Part 1 - English version (PDF) - Convention on Biological Diversity

India’s Fourth National Report to the <strong>Convention</strong> on Biological Diversity
Threats and conservation status
Among natural threats, storms and waves particularly cyclones are major stresses on marine
ecosystems. Impacts of tsunami on various sites of marine ecosystems in India were devastating.
Varied human activities which are a cause for concern over and above the natural disturbances
include: runoff and sedimentation from developmental activities (projects), eutrophication from
sewage and agriculture, physical impact of maritime activities, dredging, destructive fishing practices,
pollution from industrial sources and oil refineries of anthropogenic disturbances.
Fishing is a major activity in the fishing villages situated along the 8,000 km coastline of India.
About one million people are occupied full time in marine capture fisheries. Commercial and
unsustainable fishing activities pose a threat to marine biodiversity.
India has over 32 marine and coastal PAs covering intertidal/sub-tidal or seawater-mangroves,
coral reefs, lagoons, estuaries, beaches, etc. Besides, another 100 PAs have terrestrial and fresh
water ecosystems which constitute boundaries with sea water or partly contain marine environment.
In addition, there are four BRs in the marine and coastal environs.
WPA provides for protection of marine species and coral reefs.
India’s CRZ Notification, 1991 under the EPA regulates onshore development activities which
affect coastal environments.
Linkages with NEP
NEP has recognized the deeper cause of proximate factors of threats in inadequate institutional capacities
for, and participation of local communities in, formulation and implementation of coastal management
plans, the open access nature of many coastal resources, and lack of consensus on means of provision of
sanitation and waste treatment. Further actions envisaged include: a) Mainstream the sustainable management
of mangroves into the forestry sector regulatory regime, ensuring that they continue to provide livelihoods
to local communities; b) disseminate available techniques for regeneration of coral reefs, and support activities
based on application of such techniques; c) explicitly consider sea-level rise and vulnerability of coastal areas
to climate change and ecological events, in coastal management plans, as well as infrastructure planning and
construction norms; d) adopt a comprehensive approach to Integrated Coastal Management by addressing
linkages between coastal areas, wetlands, and river systems, in relevant policies, regulations and programs;
and e) develop a strategy for strengthening regulation, and addressing impacts, of ship-breaking activities on
human health, and coastal and near marine resources.
1.6 PROTECTED AREAS
Article 8 of the CBD advocates importance of promoting in-situ conservation. The CBD as well as
the World Parks Congress, Durban, 2003 have marked a significant shift in the historical perception of
PAs. They are now steadily being linked with issues related to people’s concern on livelihood, traditional
knowledge, access to genetic resources, national sovereignty, equitable sharing of benefits, intellectual
property rights and overall sustainable development.
PA management : Status
PAs are the cornerstones of biodiversity conservation efforts. India has created a network of PAs
and other conservation areas, which include a total of 661 units (i.e. 99 NPs, 515 WLs, 43 ConR
and 4 ComR), besides identifying a number of wetlands under the NWCP for conservation
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