Eco-Sensitive Zones

Published on 04 Apr 2025

The areas surrounding protected areas, such as national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, are known as eco-sensitive zones (ESZs). They act as shock absorbers by creating a buffer zone within the protected areas. Activities in ESZs are categorised as Prohibited Activities, Regulated Activities and Permitted Activities.

Significance of Eco-sensitive Zones

• Safe Havens for Wildlife: Endangered and threatened species can thrive in ESZs because they offer a safe haven free from direct human interference or habitat degradation.

• Example: Eco-sensitive zone around Ramadevara Betta Vulture Sanctuary will protect critically endangered Long-billed vultures.

• Minimise the Impact of Development Projects: It helps to reduce the impact of developmental projects and urbanization.

• Example: Bhubaneswar Development Authority’s No to Projects in Eco-Sensitive Zones Without Adequate Drainage

• Sustainable Tourism: Sustainable tourism is encouraged by ESZ regulations, which minimize adverse effects on the environment while enabling tourists to appreciate and enjoy the beauty of nature.

• Example: The Karnataka government has banned campfires, loud music and plastic in resorts, homestays and hotels located near eco-sensitive zones.

• Local Empowerment: Encouraging the participation of local communities in ESZ management promotes a feeling of accountability and ownership for environmental preservation.

• Example: Planet Life Foundation, a Goa-based NGO that has rejuvenated a private conservation hotspot in the buffer area of the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary by involving local communities.

• Minimise the adverse effects on the Fragile Ecosystems: Declaring eco-sensitive zones around protected areas serves to act as a "Shock Absorber" of sorts for the area in concern.

• Example: Eco-sensitive zone around Kaziranga National Park, Assam protect One-horned rhinos from habitat degradation.

• Cultural Heritage Conservation: The conservation of cultural heritage is aided by the preservation of certain ESZ regions that may be historically or culturally significant.

• Example: Hornbill Festival of Nagaland

• Resilience to Climate Change: Diverse ecosystems are better able to withstand climate change and adapt to changing conditions when they are preserved.

• Example: ESZs act as carbon sinks by absorbing atmospheric carbon

Challenges associated with Eco-sensitive Zones

• Encroachment of Forest Rights: The enforcement of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 and the Environmental Protection Act 1986 causes the government to disregard the rights of forest communities.

• Local Livelihood Concerns: Local livelihoods may be impacted by the establishment of ESZs, particularly in regions where populations rely on fishing, grazing, or agriculture.

• Example: Protests in the high ranges by farmers of Kerala 

• Defining ESZ Boundaries: Establishing the exact boundaries of ESZs is complex. It requires an understanding of ecological characteristics and the distribution of biodiversity.

• Legal and Regulatory Frameworks: The absence of clear and powerful legal frameworks, or the existence of loopholes in current legislation, can jeopardize the enforcement of ESZ principles.

• Climate change: Climate change has resulted in land, water and ecological stress on the ESZs.

• Example: Forest fires and floods affecting the Kaziranga National Park and surrounding areas.

Way Forward

• Sustainable Livelihood Programs: Develop programs for communities impacted by ESZ laws that promote sustainable livelihoods.

• Flexibility in Policies: Consider an adaptive management strategy that permits rules and policies to be modified in response to data monitoring and changing environmental conditions.

• Performance Evaluation: Implement mechanisms for regular review and evaluation of ESZs' performance.

• Digital Technologies and GIS Mapping: For efficient monitoring and enforcement, make use of digital technology, remote sensing, and Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping.

Tags:
Environment

Keywords:
Biodiversity Conservation Eco sensitive zones Wildlife Ecology Ecosystem

Syllabus:
General Studies Paper 3

Topics:
Biodiversity and Wildlife Conservation