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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Significance of Nature Restoration Law ;
Why in the News?
The urgent global issue of ecosystem degradation affects India significantly, with nearly 30% of its land degraded. India’s need for a comprehensive nature restoration law is critical, drawing inspiration from the EU’s NRL
Why does India need a Nature Restoration Law?
- High Land Degradation: Nearly 30% of India’s land is degraded, with areas like Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan severely affected.
- Rising Desertification: The extent of desertification in India has increased significantly, impacting ecosystems and agricultural productivity.
- Biodiversity Loss: The degradation of natural habitats threatens India’s rich biodiversity and contributes to the global biodiversity crisis.
- Climate Change Mitigation: Degraded ecosystems lose their ability to act as carbon sinks, worsening climate change impacts.
- Economic Implications: Land degradation affects agriculture, water security, and livelihoods, necessitating legal intervention for sustainable management.
What should the Nature Restoration Law in India include?
- Legally Binding Restoration Targets: Similar to the EU’s NRL, set mandates to restore a specific percentage of land and water bodies by 2030 and 2050.
- Multi-Ecosystem Approach: Include provisions for forests, agricultural lands, rivers, wetlands, and urban areas to ensure comprehensive ecosystem restoration.
- Monitoring and Reporting Mechanisms: Establish a framework for monitoring progress, conducting periodic reviews, and reporting on restoration outcomes.
- Funding and Incentive Mechanisms: Provide financial support and incentives for states, communities, and private entities engaging in restoration projects.
- Integration with Existing Programs: Align with ongoing initiatives like the Green India Mission and watershed programs for enhanced effectiveness.
What are the potential benefits of implementing such a law?
- Environmental: Restoring degraded lands can enhance biodiversity, improve soil health, and increase carbon sequestration, aiding climate resilience.
- Economic: Could generate economic returns through improved agricultural productivity, job creation, and enhanced water security.
- Social: Restoration projects can create rural employment opportunities and support sustainable livelihoods, especially in degraded areas.
- Alignment with International Commitments: Helps India achieve its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 15, and meet Paris Agreement targets.
Way forward:
- Adopt a Comprehensive Restoration Framework: India should enact a Nature Restoration Law with legally binding targets, integrating multi-ecosystem restoration approaches and aligning with existing environmental programs.
- Strengthen Monitoring and Funding Mechanisms: Establish robust monitoring frameworks for progress evaluation and provide financial incentives for restoration efforts, ensuring effective implementation and long-term sustainability.
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