In News:

India with an abysmal score of 45.5 (out of 100) has been ranked 176th in the Global Nature Conservation Index, 2024.

India's Ranking and Score:

• Rank: India ranks 176th out of 180 countries.
• Score: 45.5 out of 100.
• Context: India is listed among the five "worst performers," alongside Kiribati (180), Turkey (179), Iraq (178), and Micronesia (177).

Key Factors Affecting India’s Ranking:

• Inefficient Land Management: The main contributing factor to India's low ranking.
• Threats to Biodiversity: Rising threats due to habitat loss, deforestation, climate change, and pollution.
• Deforestation: Between 2001 and 2019, India lost 23,300 sq. km of tree cover, exacerbating biodiversity loss.

Focus Areas of the Nature Conservation Index (NCI):

• Land Management: Inefficient land use practices, with 53% of land converted for urban, industrial, and agricultural purposes.
• Biodiversity Threats: Habitat loss, fragmentation, and declining populations of marine and terrestrial species.
• Governance and Capacity: Challenges in enforcement of laws and governance structures that support conservation.
• Future Trends: India faces both opportunities and challenges, given its high population density and rapid development.

Key Findings:                                    

• Land Conversion and Urbanization: High rates of land conversion (53%) for development purposes, contributing to habitat loss.
• Soil Pollution: Issues with pesticide use and soil pollution (low nitrogen index of 0.77), affecting soil health.
• Marine Conservation: Only 0.2% of national waterways and none within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) are protected.
• Deforestation Impact: Loss of 23,300 sq. km of forest between 2001-2019.
• Biodiversity Decline: Despite 40% of marine species and 65% of terrestrial species in protected areas, biodiversity continues to decline—67.5% of marine species and 46.9% of terrestrial species face population decreases.

Marine and Terrestrial Conservation:

• Marine Areas: Need for greater investment in marine conservation, as India's marine protected areas (MPAs) are limited.
• Protected Areas: While 7.5% of India’s terrestrial area is protected, significant threats like climate change and habitat fragmentation persist.

Biodiversity and Climate Change:

• Climate Change Risks: Impacts on vulnerable ecosystems, including coral reefs and alpine regions, further threaten biodiversity.
• Population Growth: India’s rapidly growing population (one of the highest in the world) places constant pressure on natural resources and ecosystems.

Illegal Wildlife Trade:

• Global Ranking: India is the fourth-largest illegal wildlife trader globally, with an annual trade worth approximately £15 billion.
• Call for Action: Stronger enforcement of wildlife protection laws and international cooperation are crucial to combat illegal wildlife trade.

SDGs and India’s Conservation Challenges:

• SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 15 (Life on Land): India faces significant challenges in meeting these Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in protecting marine life and terrestrial ecosystems.

Recommendations for Improvement:

• Stronger Political Will: Political commitment is essential for passing laws that promote sustainable development and biodiversity conservation.
• Enforcement and Funding: Increased funding for environmental initiatives and better enforcement of conservation policies are necessary to address the conservation challenges.
• Sustainable Development: Integrating sustainable land use practices and improving governance structures for conservation are key areas for focus.