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. 22/10/2024 11:59 AM
14th Biennial Lake Conference Calls for Urgent Action on Ecologically Sensitive Areas
Moodbidri, October 20, 2024 – The 14th Biennial Lake Conference, held from October 17 to 20, concluded with a strong call to action for the government to prioritize the protection of ecologically sensitive areas. Organized by the Wetlands Research Group at the Indian Institute of Science in collaboration with Alva’s Education Foundation, the conference focused on the theme “Lake 2024 – Wetlands for Human Wellbeing.” The discussions emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive ecological conservation strategies and offered key recommendations aimed at safeguarding fragile ecosystems.
One of the central recommendations from the conference was the need for the government to notify ecologically sensitive panchayats under Section 5(1) of the Environment Protection Act, 1986. This would allow for the creation of targeted conservation initiatives, specifically tailored to the unique needs of different ecosystems across the country.
The aim of this initiative is to improve ecosystem health by addressing ecological challenges at the grassroots level. Ecologically sensitive panchayats would be empowered to take on conservation practices, fostering long-term sustainability. By focusing on community-driven action, this approach aligns with India's environmental laws and pushes for local accountability in maintaining ecological balance.
The effectiveness of Gram Panchayat Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs), established under the Biodiversity Act of 2002, was a major point of discussion. Many of these committees have been inactive or ineffective in fulfilling their role in preserving local biodiversity. The conference suggested that Zilla Panchayats (district councils) should oversee these BMCs to ensure better management of local ecosystems and resources.
This supervision by Zilla Panchayats would enhance the overall functionality of the BMCs, helping them to fulfill their mandate of protecting biodiversity more effectively. Improved oversight is expected to result in better ecosystem health and more sustainable resource management practices.
The conference also proposed a phased program aimed at improving biodiversity management, overseen by State Biodiversity Boards. This structured approach would strengthen the implementation of the Biodiversity Act at the local level, enabling panchayat committees to more effectively manage their natural resources and conserve biodiversity. By gradually enhancing these mechanisms, the conference highlighted the potential for significant long-term improvements in ecosystem health.
One of the standout proposals was the introduction of a new economic metric called the Gross Ecosystem Product (GEP). This metric would quantify the contributions of ecosystems to human well-being, addressing the shortcomings of traditional indicators like Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which often overlook environmental degradation and resource depletion.
GEP would offer a more holistic understanding of how nature supports economic and social systems, creating a balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability. The proposal reflects a growing global movement towards incorporating natural capital into economic planning.
The conference also underscored the importance of establishing a natural capital accounting framework, which would integrate the ecological benefits of natural ecosystems into government evaluations. This framework would enable policymakers to better assess the value of ecosystems, leading to more informed decisions regarding land use, conservation policies, and resource management.
By recognizing the value of ecosystem services, the framework would also provide a basis for developing eco-compensation policies, which could incentivize conservation efforts and ensure that communities and businesses benefit from sustainable environmental practices.
In conclusion, the 14th Biennial Lake Conference highlighted critical ecological issues and urged the government to act swiftly in protecting India’s fragile ecosystems. By empowering local panchayats, strengthening biodiversity management committees, and adopting new economic and ecological metrics, the conference outlined a comprehensive plan for enhancing the country’s ecological health.
These recommendations, if implemented, have the potential to significantly improve ecosystem health and ensure a sustainable future for both human and environmental well-being. The conference’s emphasis on community involvement, alongside a strong institutional framework, paves the way for more effective conservation strategies across India.
