Understanding India's Position in the Nature Conservation Index 2023

What Is the Nature Conservation Index and India’s Rank?

The Nature Conservation Index is an international assessment that evaluates and ranks countries based on their conservation efforts across four main pillars: protected area management, biodiversity threats, governance, and future trends. In the 2023 report, India ranked 176th out of 180 countries, achieving a score of 45.5 out of 100.

Which Areas Contributed to India’s Low Score?

India's low ranking can be attributed to its performance in marine conservation, where it scored zero. This includes inadequate management of marine protected areas and insufficient protection for marine species. The limited efforts in marine conservation significantly impacted India's overall score in the index.

How Much of India’s Terrestrial and Marine Areas Are Protected?

Approximately 7.5% of India’s terrestrial area is designated as protected. However, the situation is starkly different for marine areas, with only 0.2% of national waters under protection. This figure does not include any protections within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), highlighting a critical gap in conservation efforts.

How Does India Fare in terrestrial conservation Efforts?

In terrestrial conservation, India performed relatively better, scoring 73 out of 100. The report acknowledged the country's rich ecological diversity within protected areas. However, it also pointed out the ongoing challenges posed by illegal wildlife trade, where India ranks fourth globally, indicating a significant area of concern for conservationists.

What Key Recommendations Were Made for India?

To improve its conservation status, the report recommends several strategies. These include enhancing marine protection initiatives, improving soil health, and reducing pesticide usage in agricultural practices. Implementing these recommendations could help bolster India's standing in future evaluations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the Nature Conservation Index?
Answer: The Nature Conservation Index is an assessment that ranks countries globally based on their conservation efforts, focusing on areas like biodiversity protection and management of protected areas.

Q2. Why did India score zero in marine conservation?
Answer: India scored zero in marine conservation due to a lack of effective management of marine protected areas and insufficient protection for marine species, highlighting a significant gap in efforts.

Q3. How much of India's marine area is protected?
Answer: Only 0.2% of India's national waters are protected, with no areas under protection in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which poses a challenge for marine biodiversity.

Q4. What is the significance of India's rank in terrestrial conservation?
Answer: India scored 73 out of 100 in terrestrial conservation, indicating a relatively better performance compared to marine efforts, yet it still faces challenges like illegal wildlife trade.

Q5. What recommendations were provided for improving conservation in India?
Answer: The report suggests increasing marine protection, improving soil health, and reducing pesticide use, which are essential for enhancing India's conservation efforts.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What does the Nature Conservation Index evaluate?
A) Economic development
B) Conservation efforts
C) Political stability
D) Technological advancement
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: In which area did India score zero in the Nature Conservation Index?
A) Terrestrial species protection
B) Marine conservation
C) Forest management
D) Soil conservation
Correct Answer: B

Question 3: What percentage of India's terrestrial area is protected?
A) 5%
B) 7.5%
C) 10%
D) 15%
Correct Answer: B

Question 4: What is one of the key recommendations for India?
A) Increase urbanization
B) Reduce marine protections
C) Improve soil health
D) Expand industrial zones
Correct Answer: C

Question 5: What rank did India achieve in the Nature Conservation Index?
A) 150th
B) 176th
C) 180th
D) 160th
Correct Answer: B

Question 6: Which challenge does India face in wildlife conservation?
A) Deforestation
B) Pollution
C) Illegal wildlife trade
D) Urban sprawl
Correct Answer: C

Question 7: How did India perform in terrestrial species protection?
A) Poorly
B) Moderately
C) Well
D) Not assessed
Correct Answer: C