India Unveils New Protocols for Protecting Threatened Species
In a significant move to bolster biodiversity conservation, the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has introduced a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the notification of threatened species. This initiative, part of the Biological Diversity Act of 2002, aims to create a consistent, transparent, and scientifically sound approach for the identification, assessment, and notification of species at risk across States and Union Territories in India.
As one of the world’s megadiverse nations, India is home to a vast array of flora and fauna. Unfortunately, numerous species are under threat due to various factors including habitat destruction, overexploitation, pollution, invasive species, and climate change. Preserving these species is vital for maintaining ecological balance and ensuring the survival of biodiversity for generations to come.
Legal Framework for Conservation
Under Section 38 of the Biological Diversity Act, the Central Government can, in consultation with state authorities, designate species that are endangered or likely to become extinct as threatened. Such notifications help regulate or even ban the collection of these species, ensuring their rehabilitation and conservation. To date, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has officially recognized 159 plant species and 173 animal species as threatened within 17 states and 3 Union Territories.
A Structured Approach to Identification
The newly released SOP serves as a guide for State Biodiversity Boards and Union Territory Biodiversity Councils to follow a standardized procedure in identifying and recommending the notification of threatened species. This comprehensive framework includes scientific assessments, stakeholder consultations, validation processes, and detailed conservation planning. It emphasizes the integration of credible scientific data, field assessments, and traditional knowledge, while actively involving local communities and experts from various fields.
Significance of the SOP
This initiative gains additional weight with the Biological Diversity (Access to Biological Resources and Knowledge Associated Therewith and Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits) Regulations, 2025. These regulations offer differentiated benefit-sharing obligations related to biological resources of species classified as threatened under Section 38.
The SOP also outlines the development of recovery and conservation action plans post-notification, mandating consistent monitoring and reviews to evaluate the effectiveness of conservation efforts as well as emerging threats. These procedures aim to facilitate timely interventions for species on the brink of extinction.
Milestone in Biodiversity Conservation
The introduction of this SOP represents a critical advancement in India’s ongoing commitment to biodiversity and species conservation. It aligns with the goals of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, as well as the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for 2024-2030. This includes Target 4, which focuses on halting human-induced species extinctions and promoting genetic diversity. The efforts also contribute to global biodiversity goals outlined in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
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