Sustainable Development Goal 15 (SDG 15) is a global commitment to protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, halt biodiversity loss, and combat desertification and land degradation. India, as a signatory to the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, has made significant strides in addressing these challenges, but there is still much work to be done.
Stats for India
India comprises 2.4 percent of the world's land area.
India is home to about 7-8% of the world's recorded species.
Approximately 5 percent of India's landmass is designated as Protected Areas, where human occupation and resource exploitation are restricted.
The country's forest cover is approximately 24.56% of its total geographical area.
However, land degradation affects around 30% of India's total land area.
Biodiversity hotspots like the Western Ghats and the Eastern Himalayas are crucial to India's ecological health.
Plans, Programs, and Schemes
India recognizes the importance of SDG 15 in maintaining ecological balance, conserving biodiversity, and ensuring the well-being of present and future generations. The government has taken various steps to align its policies, programs, and initiatives with this goal.
1. National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP): India formulated the NBAP to conserve biodiversity at various levels. It includes strategies for promoting sustainable use, mainstreaming biodiversity, and ensuring equitable sharing of benefits arising from its use.
2. Combating Desertification: India is a signatory to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and aims to achieve land degradation neutrality by 2030. Initiatives such as the Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP), National Afforestation Programme (NAP), and National Mission for Green India (GIM) are actively working towards land restoration.
3. Green India Mission: Under the National Action Plan on Climate Change, the Green India Mission aims to increase forest and tree cover, enhance biodiversity, and improve ecosystem services. The mission also supports livelihoods of forest-dependent communities.
4. National Afforestation Programme (NAP): NAP focuses on sustainable forest management, community involvement, and improving the livelihoods of forest-fringe communities. It has led to the addition of approximately 3 million hectares of forest and tree cover over the last decade.
5. Soil Health Card Scheme: To combat land degradation, India launched this scheme to provide farmers with information about soil nutrients, helping them make informed decisions on soil management.
6. National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA): This initiative focuses on promoting sustainable agriculture practices, improving soil health, and reducing land degradation.
7. Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority: CAMPA is the initiative that manages funds collected for compensatory afforestation and reforestation. CAMPA is instrumental in addressing environmental concerns caused by land diversion for developmental projects by promoting afforestation and sustainable forest management.
8. National Wildlife Action Plan (NWAP): NWAP outlines a framework for wildlife conservation, habitat preservation, and sustainable management, addressing issues such as poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflicts
9. Forest Rights Act: The Scheduled Tribes and other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, recognizes the rights of individuals and communities over forest land, further empowering local control over forest resources.
10. Wetlands and Waterbodies: India has enacted various legal provisions and regulations to protect wetlands and water bodies. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has introduced Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules 2017, aiming to prohibit detrimental activities in wetlands.
Challenges and Future Steps
Despite these efforts, India's pursuit of SDG 15 is not without hurdles:
Increasing industrialization threatens ecosystems through chemical run-offs and detrimental materials like plastics.
Agricultural pressures, including excessive use of chemicals and groundwater depletion, require sustainable solutions.
Protection of endangered species remains a priority.
Nearly 30 percent of India's land faces degradation or desertification, with some states affected more severely.
Conclusion
India's commitment to achieving SDG 15 demonstrates its determination to balance economic growth with environmental protection. While progress has been made, the nation must continue its efforts to preserve its diverse ecosystems, combat land degradation, and ensure a sustainable future for both its people and its natural resources. By adopting comprehensive strategies, engaging communities, and integrating sustainability into policies, India can contribute significantly to the global efforts to protect life on land.
The data presented is based on the reports provided and may have undergone changes since the time of their publication.
Source: The Global Goals | SDG India Index(2019-20) | SDG India Index(2020-21) | IUCN
Note for UPSC Aspirants: For UPSC aspirants interested in exploring further, here are some keywords to guide your research: Sustainable Development Goals, Forest Rights Act, Soil Health Card Scheme, Land Degradation, UNCCD, Green India Mission.
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