On October 2, 2017, Union Environment Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan unveiled India’s third National Wildlife Action Plan for 2017-2031, which outlines the future road map for wildlife conservation across the country. The plan was unveiled on the inaugural day of the Global Wildlife Programme (GWP) conference in New Delhi, which is jointly hosted by India, World Bank and United Nations Development Programme.
Background Information about National Wildlife Action Plan for 2017-2031:
This is the third National Wildlife Action Plan which comes after the first plan in 1983 and second plan from 2002 – 2016.
- It was drafted by a 12-member committee chaired by JC Kala (former secretary to the ministry) and was initiated in February 2016 by Union Environment Ministry.
Salient Features of National Wildlife Action Plan for 2017-2031:
- Approach: A “landscape approach” will be adopted to conserve all wildlife that have an ecological value to the ecosystem and to mankind, irrespective of its place of occurrence.
- Action for recovery of threatened species: The plan lays special emphasis on recovery of threatened species of wildlife while conserving their habitats.
- Addresses Concerns about Climate Change on Wildlife: For the first time, the action plan has recognised the concerns relating to climate change impact on wildlife. Besides, it has also stressed on integrating actions that are required to be taken for its mitigation and adaptation into wildlife management planning processes.
- Role of Private Sector: National Wildlife Action Plan for 2017-2031 has also enlisted measures aimed at increasing the role of private sector in wildlife conservation. Central Government would ensure that sufficient and sustained funding including funds allocated by companies under Corporate Social Responsibility are made available for the implementation of the action plan.
About Global Wildlife Programme (GWP) conference:
Global Wildlife Programme (GWP), also known as “Global Partnership on Wildlife Conservation and Crime Prevention for Sustainable Development” was launched in June 2015.
- It is a World-Bank led partnership of 19 countries to promote the conservation and sustainable development by combating trafficking in wildlife.
- 4-day GWP conference which begun on October 2, 2017, in New Delhi, will give India an opportunity to get familiar with best practices on the management of wildlife habitats and minimising human-wildlife conflict situations.
