Definition: The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) is a statutory advisory body constituted under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. It serves as the apex body in India responsible for promoting wildlife conservation, advising the central government on policy matters, and regulating activities within protected areas.
Composition and Structure
The NBWL is chaired by the Prime Minister of India, which underscores the high priority the government places on wildlife and environmental governance. The board is designed to be a multi-disciplinary body that brings together experts, government officials, and non-governmental organizations to ensure a balanced approach to development and conservation.
The board consists of a Vice-Chairperson, who is the Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and various other members. These members include officials from the Ministry, representatives of state governments, members of Parliament, and experts in the field of ecology and conservation. This diverse composition ensures that the board considers socio-economic realities alongside biological imperatives when making regulatory decisions.
Functions and Mandate
The primary mandate of the NBWL is to provide guidance on the formulation of policies that impact wildlife conservation. It acts as the final authority for approving projects that fall within or near Protected Areas (PAs), such as National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries. No project can be cleared for construction or development in these sensitive zones without the board’s recommendation.
The board is tasked with the promotion of wildlife conservation, the prevention of illegal trade in wildlife products, and the periodic review of the status of wildlife in India.
Beyond regulatory approvals, the board also oversees the management of protected areas. It ensures that the state governments adhere to the standards set by the central government regarding the protection of endangered species and their habitats. By reviewing the progress of conservation efforts, the board helps in identifying gaps in existing legislation and suggests necessary amendments to the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
The Standing Committee of NBWL
Given the high-level nature of the board, it often delegates its powers to a Standing Committee. This committee is chaired by the Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The Standing Committee is the functional arm that meets more frequently to review project proposals, specifically those involving the diversion of forest land for industrial or infrastructure purposes.
- Reviewing proposals for the use of land within National Parks and Sanctuaries.
- Granting clearances for projects that might impact the Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZ) of protected areas.
- Monitoring the implementation of the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats scheme.
Conservation Policy and Protected Areas
The NBWL plays a critical role in defining Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs). These zones act as “shock absorbers” around protected areas, transitioning from highly protected regions to areas where some human activity is permitted. The board ensures that land-use planning in these zones does not threaten the integrity of the core protected area.
Furthermore, the board is instrumental in the implementation of the National Wildlife Action Plan. This plan serves as the roadmap for wildlife conservation in India, focusing on the preservation of genetic diversity, sustainable development, and the mitigation of human-wildlife conflict. By providing a platform for dialogue, the NBWL helps in balancing the aspirations of local communities living near forests with the need for ecological stability.
Key Points to Remember
- Statutory Status: Established under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 (as amended in 2003).
- Chairperson: The Prime Minister of India.
- Regulatory Power: Essential for clearance of projects in National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries.
- Standing Committee: Chaired by the Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
- Scope: Covers both terrestrial and aquatic wildlife conservation.
- Advisory Role: Provides recommendations on framing wildlife policies and international conventions.
Previous Year Question Hints
- “Consider the role of the National Board for Wildlife in approving infrastructure projects within Eco-Sensitive Zones. How does it balance development with conservation?”
- “Examine the statutory nature of the NBWL and its significance in the implementation of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.”
Quick Revision Summary
- NBWL is the apex advisory body for wildlife conservation in India.
- It is chaired by the Prime Minister, demonstrating high-level political oversight.
- It is a statutory body under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
- The Standing Committee of the NBWL handles the day-to-day project clearances.
- It holds the authority to approve or reject projects in National Parks and Sanctuaries.
- It advises the government on the declaration of Eco-Sensitive Zones.
- It facilitates the implementation of the National Wildlife Action Plan.
- It ensures coordination between the Centre and States on wildlife-related matters.
