World

India ranks 176 out of 180 on 2024 Global Nature Conservation Index : Valley Vision


http://maktoobmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_1035.jpeg

Photo: Unsplash

India has been ranked 176 out of 180 countries in the 2024 Global Nature Conservation Index with a score of 45.5 out of 100. This places India among the five lowest-ranked countries, alongside Kiribati (180), Turkey (179), Iraq (178), and Micronesia (177), in the ranking released on 24 October, 2024.

The first-ever Nature Conservation Index (NCI), launched in October 2024, comprehensively assesses how well 180 countries are protecting their natural environments. The NCI is built on four key pillars: Land Management, Threats to Biodiversity, Capacity and Governance, and Future Trends, which are assessed using 25 performance indicators.

India’s rank at the bottom is mainly attributed to inefficient land management, and increasing threats to biodiversity.

NCI report cites the IUCN Red List, which reveals 15.9% of marine species and 13.4% of terrestrial species are at risk.

The NCI report reveals a concerning trend, with an alarming loss of 23,300 km² (8,996 mi²) of tree cover occurring between 2001 and 2019 due to ongoing deforestation.

NCI is a data-driven analysis developed by Goldman Sonnenfeldt School of Sustainability and Climate Change at the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in collaboration with BioDB.com, a non-profit website dedicated to maintaining biodiversity data.

The report emphasises India’s need to enact regulations that support sustainable development, allocate funds for environmental preservation, and implement efficient conservation measures with the strong leadership and dedication of policymakers.

The report stated that “India faces both alarming biodiversity challenges and promising opportunities.” They also observed that Sustainable fishing practices are essential, given that 34.5% of fisheries in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) are overexploited.

India is placed 122nd on the indicator measuring the effectiveness of laws and regulations enacted to protect, manage, and sustain natural resources and biodiversity. This ranking is particularly relevant in light of the Forest Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2023 (FCAA), which facilitates commercial exploitation of natural forestlands; and exempts infrastructural projects in forest areas from environmental scrutiny.

The report noted that “India’s Environmental Performance Index (EPI) score has declined over the decade, highlighting the urgent need for improved environmental policies and practices.”

The report evaluates conservation efforts on a range of factors such as the number of plant and animal species at risk, the size and quality of protected areas, the health of habitats, and the effectiveness of conservation programs.
India’s performance lags in several indicators, including Climate Change Mitigation, Threatened Terrestrial Species, Species with Declining Populations, the amount of land covered, the quality of management practices, the level of protection afforded, and the integration of local communities in conservation efforts.

The report highlights India’s failure to implement essential measures to mitigate global warming –strategic pivot towards renewable energy sources—and enhancement of energy efficiency in industries, buildings, and transportation. Furthermore, it includes negligence in implementing robust carbon pricing mechanisms and promoting sustainable land use practices to maintain and expand vital carbon sinks, such as forests and wetlands.

India’s position in indicators that assess national efforts toward environmental conservation of protected areas is deeply concerning, particularly in the context of the Great Nicobar Island Development Project.

Environmentalists and activists already expressed concerns regarding the potential impact of the project on the island’s unique ecosystems which consist of 96 Wildlife sanctuaries, 9 National Parks and One Biosphere.

The report outlines several key suggestions to improve future conservation prospects, including Strong conservation legislation, government investment in 55 Tiger Reserves, and government compensation schemes encouraging local participation. In order to achieve long-term conservation results, it is also important to address buffer zone utilization and connectivity issues.

This is not the first time that India has scored low on the environment-related index. India was placed among the lowest-rung countries in the 2024 Environmental Performance Index 2024 released by the Yale Centre for Environmental Law and Policy and the Columbia Centre for International Earth Science Information Network.


Source link

Valley Vision

Online Editor - Valley Vision

Welcome to Valley Vision News, where Er Ahmad Junaid leads our team in delivering real news in both English and Urdu. We're your go-to source for independent coverage, focusing on stories from around the globe, with a spotlight on India and Jammu and Kashmir. From breaking news to in-depth analysis, we've got you covered. Join us on our journey to stay informed and empowered. Join with us at Valley Vision News.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Back to top button