocol addresses the obligations of Parties in relation to the
transboundary movements of LMOs to and from non-Parties to the Protocol.
Nagoya Kuala Lumpur Supplementary Protocol on Liability and Redress

to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety
 The Nagoya Kuala Lumpur Supplementary Protocol on Liability and

Redress to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (CPB) was adopted by the
fifth meeting of the COP-MOP at Nagoya, Japan in October 2010 after six
years of intense negotiations.
 The Supplementary Protocol fulfils the commitment set forth in Article 27 of

the CPB to elaborate international rules and procedures on liability and
redress for damage to biodiversity resulting from transboundary
movements of LMOs.
 The objective of the Supplementary Protocol is to contribute to the

conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity by providing
international rules and procedures for liability and redress in the event of
damage resulting from LMOs.
 The scope of the Supplementary Protocol applies to damage resulting from

LMOs that find their origin in a transboundary movement that started after
the Supplementary Protocol’s entry into force. The domestic law
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implementing the Supplementary Protocol shall also apply to damage from
transboundary movements of LMOs from non-parties.
 The Supplementary Protocol establishes a clear framework governing

damage resulting from the authorized use of LMOs. The Supplementary
Protocol reaffirms the precautionary approach contained in Principle 15 of
the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development and recognizes the
need to provide for appropriate response measures where there is damage
or sufficient likelihood of damage, consistent with the CPB.
 The Supplementary Protocol will create greater legal certainty and

transparency for both importers and exporters of LMOs by establishing
more predictable conditions for transboundary movements. The Protocol
will also help to ensure environment protection and protection from risks to
human health from damage or sufficient likelihood of damage resulting
from authorized use of LMOs.
 The Supplementary Protocol sets out core obligations for contracting Parties
to take measures in relation to liability and redress.
 The Supplementary Protocol takes an “administrative approach” whereby

response measures are required of the operator (person or entity in control
of the LMO) or the competent authority if the operator is unable to take
response measures.
 This would cover situations where damage has already occurred, or when
there is a sufficient likelihood that damage will result if timely response
measures are not taken.
 However, countries can still provide for civil liability in their domestic law
and the first review of the Supplementary Protocol (five years after its entry
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into force) will assess the effectiveness of domestic civil liability regimes.
This could trigger further work on an international civil liability regime in
future.
 Pursuant to the signing of the Supplementary Protocol on October, 11, 2011,

a study to probe the legal implication of ratification and to identify
legislative amendments required in the domestic law was undertaken.
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
What is Biodiversity
 Biological diversity, or biodiversity, encompasses the variety of all life on

earth. Biodiversity manifests itself at three levels: species diversity which
refers to the numbers and kinds of living organisms; genetic diversity which
refers to the genetic variation within a population of species; and ecosystem
diversity which is the variety of habitats, biological communities and
ecological processes that occur in the biosphere.
 The biodiversity we see today is the outcome of over 3.5 billion years of
evolutionary history, shaped by natural processes and increasingly, by the
influence of humans.
 Biodiversity forms the web of life of which we are an integral part and upon
which we so fully depend. Biological diversity is the natural biotic capital of
the earth, and affects us all.
 Humanity derives its supplies of food, medicines, energy and many
industrial products from biological resources
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
2. Extinction of species and gradual changes in ecological communities, is a

natural phenomena. However, the pace of extinction has increased
dramatically as a result of human activities. Ecosystems are being
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fragmented or eliminated, and several species are in decline. The
fragmentation, degradation, and loss of habitats pose serious threat to
biological diversity. These losses are irreversible and pose a threat to our
own well being, considering our dependence on food crop and medicines
and other biological resources.
3. Global concern about loss of species and ecosystems found expression in

the International Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The CBD, one
of the key agreements adopted during the Earth Summit held in Rio de
Janeiro in 1992, is the first comprehensive global agreement which addresses
all aspects relating to biodiversity.
The CBD, which has near universal membership 193 countries as its Parties,
sets out commitments for maintaining the world's ecological underpinnings,
while pursuing economic development. India is a Party to the CBD. The
Convention, while reaffirming sovereign rights of nations over their
biological resources, establishes three main goals: the conservation of
biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and
equitable sharing of the benefits from the use of genetic resources.
4. A Nagoya Protocol on access and benefit sharing (ABS) was adopted in

2010 after six years of intense negotiations under the aegis of CBD to further
develop the ABS framework provided by the Convention. India has made
significant positive contributions in these negotiations. The objective of this
Protocol is the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the
utilization of genetic resources. The Protocol has entered into force on
12th October 2014. India signed the Protocol on 11th May 2011, and ratified it
on 9th October, 2012.
Biological Diversity Act
1. Pursuant to the CBD, India enacted the Biological Diversity Act in 2002,
and notified Biological Diversity Rules in 2004, to give effect to the
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provisions of this Convention. The Act is implemented through a three-
tiered institutional structure at the national, state and local levels. The
National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has been set up in October, 2003 in
Chennai. As per Section 8(4) of the Act, the NBA consists of a Chairperson,
five non-official and ten ex-officio members to be appointed by the Central
Government to represent various Ministries.
2. The vision of NBA is the conservation and sustainable use of India’s rich
biodiversity and associated knowledge with peoples participation, ensuring
the process of benefit sharing for well being of present and future
generations. The mission of NBA is to ensure effective implementation of
Biological Diversity Act, 2002 and the Biological Diversity Rules 2004 for
conservation of biodiversity, sustainable use of its components and fair and
equitable sharing of benefits arising out of utilization of genetic resources.
3. The NBA interalia deals with all matters relating to requests for access by
foreign individuals, institutions or companies, and transfer of results of
research to any foreigner. The State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) constituted
by the State Governments deal with all matters relating to access by Indians
for commercial purposes. The institutions of self-governments are required
to set up Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) in their respective
areas for conservation, sustainable use, documentation of biodiversity and
chronicling of knowledge related to biodiversity.
Hosting of Eleventh Conference of Parties (CoP-11) to the CBD and CoP

Presidency
13. India successfully hosted the eleventh meeting of the Conference of the
Parties (COP 11) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) held from
8-19 October 2012, in Hyderabad, India, following the sixth Meeting of the
Parties to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (COP/MOP 6). The event
provided India with an opportunity to consolidate, scale-up and showcase
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our strengths on biodiversity. The meetings were presided over by the
Minister for Environment and Forests, India as the President of CoP-11. The
High Level Segment was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India. The
Prime Minister at CoP-11 launched the ‘Hyderabad Pledge’, wherein he
announced that the Government of India has decided to earmark a sum of
US $ 50 million during India’s Presidency of CoP to strengthen institutional
mechanism, enhance the technical and human capabilities for biodiversity
conservation in India, and to promote similar capacity building in other
developing countries.
14. CoP-11 was the largest ever such conference organized in India.
Thousands of delegates representing 175 countries, other governments, UN
agencies, intergovernmental, non-governmental, indigenous and local
community organizations, academia and the private sector participated in
CoP-11. CBD CoP-11 adopted 33 decisions on a range of strategic,
substantive, administrative, financial and budgetary issues. The decisions of
CoP-11 are available on CBD’s website.
15. Hosting of CoP/MoP-6 and CoP-11 by India is an important milestone,

and has been hailed as one of the biggest politico-scientific events in the
world. India played an active role in content development and outcome of
the conference.
16. With the successful hosting of CoP-11, in her two-year Presidency till
CoP-12 in October, 2014, India guided and steered the implementation of the
decisions of CoP-11, and also supporting capacity building initiatives for
other developing countries, in addition to strengthening the ongoing efforts
for biodiversity conservation at the national level.
Biodiversity Conservation & Rural Livelihood Improvement Project

(BCRLIP)
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Biodiversity Conservation & Rural Livelihood Improvement Project
(BCRLIP) aims at conserving Biodiversity in selected landscapes, including
wildlife protected areas/critical conservation areas while improving rural
livelihoods through participatory approaches. Development of Joint Forest
Management (JFM) and eco-development in some states are models of new
approaches to provide benefits to both conservation and local communities.
The project intends to build on these models and expand lessons to other
globally significant sites in the country to strengthen linkages between
conservation and improving livelihoods of local communities that live in the
neighborhood of biodiversity rich areas-as well as to enhance the local and
national economy.
Schemes and Programmes of Ministry of Envrionment, Forests & Climate

Change
National River Conservation Plan
 The centrally sponsored National River Conservation Plan (NRCP)

presently covers 38 rivers in 178 towns spread over 20 States.
 River conservation activities such as creation of civic infrastructure for
sewage management and disposal are also being implemented under other
central schemes, such as Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal
Mission, Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme for Small and Medium
Towns, as well as under state schemes. Conservation of rivers involves
collective efforts of the Central and State Governments.
 The Central Government is supplementing the efforts of the State
Governments in river conservation.
 Based on independent monitoring undertaken by reputed institutions on
some of the major rivers under NRCP, the water quality in terms of BOD
(Bio-chemical Oxygen Demand) values has improved at most locations as
compared to water quality before taking up of pollution abatement schemes.
 The Central Government , in February 2009, has set up the National Ganga
River Basin Authority (NGRBA) as an empowered planning, financial,
monitoring and coordinating authority to ensure effective abatement of
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pollution and conservation of the river Ganga by adopting a holistic
approach with the river basin as the unit of planning.
 Discharge of untreated wastewater constitutes the major source of pollution
load for the rivers.
 Drawing water for irrigation, drinking, industrial use, power etc. are other
aspects which compounds the challenge to maintain flow in the rivers and
cleaning the rivers.
 Interception and diversion of sewage and setting up of Sewage Treatment
Plants have therefore been among the main components of pollution
abatement schemes under the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP).
Scheme on Labelling of Environment Friendly Products:
The Government have decided to institute a Scheme on Labelling of

Environment Friendly Products. The scheme will operate on a national basis
and provide accredition and labelling for household and other consumer
products which meet certain environmental criteria along with quality
requirements of the Indian Standards for that product. The Label shall be
known as the “ECOMARK” and will be of the design to be notified.
Any product which is made, used or disposed of in a way that significantly

reduces the harm it would otherwise cause the environment could be
considered as Environment Friendly Product.
(2) Objectives of the Scheme:
The specific objectives of the scheme are as follows:-
(i) To provide an incentive for manufacturers and importers to reduce

adverse environmental impact of products.
(ii) To reward genuine initiatives by companies to reduce adverse

environmental impact of their products.
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(iii) To assist consumers to become environmentally responsible in their
daily lives by providing information to take account of environmental
factors in their purchase decisions.
(iv) To encourage citizens to purchase products which have less harmful

environmental impacts.
(v) Ultimately to improve the quality of the environment and to encourage

the sustainable management of resources.
(3) Administrative and Organisational Structure-
There will be three stages leading to the award of the “ECOMARK”:-
1. A steering committee, set up in the Ministry of Environment and Forests,

to determine the product categories for coverage under the scheme and also
formulate strategies for promotion, implementation, future development
and improvements in the working of the scheme.
2. A technical committee, set up in the Central Pollution Control Board, to

identify the specific product to be selected and the individual criteria to be
adopted, including, wherever possible, inter-se priority between the criteria
if there be more than one.
3. The Bureau of Indian Standards to assess and certify the products and
draw up a contract with the manufacturers, allowing the use of the label, on
payment of a fee.
The Criteria for Ecomark:
Environmental criteria for each product category will be notified by the

Central Government and later on shall be translated into Indian Standards
by the Bureau of Indian Standards. The criteria shall be for broad
environmental levels and aspects, but will be specific at the product level.
Products will be examined in terms of the following main environmental
impacts:-
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(a) That they have substantially less potential for pollution than other
comparable products in production, usage and disposal.
(b) That they are recycled, recyclable, made from recycled products or
biodegradable, where comparable products are not.
(c) That they make significant contribution to saving non-renewable

resources, including non renewable energy sources and natural resources,
compared with comparable products.
(d) That the product must contribute to a reduction of the adverse primary
criteria which has thc highest environmental impact associated with the use
of the product, and which will be specifically set for each of the product
categories.
In determining the primary criteria for a product the following shall be taken
(a) Production process including source of raw material;
(b) Case of Natural Resources;
(c) Likely impact on the environment;
(d) Energy conservation in the production of the product;
(e) Effect & extent of waste arising from the production process;
(f) Disposal of the product and its container;
(g) Utilization of “Waste” and recycled materials;
(h) Suitability for recycling or packaging
(i) Biodegradability;
 The Bureau initiated the Standards & Labeling Programme for equipment
and appliances in 2006to provide the consumer an informed choice about
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the energy saving and thereby the cost saving potential of the relevant
marketed product.
 The scheme is invoked for 21 equipment/appliances, i.e. Room Air
Conditioners, RAC(Cassette, Floor Standing Tower, Ceiling, Corner AC),
Tubular Fluorescent Tube Lights, Frost Free Refrigerators, Distribution
Transformers, Direct Cool Refrigerator,Electric storage type geyser,Color
TVs, Induction Motors, Ceiling fans, Agricultural pump sets, LPG stoves,
Washing machine,Laptops, Ballast, Office automation products, Solid State
Inverter, Diesel Engine Driven Monoset Pumps for Agricultural Purposes,
Diesel Generator, Inverter AC and LED Lamps. Of which the first 8 products
have been notified under mandatory labeling since 7th January, 2010.
 The other appliances are presently under voluntary labeling phase. The
energy efficiency labeling programs under BEE are intended to reduce the
energy consumption of appliance without diminishing the services it
provides to consumers.
National afforestation programme:
 The scheme titled National Afforestation Programme (NAP) has been

formulated by merger of four 9th Plan centrally sponsored afforestation
schemes of the Ministry of Environment & Forests, namely, Integrated
Afforestation and Eco-Development Projects Scheme (IAEPS), Area
Oriented Fuel wood and Fodder Projects Scheme (AOFFPS), Conservation
and Development of Non-Timber Forest Produce including Medicinal Plants
Scheme (NTFP) and Association of Scheduled Tribes and Rural Poor in
Regeneration of Degraded Forests (ASTRP), with a view to reducing
multiplicity of schemes with similar objectives, ensuring uniformity in
funding pattern and implementation mechanism, avoiding delays in
availability of funds to the field level and institutionalising peoples
participation in project formulation and its implementation.
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 The Scheme will be operated by the National Afforestation and Eco-
Development Board, Ministry of Environment and Forests as a 100% Central
Sector/ Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
 It continues to be the flagship scheme of NAEB, in so much as it provides
support, both in physical and capacity building terms, to the Forest
Development Agencies (FDAs) which in turn are the main organs to move
forward institutionalization of Joint Forest Management.
 The FDA has been conceived and established as a federation of Joint Forest
Management Committees (JFMCs) at the Forest Division level to undertake
holistic development in the forestry sector with people’s participation.
 This is a paradigm shift from the earlier afforestation programmes wherein
funds were routed through the State Governments.
 This decentralized two-tier institutional structure (FDA and JFMC) allows
greater participation of the community, both in planning and
implementation, to improve forests and livelihoods of the people living in
and around forest areas.
 The village is reckoned as a unit of planning and implementation and all
activities under the programme are conceptualized at the village level.
 The two-tier approach, apart from building capacities at the grassroots level,
significantly empowers the local people to participate in the decision making
process.
 Under Entry Point Activities, community assets are created with a ‘care and
share’ concept.
National Action Programme to Combat Desertification
 India is a party to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)

and MoEF is the National Coordinating Agency for the implementation of
the UNCCD in the country.
 As an affected party, a 20 years comprehensive National Action Programme
(NAP) to combat desertification in the country has been prepared.
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 The objectives are:- – community based approach to development, –
activities to improve the quality of life of the local communities, – awareness
raising, – drought management preparedness and mitigation, – R&D
initiatives and interventions which are locally suited, – strengthening self
governance leading to empowerment of local communities.
United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification:
 The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Those

Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification,
Particularly in Africa (UNCCD) is a Convention to combat desertification
and mitigate the effects of drought through national action programs that
incorporate long-term strategies supported by international cooperation and
partnership arrangements.
 The Convention, the only convention stemming from a direct
recommendation of the Rio Conference’s Agenda 21, was adopted in Paris,
France on 17 June 1994 and entered into force in December 1996.
 It is the only internationally legally binding framework set up to address the
problem of desertification.
 The Convention is based on the principles of participation, partnership and
decentralization—the backbone of Good Governance and Sustainable
Development.
 It has 196 parties, making it near universal in reach.
 To help publicise the Convention, 2006 was declared “International Year of
Deserts and Desertification” but debates have ensued regarding how
effective the International Year was in practice.
UNCCD in India
 Desertification, along with climate change and the loss of biodiversity were
identified as the greatest challenges to sustainable development during the
1992 Rio Earth Summit.
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 Adopted in 1994, United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
(UNCCD) entered into force in 1996 and became a legally binding
international agreement linking environment and development to
sustainable land management.
 The Convention addresses specifically the issue of Desertification, Land
Degradation and Drought (DLDD) in arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid
areas of drylands, which are home to some of the most vulnerable people
and ecosystems in the world.
 The Convention’s 195 parties work together to improve the living conditions
for people in drylands, to maintain and restore land and soil productivity,
and to mitigate the effects of drought.
 India became a signatory to UNCCD on 14th October 1994 and ratified it on
17th December 1996. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate
Change is the nodal Ministry in the Government of India for the UNCCD,
and Desertification Cell is the nodal point within the Ministry to co-ordinate
all issues pertaining to the Convention.
 Combating DLDD requires interventions in form of Preventive and Curative
Measures. Preventive measures include adopting Sustainable Land
Management (SLM) practices that can ensure sustainable productivity of
land resources and; food, water and livelihood security for present and
future generations. Curative measures involve undertaking restoration and
reclamation interventions on degraded lands and subsequent SLM of
reclaimed land resources.
Recent Issues:
 On March 21, 2017, Canada officially once again become a party to the
United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (“UNCCD“).
 The UNCCD was established in 1994 to address the problems arising from
the increasing arid areas of the world, where many of the world’s poorest
and most vulnerable live. The UNCCD seeks to improve the living
conditions of people living in these areas, increase, or restore, the land’s
productive capacities, and mitigate the effects of drought.
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 In contrast to some other multilateral treaties, the UNCCD seeks a bottom-
up approach to tackling this issue. It does this by facilitating cooperation
between countries and partnership arrangements that include local actors
and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
 Desertification occurs when vegetative cover and soil productivity is lost,
which, among other effects, renders land unsuitable for the production of
food. Rather than the natural expansion of existing deserts, desertification
occurs as a result of human activities such as poor agricultural practices that
are often prompted by poverty, drought, and war. Desertification is
occurring most in, but is not confined to, Africa.
 Unsurprisingly, desertification is exacerbated by global climate change and
biodiversity loss.
 Canada first became party to the UNCCD with its ratification in 1996.
However, in 2013 Canada announced its withdrawal from the UNCCD,
becoming the first and only party to withdraw from the treaty and the UN
member state that was not a party to it. In withdrawing from the UNCCD,
the former federal government reportedly complained that Canada’s
approximately $300,000 in annual donations was a waste because the money
did not go towards fighting desertification on the ground.
 Canada submitted its instrument of ratification, required to re-accede to the
UNCCD, in December 2016.
Wild Life International Cooperation:

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
India is a party to five major international conventions related to Wild Life

conservation, viz., Convention on International Trade in Endangered
Species of wild fauna and flora (CITES), International Union for
Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), International
Whaling Commission (IWC), United Nations Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization-World Heritage Committee (UNESCO-WHC) and
the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS).
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i. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and

Flora (CITES):
In order to regulate international trade in endangered species of Wild Life,
the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild fauna
and flora (CITES) was signed in March 1973.
The Government of India signed the Convention in July 1976, which was
ratified in October 1976.The Director, Wild Life Preservation has been
designated as the CITES Management Authority for India. The enforcement
of the provisions of CITES is carried out by the Regional Deputy Directors,
Wild Life Crime Control Bureau, who have also been designated as the
Assistant CITES Management Authority for India. Apart from the Regional
Deputy Directors, the Customs Authorities, State Forest Departments are
also involved in the enforcement of the Convention. An amendment to the
Wild Life (Protection) Act 1972 has been proposed for integrating the
provisions of CITES in the national law for effective implementation of the
Convention. The Ministry of Environment and Forests has also constituted
a CITES Cell on 10th September 2010 to assist the Government of India in
CITES implementation. India has taken several initiatives in recent years at
national level to build capacity for better CITES implementation in the
country.
Indian delegation has participated in the meetings of the Plants and
Animal Committees, the meetings of the Standing Committee and in
Conferences of Parties of CITES from time to time. Following specific
agendas have been pursued in this convention in recent times.
· The 16thMeeting of the Conference of Parties to CITES (CoP-16) was
held from 3-14th March 2013 at Bangkok and the meeting was attended by
Indian Delegation headed by CITES Management Authority of India.
· In CoP 16, India has support the text of the document of “CITES and
Livelihoods” which outlines recommendations to Parties to make CITES
implementation attractive and rather positive with respect to livelihood
needs of the local people and particularly poor rural communities.
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· India expressed the need to establish a self-sustaining funding
mechanism for the Monitoring the Illegal Killing of Elephants (MIKE)
programme in Asia. A drafting group comprising China, Germany, India,
Kenya, South Africa, Thailand, Uganda and United States (chair) was
formed for improving the wording in Annex 2 of the document CoP 16 doc.
26 (Rev. 1) on Trade in Elephant Specimens.
· With reference to amendments to the ‘Amendments of the Appendices’,
India strongly supported the proposal indicating that the species listed
under critically endangered and threatened category of the IUCN’s Red list
should also be listed in the Appendices of the CITES for monitoring the trade
effectively.
· In the CoP 16, India has shown willingness to work with the Nepal
Government and other national authorities in monitoring the trade of
shahtoosh wool derived from Tibetan antelopes and its illegal poaching.
India has also deliberated in the CoP 16 that stringent penal provisions have
been provided for any contravention under the Indian Wild Life
(Protection), Act 1972.
· India has supported inclusion of box turtles and soft shell turtles in the
appendices of CITES and requested the CITES to ascertain the correct
conservation status of a species before taking any decision on listing of
species including sharks in the Appendices of CITES as such decisions
cannot be made on the basis of inadequate or unreliable information, more
so when they are likely to impact the livelihoods of millions of poor
communities. India also mentioned that there is strong need for undertaking
more region specific studies, primarily relating to the status of the concerned
species in the Indian Ocean regions, before taking decisions to include sharks
in the Appendices of CITES.
ii. World Heritage Convention:
 India is a member of World Heritage Convention responsible for listing of
World Heritage Sites, which include both Cultural and natural sites. The
World Heritage Convention is a Convention under the aegis of the United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Wild
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Life wing of the Ministry of Environment and Forests is associated with the
conservation of the Natural World Heritage sites.
 Currently, six natural World Heritage Sites have been recognized
by UNESCO in India, viz., Nanda Devi National Park, Kaziranga National
Park, Manas National Park, Keoladeo National Park, Sundarbans National
Park. Apart from these, the Valley of Flowers National Park has also been
included in the list of World Heritage Sites as an extension of Nanda Devi
National Park. (More added in Current Affairs & IAS ABHIYAN’s
Compilations)
iii. Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild

Animals (CMS):
 The Convention on Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS) or Bonn
Convention aims to conserve migratory species throughout their range. The
Convention came into force in 1979. India is a signatory to the convention
since 1983.
 During COP 10, India has also been nominated as a member of the Standing
Committee of the Convention with the support from various countries in the
Asia.
 During the COP, the Ministry of Environment and Forests, WWF-India,
Wetlands International and BNHS (Bombay Natural History Society) jointly
organized a side event on Black-necked Crane urging the range States for
regional cooperation for conservation of this unique species found in the
Himalayan high altitude wetlands. Conference of Parties is held generally
once in three years.
iv. International Whaling Commission:

 The International Whaling Commission (IWC) was set up under the
International Commission for the Regulation of Whaling which was signed
in Washington on 2ndDecember 1946.
 The purpose of the Convention is to provide for conservation of whale
stocks.
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 The main duty of the International Whaling Commission is to keep under
review and revise as necessary the measures laid down in the schedule to
the Convention which governs the conduct of whaling throughout the
world.
 These measures, among other things, provide complete protection of certain
species, designate specified areas as whale sanctuaries, limit the number of
whales which may be taken, prescribe open and closed seasons and
designate areas for whaling; prohibit the capture of suckling calves and
female whales accompanied by calves.
 India has been a member of the International Whaling Commission since
1981 and has played a pro-active and prominent role in bringing about a
moratorium on commercial whaling and supporting the Commission in its
efforts towards whale conservation. All the Cetacean species (whales,
dolphins, etc.) have been included in Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection)
Act, 1972 thereby giving them the highest degree of protection.
 Apart from this, India has always been supporting the conservation of
whales through the establishment of the South Pacific Sanctuary.
 The East Godavari River Estuarine Ecosystem (EGREE) encompassing the

Godavari mangroves (321 km2) is the second largest area of mangroves
along the east coast of India (after Sundarbans). The area is rich in floral and
faunal diversity, and generates significant ecological and economic benefits
such as shoreline protection, sustaining livelihoods and carbon sink services.
There are 35 species of mangroves, of which 16 are true mangroves and the
rest are associates of mangrove species.
 This includes one nearly threatened (IUCN) species (Ceriops decandra) and
three rare species.
 There are important nesting sites for migratory turtle species, notably the
endangered Olive Ridley turtle, the critically endangered Leatherback turtle
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and Green turtle. The area serves as spawning grounds and as a sanctuary
for the growth and development of numerous fin and shell fish.
 It is an Important Bird Area with a recorded population of 119 bird species,

of which 50 are migratory. In recognition of its national and global
biodiversity significance, a part of the EGREE area is gazetted as Coringa
Wildlife Sanctuary (CWLS).
 In addition to the biodiversity significance of the area, it is also of enormous

economic significance. The last few decades have witnessed rapid economic
changes and emergence of large scale production activities in EGREE.
The Government of India and UNDP-GEF, in partnership with the

Government of Andhra Pradesh aims to mainstream biodiversity
conservation into the production sectors of EGREE through: (1) Cross-
sectoral planning in the EGREE, (2) Enhanced capacity of sector institutions
for implementing biodiversity-friendly sector plans, (3) Improved
community livelihoods and sustainable natural resource use. By project end,
it is anticipated that production activities in at least 80,000 ha of the EGREE
introduce mainstreaming of biodiversity conservation objectives, in turn
improving the conservation prospects of several globally significant species,
apart from contributing to the socio-economic wellbeing of the region.
Under this project, EGREE Foundation was established under Andhra

Pradesh Society Registration Act 2001, which is a cross-sectoral platform to
facilitate implementation of biodiversity conservation initiatives by
involving the production sectors operating in the EGREE; Research gap
analysis has been conducted for the EGREE Region and 58 research gaps
identified. Action is being initiated to prioritise the research activities to be
conducted under the project and with other research institutes. A Landscape
based Biodiversity Management Plan has also been prepared for Coringa
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Wildlife Sanctuary, taking into consideration the challenges from the
production sectors especially in the peripheries of the sanctuary. This
landscape based management plan is the first of its kind in India.
Regular training programmes are conducted with Coast Guards,

Fisheries Department and other production sectors on conservation of
coastal and marine biodiversity. In addition, a number of livelihood
activities have been initiated with the local communities.
Sea Turtle Project

 A significant proportion of world’s Olive Ridley Turtle population migrate
every winter to Indian coastal waters for nesting mainly at eastern coast.
 With the objective of conservation of olive ridley turtles and other
endangered marine turtles. Ministry of Environment & Forests initiated the
Sea Turtle Conservation Project in collaboration of UNDP in November,
1999 with Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun as the Implementing Agency.
 The project is being implemented in 10 coastal States of the country with
special emphasis in State of Orissa.
 The objectives of the project are updating and implementing an integrated
management and ecodevelopment plans, enhancing capacity of State
wildlife authorities to integrate and implement management and
ecodevelopmnt plan along with strengthening and supporting the
conservation measures taken by States by involving people.
Integrated Forest protection Scheme:

 With a view to minimizing fire hazards and controlling forest fires a project
was launched during the 9th Plan period in two States with the assistance of
United Nations Development Program (UNDP). Later on, this project was
first extended to ten Sates and then to the whole country. To consolidate its
gains, the project was formalized during the 10th Plan into a Centrally
Sponsored Scheme called “Integrated Forest protection Scheme (IFPS)”. The
IFPS has been allowed to continue during 11th Plan period with the new
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name Intensification of Forest Management Scheme (IFMS) by adding 4 new
components.
Objective/ Justification for the scheme:

 The IFM Scheme was designed to address the most pressing needs of forest
protection. The components of the scheme included forest fire control and
management, survey, demarcation and preparation of working plans,
strengthening of infrastructure such as roads, camp offices, watch towers,
improved mobility, fire arms and use of modern information and
communication technology etc.
Details of Scheme:
The Scheme has 7 seven components as detailed below.
1. Forest Fire Control & Management: Creation of fire-lines, Construction
of watch towers, and Engagement of firewatchers and assistance to Joint
Forest Management Committees (JFMC).
2. Strengthening of Infrastructure: Construction of field offices, transit

camps, inspection huts, forest roads and provision for field vehicles,
computers, GIS and other equipments including arms and ammunitions.
3. Survey, Demarcation and Working Plan Preparation: Field survey,

boundary demarcation, enumeration, Purchase of Material for working plan
preparation and Purchase of equipment for survey and enumeration (GPS
etc).
4. Protection and conservation of Sacred Groves: Inventorization of the

Sacred Groves in each State/UT, Cultural operations including weeding,
bush cutting, ANR, soil moisture conservation works and Research/ studies
and other miscellaneous works.
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5. Conservation and Restoration of Unique Vegetation &
Ecosystem: Inventorization of the resources and Research & Development
studies to develop protocols to improve its regeneration, mass
multiplication, specific studies related to trade, policy and support for
various cultural operations.
6. Control and Eradication of Forest Invasive Species: Providing

assistance to the State/ UT Forest Department and their research
organisations for carrying out studies and research on Forest Invasive
Species, and their control and management. The Studies and research
include activities such as survey, surveillance, biological studies, field
control trials, etc.
7. Preparedness for Meeting Challenges of Bamboo Flowering and

Improving Management of Bamboo Forests: The activities under this
component would include- support to the State/ UT Forest Department and
to their research institutions for carrying out studies, research, surveillance
and survey of the bamboo areas and in the event of detection of flowering
(gregarious/ sporadic). In addition to this it aims to improve the
management of bamboo areas for removing decongestion, improving
clump/ Culm quality, gap planting, use of quality planting material, etc.
Compensatory Afforestation Bill, 2016:
 The passing of the Bill has ended the long era of ad-hocism and will help the
Centre and State Governments to utilise these amounts in a planned manner.
 Rules to be framed by the Central Government in consultation with the
States/ UTs will provides for use of native species in afforestation activities
to be undertaken from these funds.
 Majority of the employment will be generated in tribal dominated and
backward areas of the country.
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 Apart from creation of direct employment, utilisation of these amounts will
result in increased availability of timber and various other non-timber forest
products, and will thus help in improvement of the overall living standards
of the forest dependent communities.
 The Bill provides for establishment of a permanent institutional framework
at the Central at each State and Union territory to ensure utilization of these
funds in an expeditious and transparent manner.
 The Bill also seeks to transfer these amounts to dedicated, non-lapsable
interest bearing funds under public account of the Union of India and each
State so as to bring these funds within the overall oversight and control of
the Parliament and the State legislatures, without impairing easy availability
of these funds to utilise the same for the purpose for which it has been
realised.
 The Bill also seeks to provide for constitution of a multi-disciplinary
Monitoring Group to monitor activities undertaken from these funds. The
Bill also provides for annual audit of the accounts by the C&AG.
Key Issues and Analysis
 The Bill establishes the Funds for compensatory afforestation and forest
conservation. However, there are several factors (other than administration
of funds) which affect compensatory afforestation and forest conservation.
These factors are mentioned below.
 A 2013 CAG report noted that state forest departments lack the planning and
implementation capacity to carry out compensatory afforestation and forest
conservation. With the share of funds transferred to states increasing from
10% to 90%, effective utilisation of these funds will depend on the capacity
of state forest departments.
 Procuring land for compensatory afforestation is difficult as land is a limited

resource, and is required for multiple purposes, such as agriculture,
industry, etc. This is compounded by unclear land titles, and difficulties in
complying with procedures for land use.
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 A High Level Committee on Environment Laws observed that quality of
forest cover has declined between 1951 and 2014, with poor quality of
compensatory afforestation plantations being one of the reasons behind the
decline.
 The Bill delegates the determination of NPV (value of loss of forest

ecosystem) to an expert committee constituted by the central government.
As NPV constitutes about half of the total funds collected, its computation
methodology would be important.
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Abhiyan: Environment Notes From Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Govt. of India

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Abhiyan: Environment Notes From Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Govt. of India

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YOUR AIM OUR MISSION

Environment Notes from Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate

 The Montreal Protocol has been recognized as the most successful

 Currently, the Ozone Cell is engaged in phase-out of production and

National Mission for Green India

 To increase forest/tree cover to the extent of 5 million hectares (mha) and

Hazardous Substances Management

(i) Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of

(ii) Rotterdam Convention on the prior informed consent procedure for

 The Rotterdam Convention on the prior informed consent procedure for

(iii) Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants:

 The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) is a

(iv) Minamata Convention on Mercury:

 In February 2009, the Governing Council of UNEP adopted Decision 25/5 on

(v) Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management:

Elephant reserves of Project Elephant in India (2005)

National Afforestation & Eco-Development Board

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is an important management tool

National Wetland Conservation Programme (NWCP)

 According to most widespread definition wetlands are defined as: "lands

 Ramsar Convention on Wetlands define wetlands as: "areas of marsh, fen,

 Wetlands, natural and manmade, freshwater or brackish, provide numerous

1. National Wetland Conservation Programme (NWCP)

 Government of India opertionalized National Wetland Conservation

Aim of the Scheme

Conservation and wise use of wetlands in the country so as to prevent their

Objectives of the Scheme

The scheme was initiated with the following objectives:-

 The Convention on Wetlands, signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971, is an

 The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands was developed as a means to call

 In addition, many wetlands are international systems lying across the

Major obligations of countries which are party to the Convention are:

 Montreux Record under the Convention is a register of wetland sites on the

World Wetland Day

3. Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON)

Mangroves and Coral Reefs

Mangroves & Coral Reefs Division

2. Criteria for designation of BR

The transition area is the outermost part of a biosphere reserve. This

Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (CPB)

Nagoya Kuala Lumpur Supplementary Protocol on Liability and Redress

 The Nagoya Kuala Lumpur Supplementary Protocol on Liability and

 The Supplementary Protocol fulfils the commitment set forth in Article 27 of

 The objective of the Supplementary Protocol is to contribute to the

 The scope of the Supplementary Protocol applies to damage resulting from

 The Supplementary Protocol establishes a clear framework governing

 The Supplementary Protocol will create greater legal certainty and

 The Supplementary Protocol takes an “administrative approach” whereby

 Pursuant to the signing of the Supplementary Protocol on October, 11, 2011,

Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

 Biological diversity, or biodiversity, encompasses the variety of all life on

Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

2. Extinction of species and gradual changes in ecological communities, is a

3. Global concern about loss of species and ecosystems found expression in

4. A Nagoya Protocol on access and benefit sharing (ABS) was adopted in

Biological Diversity Act

Hosting of Eleventh Conference of Parties (CoP-11) to the CBD and CoP

15. Hosting of CoP/MoP-6 and CoP-11 by India is an important milestone,

Biodiversity Conservation & Rural Livelihood Improvement Project

Schemes and Programmes of Ministry of Envrionment, Forests & Climate

 The centrally sponsored National River Conservation Plan (NRCP)

Scheme on Labelling of Environment Friendly Products: