<–2/”>a >The Environment Protection Act is an important legislation that provides for coordination of activities of the various regulatory agencies, creation of authorities with adequate powers for environmental protection, regulation of the discharge of environmental pollutants, handling of hazardous substances, etc. The Act provided an opportunity to extend legal protection to non-forest habitats (‘Ecologically Sensitive Areas’) such as grasslands, wetlands and coastal zones.The Environment (Protection) Act was enacted in 1986 with the objective of providing for the protection and improvement of the environment. It empowers the Central Government to establish authorities charged with the mandate of preventing environmental pollution in all its forms and to tackle specific environmental problems that are peculiar to different parts of the country.
The Environment Protection Act is an umbrella legislation that consolidated the provisions of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1974 and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1981. Within this framework of the legislations, the government established Pollution Control Boards (PCBs) in order to prevent, control, and abate environmental pollution.
Under the EPA, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification was introduced in 1994, it was modified in 2006 and the latest amendment was in 2009. Under the EIA it has become mandatory to seek environmental clearance for several activities and industries with the involvement of the public as per procedure.
Main Features of The Environment Protection Act are:-
i) Co-ordination of actions by the State Governments, officers and other authorities
ii) Planning and execution of a nation-wide programme for the prevention, control and abatement of environmental pollution.
iii) Laying down standards for the quantity of environment in its various aspects.
iv) Laying down standards for emission or discharge of environmental pollutants from various sources whatsoever. Provided that different standards for emission or discharge may be laid down under this clause from different sources having regard to the quality or composition of the emission lr discharge of environmental pollutants from such sources.
v) Restriction of areas in which any industries, operations or processes or class of industries, operations or processes shall not be carried out or shall be carried out subject to certain safeguards.
vi) Laying down procedures and safeguards for the prevention of accidents which may cause environmental pollution and remedial measures for such accidents.
vii) Laying down procedures and safeguards for the handling of hazardous substances.
viii) Examination of such manufacturing processes, materials and substances as are likely to cause environmental pollution.
ix) Carrying out and sponsoring investigations and research relating to problems of environmental pollution.
x) Inspection of any premises, plant, equipment, machinery, manufacturing or other processes, materials or substances and giving, by order, of such directions to such authorities, officers or persons as it may consider necessary to take steps for the prevention, control and abatement of environmental pollution.
xi) Establishment or recognition of environmental laboratories and institutes to carry out the functions entrusted to such environmental laboratories and institutes under this Act.
xii) Collection and dissemination of information in respect of matters relating to environmental pollution.
xiii) Preparation of manuals, codes or guides relating to the prevention, control and abatement of environmental pollution.
In order to check rapid deforestation due to forestlands being released by state governments for agriculture, Industry and other development projects (allowed under the Indian Forest Act) the federal government enacted the Forest conservation Act in 1980 with an amendment in 1988. The Act made the prior approval of the federal government necessary for de-reservation of reserved forests, logging and for use of forestland for non- forest purposes.
The Forest Conservation Act 1980 was enacted to help conserve the country’s forests. It strictly restricts and regulates the de-reservation of forests or use of forest land for non-forest purposes without the prior approval of Central Government. To this end the Act lays down the pre-requisites for the diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes.
This powerful legislation has, to a large extent, curtailed the indiscriminate logging and release of forestland for non-Forestry purposes by state governments. While the federal government imposed such strict restrictions, it did not simultaneously evolve a mechanism to compensate state governments for loss of timber logging revenues. This anomaly coupled with increasing pressure for land due to a burgeoning Population has generated considerable resentment within state governments resulting in growing pressure to dilute the restrictive provisions of the Act. The Supreme Court of India has currently imposed a complete ban on the release of forestland for non-forestry activities without the prior approval of the federal government.
It states that no project should be undertaken in the vicinity of :-
- Natonal Parks,Wildlife Sanctuaries and Core areas of the Biosphere-reserves/”>Biosphere reserves.
- Scenic landscapes,areas of geomorphological significance,unique and represantative biomes and eco-systems,heritage sites/structures and areas of cultural heritage and importance.
- Fragile eco-systems such as Mountains,areas rich in coral formations as well as marine,coastal,desert,wetland,riverine and island eco-systems.
- Areas rich in biological diversity,genepool and other natural Resources.
In order to check rapid deforestation due to forestlands being released by state governments for agriculture, industry and other development projects (allowed under the Indian Forest Act) the federal government enacted the Forest Conservation Act in 1980 with an amendment in 1988. The Act made the prior approval of the federal government necessary for de-reservation of reserved forests, logging and for use of forestland for non- forest purposes.
The Forest Conservation Act 1980 was enacted to help conserve the country’s forests. It strictly restricts and regulates the de-reservation of forests or use of forest land for non-forest purposes without the prior approval of Central Government. To this end the Act lays down the pre-requisites for the diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes.
This powerful legislation has, to a large extent, curtailed the indiscriminate logging and release of forestland for non-forestry purposes by state governments. While the federal government imposed such strict restrictions, it did not simultaneously evolve a mechanism to compensate state governments for loss of timber logging revenues. This anomaly coupled with increasing pressure for land due to a burgeoning population has generated considerable resentment within state governments resulting in growing pressure to dilute the restrictive provisions of the Act. The Supreme Court of India has currently imposed a complete ban on the release of forestland for non-forestry activities without the prior approval of the federal government.
It states that no project should be undertaken in the vicinity of :-
- Natonal Parks,Wildlife Sanctuaries and Core areas of the Biosphere Reserves.
- Scenic landscapes,areas of geomorphological significance,unique and represantative biomes and eco-systems,heritage sites/structures and areas of cultural heritage and importance.
- Fragile eco-systems such as mountains,areas rich in coral formations as well as marine,coastal,desert,wetland,riverine and island eco-systems.
- Areas rich in biological diversity,genepool and other Natural Resources.
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Conservation is the protection and preservation of wildlife and their habitats. It is the practice of managing wildlife populations to ensure their long-term survival. Conservation biology is the scientific study of the interactions between species and their environment, and the development and implementation of strategies for the conservation of biological diversity.
An endangered species is a species that is at risk of extinction. Extinction is the permanent disappearance of a species from Earth. Habitat loss is the destruction or degradation of an animal’s natural habitat. Poaching is the illegal killing of animals for their fur, skin, or other body parts. Species Extinction is the disappearance of a species from Earth. Wildlife management is the practice of managing wildlife populations to ensure their long-term survival. A wildlife refuge is an area of land or water set aside for the protection of wildlife. Wildlife trafficking is the illegal trade in wildlife and their products.
Conservation is important because it helps to protect the Earth’s Biodiversity-2/”>Biodiversity. Biodiversity is the variety of life on Earth, including Plants, animals, and Microorganisms. Biodiversity is important because it provides us with many benefits, such as food, medicine, and clean water. It also helps to regulate the Climate and protect the environment.
There are many threats to wildlife conservation, including habitat loss, poaching, and wildlife trafficking. Habitat loss is the destruction or degradation of an animal’s natural habitat. This can be caused by deforestation, development, and pollution. Poaching is the illegal killing of animals for their fur, skin, or other body parts. Wildlife trafficking is the illegal trade in wildlife and their products.
There are many things that can be done to conserve wildlife. One important thing is to protect their habitats. This can be done by creating Protected Areas, such as national parks and wildlife refuges. It is also important to reduce poaching and wildlife trafficking. This can be done by enforcing laws against these activities and by educating people about the importance of wildlife conservation.
Conservation is a complex issue, but it is one that is essential to the future of our planet. By working together, we can protect the Earth’s biodiversity and ensure the survival of wildlife for generations to come.
Here are some additional information about wildlife conservation:
- The world’s population of wild animals has declined by more than 50% since 1970.
- The main threats to wildlife are habitat loss, poaching, and wildlife trafficking.
- There are many things that can be done to conserve wildlife, such as protecting their habitats, reducing poaching and wildlife trafficking, and educating people about the importance of wildlife conservation.
- Conservation is a complex issue, but it is one that is essential to the future of our planet.
- By working together, we can protect the Earth’s biodiversity and ensure the survival of wildlife for generations to come.
What is the difference between a conservationist and an environmentalist?
A conservationist is someone who works to protect the environment and its resources. An environmentalist is someone who works to protect the environment and its resources, but they also focus on the impact of human activity on the environment.
What are the three main types of conservation?
The three main types of conservation are:
- In situ conservation: This type of conservation involves protecting wildlife in their natural habitats.
- Ex situ conservation: This type of conservation involves protecting wildlife outside of their natural habitats, such as in zoos or wildlife sanctuaries.
- Genetic conservation: This type of conservation involves protecting the Genetic diversity of wildlife.
What are the five main threats to wildlife?
The five main threats to wildlife are:
- Habitat loss: This is the destruction or degradation of natural habitats, which can lead to the loss of wildlife habitat and food sources.
- Overexploitation: This is the excessive use of wildlife resources, such as hunting, fishing, and logging.
- Pollution: This is the contamination of the environment with harmful substances, which can harm wildlife directly or indirectly.
- Climate Change: This is the long-term change in the Earth’s climate, which can lead to changes in wildlife habitats and food sources.
- Invasive species: These are species that are not native to an area and can outcompete or prey on native wildlife.
What are the three main benefits of conservation?
The three main benefits of conservation are:
- Protecting biodiversity: Biodiversity is the variety of life on Earth, and it is essential for the Health of the planet. Conservation helps to protect biodiversity by protecting wildlife habitats and food sources.
- Maintaining ecosystem Services: Ecosystem services are the benefits that humans receive from the environment, such as clean air and water, food, and flood control. Conservation helps to maintain ecosystem services by protecting wildlife habitats and food sources.
- Providing economic benefits: Conservation can provide economic benefits through tourism, recreation, and the sale of wildlife products.
What are the three main challenges of conservation?
The three main challenges of conservation are:
- Lack of funding: Conservation is often underfunded, which can make it difficult to protect wildlife and their habitats.
- Political instability: Political instability can make it difficult to implement conservation measures.
- Public apathy: Public apathy can make it difficult to raise awareness about the importance of conservation.
What can I do to help conserve wildlife?
There are many things you can do to help conserve wildlife, such as:
- Support conservation organizations: You can support conservation organizations by donating Money or time.
- Reduce your impact on the environment: You can reduce your impact on the environment by conserving energy, water, and resources.
- Educate others about conservation: You can educate others about conservation by talking to them about the importance of protecting wildlife and their habitats.
- Choose sustainable products: You can choose sustainable products, such as those that are made from recycled materials or that are produced in an environmentally friendly way.
- Get involved in your community: You can get involved in your community by volunteering for conservation organizations or by attending public meetings about conservation issues.
Sure, here are some multiple choice questions about wildlife conservation:
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Which of the following is not a threat to wildlife?
(A) Habitat loss
(B) Overpopulation
(C) Climate change
(D) Hunting -
Which of the following is the most effective way to conserve wildlife?
(A) Create protected areas
(B) Educate the public
(C) Reduce consumption of resources
(D) All of the above -
Which of the following is a non-native species that has had a negative impact on native wildlife?
(A) Zebra mussel
(B) Asian carp
(C) Cane toad
(D) All of the above -
Which of the following is a sustainable way to use natural resources?
(A) Hunting
(B) Fishing
(C) Logging
(D) All of the above -
Which of the following is a way to reduce your impact on wildlife?
(A) Recycle
(B) Conserve water
(C) Eat less meat
(D) All of the above -
Which of the following is a way to get involved in wildlife conservation?
(A) Volunteer for a conservation organization
(B) Donate to a conservation organization
(C) Contact your elected officials about conservation issues
(D) All of the above -
Which of the following is a way to learn more about wildlife conservation?
(A) Read books and articles about conservation
(B) Watch documentaries about conservation
(C) Visit a zoo or wildlife refuge
(D) All of the above -
Which of the following is a way to teach others about wildlife conservation?
(A) Talk to your friends and family about conservation
(B) Write letters to the editor about conservation
(C) Teach a class about conservation
(D) All of the above -
Which of the following is a way to support wildlife conservation?
(A) Buy products from companies that support conservation
(B) Vote for candidates who support conservation
(C) Attend conservation events
(D) All of the above -
Which of the following is a way to celebrate wildlife conservation?
(A) Attend a wildlife festival
(B) Go on a wildlife safari
(C) Volunteer for a conservation organization
(D) All of the above