| PYQ Relevance: Q) How does biodiversity vary in India? How is the Biological Diversity Act,2002 helpful in conservation of flora and fauna? (UPSC CSE 2018) Q) How can the mountain ecosystem be restored from the negative impact of development initiatives and tourism? (UPSC CSE 2019) Q) Examine the status of forest resources of India and its resultant impact on climate change. (UPSC CSE 2020) |
Mentor’s Comment: The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, a region in southern India, is celebrated for its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems. However, it faces significant environmental challenges that threaten its ecological balance and the livelihoods of local communities.
Today’s editorial explores the pressing issues surrounding the Nilgiris as a shared wilderness, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices and community involvement in conservation efforts.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Experts at a recent conference emphasized the urgent need for community involvement in restoration efforts within the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR).
- They highlighted threats such as invasive species, unregulated tourism, and land use changes that have disrupted the ecological balance.
| About the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR): • Located in the Western Ghats of southern India, it is a critical ecological zone renowned for its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems. • Established in 1986, it was the first biosphere reserve in India and is recognized under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme. • The NBR spans parts of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka, making it a significant area for conservation efforts. Significance: • The diverse vegetation types, ranging from tropical evergreen forests to montane sholas and grasslands, contribute to the region’s ecological richness. • It supports many endangered species like the Nilgiri Tahr and Lion-tailed Macaque. • The region’s forests are crucial for watershed management, helping to regulate water flow and maintain water quality for millions of people living downstream. • The forests within the NBR act as carbon sinks, absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere and helping mitigate climate change effects. |
What are the ecological challenges facing the Nilgiris?
- Habitat Loss: Non-native plants like Lantana and Eucalyptus are taking over, outcompeting local flora and harming wildlife habitats.
- Urbanization and agricultural expansion (like tea and coffee plantations) are destroying natural landscapes, leading to fragmentation of wildlife habitats.
- Climate Change: Altered weather patterns are affecting plant and animal distributions, causing shifts in biodiversity and increasing soil erosion.
- Unregulated Tourism: Increased tourist activity is causing littering and habitat disturbance, putting pressure on sensitive ecosystems.
- As humans expand into wildlife areas, Human-animal conflicts arise, especially with elephants raiding crops, leading to retaliatory actions.
- Illegal Activities: Poaching and illegal logging threaten the region’s biodiversity, particularly valuable species like sandalwood.
How do indigenous communities interact with and contribute to the conservation of the Nilgiris?
- Traditional Knowledge: Indigenous peoples have deep knowledge about local plants and animals, helping them manage resources sustainably.
- For example, Their traditional farming methods, such as rotational agriculture, promote ecological balance and help maintain wildlife habitats.
- Sustainable Practices: Many rely on non-timber forest products (like honey and medicinal plants) and practice eco-friendly agriculture, which supports both their livelihoods and biodiversity.
- Indigenous groups actively participate in conservation projects, such as restoring degraded areas and managing invasive species.
- Advocacy: Indigenous leaders advocate for their rights to land and resources, emphasizing their role as protectors of the environment.
- They pass down traditional knowledge to younger generations through workshops, ensuring that conservation practices continue.
What policies or initiatives are necessary to balance development and conservation in the Nilgiris?
- Carbon Neutral Initiatives: Need to encourage eco-friendly tourism practices, such as cycling tours and car-free pathways, to reduce vehicular traffic and pollution.
- Community Involvement: Facilitate the development of sustainable livelihoods that align with conservation goals, such as harvesting non-timber forest products. Their traditional knowledge can guide sustainable practices and restoration activities.
- Regulation of Development Activities: State governments needs to enforce stringent regulations on construction activities to prevent encroachments and protect wetlands and other sensitive areas.
- Restoration Projects: Need to develop programs that focus on restoring degraded habitats, such as montane grasslands and shola forests, which are critical for biodiversity.
- Water Resource Protection: Need to implement measures to safeguard water bodies from pollution and encroachment, recognizing that the Nilgiris are vital water sources for surrounding regions.
- For example, restoring wetland areas that have been converted for agriculture or development, enhancing their capacity to retain water and support biodiversity.
Way Forward: By recognizing the interconnectedness of culture and ecology, there is potential to develop sustainable practices that honor both the natural environment and the rich heritage of its inhabitants. The path forward lies in fostering collaboration and promoting awareness about the importance of conserving this unique biosphere for future generations.
https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/the-nilgiris-as-a-shared-wilderness/article68820359.ece
