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In News
- Recently, Specialists drew attention to the importance of evaluating the effectiveness of Marine Protected Areas.
Key Takeaways:
- Experts are calling for a closer look at the quality and performance of MPAs, emphasizing that a true assessment of their progress is only possible with a clear understanding of baseline data.
- Presently, only a small fraction of the ocean, 6%, is designated as Marine Protected Areas, of which only a small portion, 2.4%, is fully and thoroughly protected, while an additional 3.6% is protected to a lesser extent.
- In order to achieve the target of 30% protection, there is an urgent need for a significant increase in the creation of new MPAs within the next 7 years.
Status of MPA in India:
- India is home to a vast and diverse marine ecosystem that sustains numerous species of fish, mammals, birds, and other marine organisms.
- In recognition of the critical importance of the marine environment, India has established a network of marine protected areas (MPAs) aimed at conserving and sustainably managing its marine resources.
- Marine protected areas(MPAs) in India are defined as geographical regions that are set aside for conservation and sustainable use of marine and coastal biodiversity.
- These areas are designated for the protection and preservation of their unique ecosystems and the species that depend on them.
- India has enacted legislation for coastal and marine conservation including:
- Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
- Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 1991
- National Biodiversity Act, 2002
- The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 provides for the establishment of protected areas by state governments.
- Examples of important MPAs in India: Gulf of Kachchh Marine National Park, Gulf of Mannar National Park, Sundarbans National Park and Wandoor Marine National Park.
Importance of MPAs |
Challenges of MPAs |
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Global Efforts
- The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is a global treaty signed by 196 countries, including India, with the aim of conserving biodiversity, promoting sustainable use of its components, and ensuring the fair sharing of benefits from genetic resources.
- Previously, the 15th Conference of Parties (COP15) to the CBD held in Kunming, China in 2021, emphasized the role of marine protected areas (MPAs) in conserving marine biodiversity and promoting sustainable use of marine resources.
Way ahead:
- MPAs play a critical role in conserving India’s rich marine heritage and sustaining its coastal communities. However, the effective functioning of MPAs is essential to ensure their success.
- Despite these challenges, there is a growing recognition of the importance of MPAs in conserving and sustainably managing India’s marine resources.
To overcome these challenges, there is a need for greater collaboration between government agencies, academic institutions, and local communities.
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