Forest and Wildlife Resources

Introduction

– Earth’s habitat consists of diverse living beings, forming a complex ecological system.

– Humans and other organisms depend on this system for survival.

– Forests play a crucial role as primary producers, supporting the livelihood of all living beings.

 Biodiversity in India

– India is known for its rich biodiversity, with numerous unique plants and animals.

– The country has vast biological diversity, with many undiscovered species.

– Flora and fauna are integral to daily life but are currently under stress due to environmental insensitivity.

 

Importance of Conservation

– Conservation preserves ecological diversity and life support systems (water, air, soil).

– It maintains genetic diversity for the growth and breeding of plant and animal species.

– Traditional crop varieties and fisheries depend on biodiversity preservation.

 

Conservation Efforts in India

– The Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act was implemented in 1972 to protect habitats and endangered species.

– National parks and wildlife sanctuaries were established by the central and state governments.

– Specific projects focused on protecting threatened animals such as tigers, rhinoceros, crocodiles, lions, elephants, etc.

– Legal protection against hunting and trade was granted to various species, including black buck, great Indian bustard, and snow leopard.

 

Project Tiger

– Tiger population declined drastically, leading to the launch of “Project Tiger” in 1973.

– Tigers faced threats from poaching, habitat loss, prey depletion, and growing human population.

– Tiger conservation aims to preserve not only the species but also biotypes of significant importance.

– India’s tiger reserves include Corbett National Park, Sunderbans National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park, Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary, Manas Tiger Reserve, and Periyar Tiger Reserve.

 

Expanding Conservation Focus

– Conservation projects now emphasize biodiversity preservation rather than isolated components.

– Insects, including butterflies, moths, beetles, and dragonflies, have gained attention in conservation planning.

– Plants were added to the list of protected species, starting with six species in 1991.

 

Classification of Forests

Reserved Forest

More than half of the total forest land has been declared reserved forests. Reserved forests are regarded as the most valuable as far as the conservation of forest and wildlife resources are concerned.

Protected Forest

Almost one-third of the total forest area is protected forest, as declared by the Forest Department. This forest land is protected from any further depletion.

Unclassed Forest

These are other forests and wastelands belonging to both government and private individuals and communities.

Forest Management

  • In India, forest and wildlife resources are primarily owned or managed by the government through the Forest Department or other government departments.
  • Reserved and protected forests are referred to as permanent forest estates, maintained for timber production and forest protection.
  • Madhya Pradesh has the largest area under permanent forests, accounting for 75% of its total forest area.
  • Several states like Jammu and Kashmir, Andhra Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Maharashtra have significant percentages of reserved forests.
  • States like Bihar, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, and Rajasthan have a substantial portion of their forests classified as protected forests.
  • The north-eastern states and parts of Gujarat have a high percentage of unclassed forests, which are managed by local communities.

Community and Conservation

Local Communities as Conservation Partners:

  • In some areas of India, local communities are actively involved in conserving forest habitats alongside government officials.
  • Villagers in Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan, have fought against mining activities using the Wildlife Protection Act.
  • In Alwar district, Rajasthan, five villages have declared 1,200 hectares of forest as the Bhairodev Dakav ‘Sonchuri’ and established their own rules and regulations to protect wildlife and prevent encroachment.

 

Success of the Chipko Movement:

  • The Chipko movement in the Himalayas successfully resisted deforestation and promoted community afforestation with indigenous species.
  • This movement showcased the effectiveness of involving communities in conservation efforts.

 

Traditional Conservation Methods and Ecological Farming:

  • Efforts are being made to revive traditional conservation methods and develop new methods of ecological farming.
  • Farmer and citizen groups such as the Beej Bachao Andolan in Tehri and Navdanya have demonstrated the viability of diversified crop production without synthetic chemicals.

 

Joint Forest Management (JFM) Programme:

  • JFM involves local communities in the management and restoration of degraded forests.
  • The programme began in 1988 with the state of Odisha passing the first resolution for joint forest management.
  • Local institutions are formed at the village level to undertake protection activities on degraded forest land, with benefits like non-timber forest produce and a share in harvested timber as incentives.

 

Sacred Groves and Traditional Conservation:

-Sacred Groves:

  • Sacred Groves are patches of forest or parts of large forests left untouched by local communities and protected against any interference.
  • These groves are based on age-old tribal beliefs that all creations of nature must be protected.
  • Worship of Trees and Animals:
  • Various cultures in India revere specific trees and animals, considering them sacred and protected.
  • Examples include the worship of mahua and kadamba trees by the Mundas and Santhal tribes, and the worship of tamarind and mango trees during weddings in Odisha and Bihar.
  • Community Integration with Nature:
  • Indian society has diverse cultures, each with traditional methods of conserving nature and its creations.
  • Animals like macaques and langurs are treated as temple devotees and fed daily, while herds of blackbuck, nilgai, and peacocks are integral to the Bishnoi community in Rajasthan.

 

Importance of Local Community Involvement:

  • Lessons from Environmental Destruction and Reconstruction:
  • The dynamics of environmental destruction and reconstruction in India emphasize the importance of involving local communities in natural resource management.
  • Local communities need to be at the centre-stage of decision-making processes.
  • People-Centric, Environment-Friendly Development:
  • Economic and developmental activities should be focused on being people-centric, environment-friendly, and economically rewarding.
  • Balancing the needs of communities and the environment is crucial for sustainable development.

 

Quotation by Gautama Buddha:

  • The quote highlights the kindness and generosity of trees, providing sustenance and protection to all beings, even those who destroy them.
  • It emphasizes the need to appreciate and conserve the invaluable role of trees in supporting life on Earth.