Convention on Migratory Species

Context: The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme/ Convention on Migratory Species (UNEP/CMS) had organized a meeting of Range Countries to strengthen conservation efforts for migratory birds and their habitats in the Central Asian Flyway (CAF).

Convention on Migratory Species 

• It is an intergovernmental treaty under the UNEP- popularly known as Bonn Convention.
• It was signed in 1979 and in force since 1983.
• India is also a party to CMS since 1983.

Bonn Convention

• It aims to conserve terrestrial, marine and avian migratory species throughout their range.
• It lays the legal foundation to conduct conservation measures on a global scale.
• India also provides temporary shelter to several migratory species including Amur Falcons, Bar-headed Geese, Black-necked Cranes, Marine Turtles, Dugongs, Humpback Whales, etc.

What is Central Asian Flyway ?

• The CAF is a major migratory route for birds, covering 30 countries from the Arctic Ocean to the Indian Ocean.
• It is home to more than 400 species of migratory birds, including threatened and endangered species such as the Siberian crane and the lesser white-fronted goose.

India’s Initiatives 

• Transboundary protected areas for conservation of species like Tigers, Asian elephants, Snow Leopard, the Asiatic Lion, the one-horned rhinoceros, and the Great Indian Bustard.
• Project Snow Leopard (PSL): PSL was launched in 2009 to promote an inclusive and participatory approach to conserve snow leopards and their habitat
• Dugong Conservation Reserve: India has established its first Dugong conservation reserve in Tamil Nadu.

Prelims Question for Practice

Consider the following statements:
1. Animal Welfare Board of India is established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
2. National Tiger Conservation Authority is a statutory body.
3. National Ganga River Basin Authority is chaired by the Prime Minister.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 2 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans. B

Mains Question for Practice

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