The Union Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has released the third National Wildlife Action Plan for 2017-2031, outlining the future path for wildlife conservation. The NWAP is made up of five parts, 17 themes, 103 conservation actions, and 250 projects. This plan's primary priority areas include climate change integration into wildlife planning, conservation of coastal and marine ecosystems, reduction of human-wildlife conflict, and a focus on wildlife health, among others. The Plan will aid in the integration of wildlife conservation into development planning processes. This article will explain to you about The National Wildlife Action Plan which will be helpful in preparing the Environment Syllabus for the UPSC Civil Service exam.

Third National Wildlife Action Plan (2017-2031)

• A 12-member committee led by JC Kala, a former MoEFCC secretary, drafted the Third Wildlife Action Plan.
• The plan includes detailed recommendations for implementation in protected areas.
• The third National Wildlife Action Plan is noteworthy in that it is the first time India has acknowledged the concerns about climate change's impact on wildlife and emphasised the importance of including activities needed for mitigation and adaptation into wildlife management planning procedures.
• The Action Plan emphasises the necessity of integrated coastal and marine ecosystem management in India.
• The Action Plan includes 103 conservation activities and 250 initiatives organised around five themes.
• Along with the Third National Wildlife Action Plan, Dr. Harsh Vardhan, then Union Minister of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, introduced the India Wildlife Mobile App to commemorate the anniversary.

National Wildlife Action Plan - Salient Features

• This is the first time that a wildlife action plan has acknowledged the impact of climate change on wildlife.
• The plan focuses on incorporating climate change mitigation measures into wildlife management planning.
• Because climate change has caused the extinction of certain flora, it suggests planting along ecological gradients and assisting wildlife migration.
• Particular emphasis is placed on habitat conservation in coastal, marine, and inland aquatic ecosystems, as well as the recovery of threatened species.
• The plan discusses animal-human conflict and its effects on wildlife habitats, such as shrinkage, deterioration, and fragmentation.
• The plan encourages awareness of conservation, ecodevelopment, education, training, and outreach programmes for people, emphasising the importance of people's participation in this regard.
• It also suggests that the private sector participate in the process of wildlife conservation.
• The plan is based on the premise that ecosystem-governed or strongly moderated ecological processes are critical for food production, health, and other aspects of human survival and sustainable development.
• It also highlights the intrinsic value of nature and its various components. The preservation of these ecosystems, known as the 'Life Support System,' is regarded as critical for all societies, regardless of their stage of development.
• It also emphasises two other aspects of nature conservation: the preservation of genetic diversity and the sustainable use of species and ecosystems, both of which have a direct impact on our scientific progress and the support of millions of rural communities.
• The plan emphasises the growing need for public support for wildlife conservation and, to that end, recommends strengthening the 'core-buffer-multi use surround' structure with increased investments in eco-development, education, innovation, training, extension, conservation awareness, and outreach programmes.
• This plan gives adequate attention to wildlife health and disaster management.
• Tourism management in wildlife areas, including a ploughback mechanism, human resource development, and staff welfare, has been reoriented in the plan.
• The plan calls for communities living in forest lands and other wilderness areas to be treated fairly under the Forest Rights Act, despite their scarcity of resources and reliance on natural biomass resources.

Third Wildlife Action Plan - Components

• The National Wildlife Action Plan has five components:
• Strengthening and promoting integrated wildlife and habitat management
• Climate change adaptation and the promotion of integrated sustainable management of aquatic biodiversity in India
• Ecotourism, nature education, and participatory management are all being promoted.
• Strengthening wildlife research and monitoring human resource development in wildlife conservation
• Enabling policies and resources for wildlife conservation in India.

Conclusion

The third National Wildlife Action Plan for 2017–2031, published by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC), outlines the direction that wildlife conservation would take going forward. By concentrating on protected areas, the Wildlife Action Plans aim to conserve and protect wildlife in India. Protected areas are clearly defined geographic areas that are declared by legal and other procedures to encourage long-term preservation of the natural world and the ecosystem that it is a part of.

FAQs

MCQs

1. What is the main focus of the current National Wildlife Action Plan (2017-2031)?

A. Promoting industrial development
B. Wildlife conservation and habitat restoration
C. Expansion of urban areas
D. Agricultural reform

2. Which year marked the launch of India's first National Wildlife Action Plan?

A. 1972
B. 1983
C. 1991
D. 2000

3. What key challenge does the NWAP address regarding biodiversity conservation?

A. International trade
B. Climate change
C. Urbanization
D. Industrial pollution

4. What is one of the primary objectives of the NWAP related to communities?

A. Expanding agricultural land
B. Strengthening community participation in wildlife conservation
C. Promoting nuclear energy
D. Encouraging deforestation

5. Which ecosystem is NOT specifically mentioned in the NWAP for habitat restoration?

A. Forests
B. Wetlands
C. Coastal ecosystems
D. Deserts

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the significance of the National Wildlife Action Plan in addressing the challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss.

Answer: The National Wildlife Action Plan (2017-2031) is a critical framework for addressing climate change’s impact on biodiversity. It promotes adaptive conservation strategies, restoration of degraded ecosystems, and species recovery programs. The NWAP’s emphasis on sustainable development and community participation ensures that conservation is inclusive and eco-friendly, providing a comprehensive response to the twin challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss.

Q2: Analyze the role of local communities in the implementation of the National Wildlife Action Plan.

Answer: Local communities play a pivotal role in the success of the NWAP. Through awareness programs, eco-tourism, and sustainable livelihood initiatives, communities are empowered to actively participate in wildlife conservation. This not only minimizes human-wildlife conflict but also fosters a sense of responsibility towards environmental protection, making the NWAP a more effective and inclusive conservation strategy.

Q3: Evaluate the measures taken under the NWAP for habitat restoration and conservation of critically endangered species.

Answer: The NWAP prioritizes habitat restoration and the conservation of critically endangered species through targeted species recovery programs. Restoration projects focus on reviving forests, wetlands, and coastal areas, crucial for supporting biodiversity. By addressing habitat degradation and implementing long-term species protection plans, the NWAP helps safeguard India’s wildlife and ecological balance.

Previous Year Questions

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2019

Question: Which of the following is a key focus of the National Wildlife Action Plan (2017-2031)?
A. Urban development
B. Climate change adaptation and wildlife conservation
C. Promoting industrial expansion
D. Nuclear energy

Answer: B

Explanation: The NWAP (2017-2031) focuses on climate change adaptation, wildlife conservation, and habitat restoration.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2017 (GS Paper 3)

Question: “Evaluate the role of the National Wildlife Action Plan in promoting biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.”

Answer: The NWAP (2017-2031) plays a crucial role in biodiversity conservation by emphasizing habitat restoration, species recovery programs, and climate change adaptation. It balances conservation with sustainable development, promoting eco-friendly livelihoods and community participation. The plan aims to restore ecosystems while minimizing human impact, contributing to the protection of India’s rich biodiversity and environmental sustainability.