APPROACH:

Introduction: Give the definition of the protected areas.

Body: Discuss the current requirements which are pushing towards the amendment of the Act.

Conclusion: Conclude with reference to the CITES.

Answer:

IUCN defines a protected area as a clearly defined geographical space, recognised, dedicated and managed, through legal or other effective means, to achieve the long-term conservation of nature with associated ecosystem services and cultural values.

The term "protected area" also includes Marine Protected Areas, the boundaries of which will include some area of ocean, and Transboundary Protected Areas that overlap multiple countries which remove the borders inside the area for conservation and economic purposes.

India's 5.6% geographical area is under Protected Areas. WPA has been amended many a times, but the recent amendment is most extensive in nature, trying to enforce the provisions of CITES, to which India is a party.

Rationale for amendment:

• The act reduces the total number of schedules to four by eliminating the schedule for vermin species and also inserts a new schedule for specimens listed under CITES.
• To enable control of invasive alien species and allow for transfer or transport of live elephants by the person having ownership certificates.
• The bill seeks to introduce uniformity in management as The Act entrusts the Chief Wildlife Warden to control, manage and maintain all sanctuaries in a state, who will be appointed by the state government.
• For sanctuaries falling under special areas, the management plan must be prepared after due consultation with the concerned Gram Sabha.

India is a party to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, which requires that appropriate measures are taken to enforce the provisions of the convention.