What is Biodiversity? How does Climate Change affect biodiversity? Highlight the various conservation…

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What is Biodiversity? How does Climate Change affect biodiversity? Highlight the various conservation measures taken by the Government of India to protect biodiversity.

Ghissu Editorial · Accepted Answer

Biodiversity is the variety of life on Earth, and climate change threatens it by altering temperature and rainfall, stressing endemic species in the Western Ghats, Himalayas and Telangana's dry forests. India protects it through the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, 106 national parks, the NBSAP and Biodiversity Management Committees.

**Introduction**

Biodiversity underpins ecological stability and human welfare but faces severe threats from climate change. India’s rich biodiversity and vulnerability to climate shifts have prompted intensified conservation efforts aligned with global frameworks like the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

**Governance and Institutional Framework**

1. **Robust Legal Protections**: The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, established 106 national parks⟦1⟧, 573 sanctuaries, and 18 biosphere reserves⟦2⟧, including ==Nanda Devi and Pachmarhi==, crucial for species conservation.  
2. **Community Participation and Decentralization**: Over 2,76,653 Biodiversity Management Committees⟦3⟧ and 2,72,648 People’s Biodiversity Registers empower local communities, including those in ==Telangana’s forested agency tracts==, to monitor and sustainably manage biodiversity, ensuring grassroots involvement in conservation.

**Climate Change Impact and Challenges**

3. **Habitat Loss from Renewables**: Expansion of wind and solar projects threatens species like the Great Indian Bustard in Rajasthan, illustrating conflicts between climate mitigation and biodiversity.  
4. **Ecosystem Vulnerability and Species Extinction**: Climate shifts endanger endemic species in hotspots like the Western Ghats and Himalayas and stress ==Telangana’s Godavari valley forests==, affecting ecosystem services and livelihoods dependent on these fragile ecosystems.

**Conservation Measures**

5. **Flagship Schemes and Funding**: Project Tiger⟦4⟧, Project Elephant, and Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats receive increased funding (₹3,412.82 crore in 2025-26), supporting conservation including in ==Telangana’s Kawal and Amrabad tiger reserves==.  
6. **Nature-Based Solutions and Afforestation**: The Green India Mission⟦5⟧ and National Afforestation Programme aim to expand and improve forest and tree cover, enhancing carbon sinks and biodiversity while contributing to climate mitigation.  
7. **Community-Led Initiatives**: Mission Kakatiya in ==Telangana== restores wetlands, supporting biodiversity and agricultural resilience by integrating ecological restoration with socio-economic benefits.

**Conclusion**

India’s integrated policies, legal frameworks, and community engagement offer a sustainable path to conserve biodiversity amid climate challenges, balancing ecological integrity with development needs.

What is Biodiversity? How does Climate Change affect biodiversity? Highlight the various conservation measures taken by the Government of India to protect biodiversity.

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