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Wild Life Protection Amendment and CITES Implementation

Source:Indian Express ↗

কেন এটি গুরুত্বপূর্ণ

The amendment of foundational environmental laws like the Wild Life Protection Act is crucial for aligning domestic legislation with international treaties like CITES, strengthening conservation frameworks, and addressing modern ecological threats such as invasive species.

সারসংক্ষেপ

The Rajya Sabha passed the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Bill, 2022, which seeks to amend the principal Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. Key highlights include implementing CITES regulations, reducing the number of schedules to rationalize legal protection, controlling invasive alien species, and enhancing penalties for wildlife crimes.

মূল বিষয়

  • The Rajya Sabha passed the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Bill, 2022, aiming to amend the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
  • The legislation seeks to implement the provisions of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).
  • It proposes streamlining schedules from six to four, rationalizing penalties, and providing better management of invasive alien species.
  • The bill strengthens conservation efforts and addresses India's international obligations regarding biodiversity protection.

গুরুত্বপূর্ণ শব্দ

Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Bill 2022

A 2022 legislation amending the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, to implement CITES, reduce schedules, control invasive alien species, and enhance penalties.

UPSC context

GS Paper III (Environment & Biodiversity); crucial for questions on wildlife legislation, international conventions, and conservation policy.

Source
Wild Life (Protection) Act 1972

India's principal legislation for protecting wild animals, birds, and plants, providing the legal framework for sanctuaries, national parks, and anti-poaching measures.

UPSC context

GS Paper III (Environment); frequently tested for statutory protection of flora and fauna, sanctuary laws, and constitutional provisions.

Source
CITES

An international treaty regulating global trade in wild fauna and flora to ensure it does not threaten species survival.

UPSC context

GS Paper III (Environment & International Conventions); tests knowledge of global biodiversity agreements and India's compliance mechanisms.

Source

প্রিলিমস ফাঁদ

The principal Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 itself contained dedicated CITES management authorities prior to the 2022 amendment.

Aspirants often assume CITES implementation was already fully codified under the 1972 Act; the 2022 amendment formally introduced dedicated management and scientific authorities for CITES.

সংযুক্ত স্থির ধারণা

Environment and Ecology Biodiversity

What are the primary institutional authorities and schedules under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972?

  • Schedule Rationalisation: The 2022 amendment reduced the number of schedules from six to four: two for animals, one for plant species, and one for CITES specimens.
  • Statutory Authorities: Chief Wildlife Warden (CWLW) and the National/State Boards for Wildlife constitute the core statutory machinery for protected area management.
  • Protected Areas: The Act provides for the creation of National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves, and Community Reserves.

আন্তঃবিষয় প্যাটার্ন

  • Wildlife Laws + International Trade (CITES)

    The inclusion of CITES implementation in domestic wildlife law connects biodiversity conservation with international trade agreements and customs enforcement under export-import policies.

  • Invasive Species + Biosecurity & Agriculture

    The statutory power to regulate invasive alien species bridges environment protection with biosecurity, agricultural safety, and quarantine regulations.

WLPA 2022 amendments (CITES authorities, invasive species, schedule rationalisation) are prime targets for matching statements.

সংযুক্ত PYQ · 3

সংযুক্ত PYQ · 3

  • 2020PrelimsGS1

    If a particular plant species is placed under Schedule VI of The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, what is the implication?

  • 2022PrelimsGS1

    With reference to Indian laws about wildlife protection, consider the following statements : 1. Wild animals are the sole property of the government. 2. When a wild animal is declared protected, such animal is entitled for equal protection whether it is found in protected areas or outside. 3. Apprehension of a protected wild animal becoming a danger to human life is sufficient ground for its capture or killing. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • 2023PrelimsGS1

    'Invasive Species Specialist Group' (that develops Global Invasive Species Database) belongs to which one of the following organizations?