Foreigners’ entry restricted in Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland

About Protected Area Regime (PAR)

• A special permit required for non-Indian citizens to visit certain protected areas near India’s international borders.
• Foreigners visiting the three northeastern States would have to seek prior permission and special permits from the government.
• It is issued under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958.
• The relaxation has been withdrawn after a gap of 14 years. It was initially relaxed for a year in 2010 to promote tourism.
• Protected areas are broader than the Inner Line areas.

Key Objectives of PAR

1. Biodiversity Conservation: Preserve species, habitats, and genetic diversity.
2. Climate Regulation: Maintain ecological balance and mitigate climate change impacts.
3. Sustainable Development: Support livelihoods through eco-tourism and sustainable resource use.
4. Cultural Preservation: Protect areas of cultural, spiritual, or historical significance.

Types of Protected Areas in India

1. National Parks
   • Areas set aside for the conservation of wildlife and natural habitats.
   • Human activities like grazing, hunting, and forestry are prohibited.
   • Example: Jim Corbett National Park (Uttarakhand).
2. Wildlife Sanctuaries
   • Areas that allow certain human activities, such as grazing and controlled tourism, along with wildlife conservation.
   • Example: Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan).
3. Biosphere Reserves
   • Large areas that integrate biodiversity conservation with sustainable development.
   • Consist of three zones: core, buffer, and transition.
   • Example: Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
4. Conservation Reserves
   • Designated areas around national parks and sanctuaries for community involvement in conservation.
   • Example: Anamalai Conservation Reserve (Tamil Nadu).
5. Community Reserves
   • Areas conserved by local communities while permitting their sustainable use.
   • Example: Kadar Community Reserve (Kerala).
6. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
   • Coastal and marine regions protected to conserve aquatic biodiversity.
   • Example: Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park (Tamil Nadu).

Legal and Policy Framework in India

1. Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
   • Provides the legal basis for the establishment of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and conservation areas.
2. Environment Protection Act, 1986
   • Focuses on pollution control and ecosystem protection, indirectly supporting PAR.
3. Forest Conservation Act, 1980
   • Regulates the use of forest land for non-forest purposes.
4. Biodiversity Act, 2002
   • Aims to protect biological diversity and ensure sustainable use of its components.
5. National Wildlife Action Plan (NWAP)
   • Guides long-term conservation strategies and the management of protected areas.

Protected Areas and International Conventions

1. Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD):
   • Encourages the establishment and management of protected areas.
2. UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere Programme (MAB):
   • Recognizes biosphere reserves globally.
3. Ramsar Convention on Wetlands:
   • Designates wetlands of international importance.
   • Example: Sundarbans in India.
4. World Heritage Sites (UNESCO):
   • Identifies and preserves cultural and natural heritage.
   • Example: Kaziranga National Park (Assam).

Significance of Protected Area Regime

1. Ecological Benefits:
   • Maintains ecological processes and biodiversity.
   • Supports climate change mitigation.
2. Economic Benefits:
   • Eco-tourism generates revenue and employment.
   • Provides ecosystem services like water purification and pollination.
3. Cultural and Social Benefits:
   • Preserves cultural heritage and indigenous knowledge.
   • Ensures sustainable use of natural resources for communities.

Challenges in Implementing PAR

1. Human-Wildlife Conflict: Encroachment and competition for resources lead to conflicts.
2. Lack of Community Involvement: Inadequate participation of local communities in conservation efforts.
3. Illegal Activities: Poaching, logging, and mining threaten protected areas.
4. Climate Change: Alters ecosystems, impacting the effectiveness of protected areas.
5. Inadequate Funding and Infrastructure: Limited financial and technical resources hinder effective management.

Way Forward

1. Community-Based Conservation: Strengthen local participation through eco-development committees.
2. Policy Integration: Align conservation policies with developmental goals.
3. Capacity Building: Train staff in scientific and modern conservation techniques.
4. Global Collaboration: Leverage international funding and expertise.
5. Technology Use: Employ GIS, remote sensing, and drones for better monitoring and management.

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