India Can Save Its Forests by Winning the War on
Poverty
Prelims
Biodiversity, Sustainable Development,
Environment & Ecology
Mains
GS
Paper III – Environment, economy(poverty Alleviation), GS Paper II - Welfare
Schemes for Vulnerable Sections, Rights of Forest-Dwelling Communities
Current relevance
A recent study published in Nature Sustainability has
challenged the conventional fortress conservation approach by
highlighting the strong relationship between poverty reduction and improved
forest biodiversity.
Key Findings
1.
Poverty is Not the Direct Cause of Biodiversity Loss
The findings indicate that poverty alone is not responsible
for the decline in forest ecosystems. Biodiversity loss occurs when
communities lack alternative livelihood opportunities.
2.
Overdependence on Forest Resources Reduces Biodiversity
Forests situated around densely
populated and economically disadvantaged communities often face intense
extraction of fuelwood and other forest resources.
3.
Limitations of the Fortress Conservation Model
Traditional conservation policies largely
focus on restricting human access to forests, which is effective in protecting
certain wildlife species.
4.
Growing Pressure on Wildlife Corridors
Forests outside protected areas
support millions of people for fuel, fodder, and livelihood needs. This excessive
resource extraction threatens critical wildlife corridors.
Source
- THE HINDU - https
-//www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/not-binary-india-can-save-its-forests-by-winning-the-war-on-poverty/article71100846.ece