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India has been ranked 176th in the Global Nature Conservation Index (NCI) 2024, scoring 45.5 out of 100. This positions India among the five lowest performers globally, alongside Kiribati, Turkey, Iraq, and Micronesia. The NCI, released on October 24, 2024, evaluates conservation efforts across 180 countries.
About the Nature Conservation Index
The NCI is a new assessment tool that measures conservation efforts using four key indicators:
Land Management
Threats to Biodiversity
Capacity and Governance
Future Trends
Developed by the Goldman Sonnenfeldt School of Sustainability and Climate Change at Ben-Gurion University and BioDB.com, the index aims to provide a detailed analysis of each country’s conservation strategies, assisting governments and organizations in identifying issues and improving policies.
India’s Conservation Challenges
India’s low ranking is primarily due to inadequate land management and escalating threats to biodiversity. The country has converted 53% of its land for urban, industrial, and agricultural purposes. The NCI highlights several issues:
High Pesticide Use: Contributes to soil pollution.
Sustainable Nitrogen Index: Currently at 0.77, indicating a need for improved soil health.
Marine Conservation Deficiencies
Marine conservation is another critical concern. Only 0.2% of India’s national waterways are protected, and there are no protected areas within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), despite 7.5% of terrestrial land being safeguarded.
Threats to Biodiversity
India faces several threats to its biodiversity:
Habitat Loss and Fragmentation: Due to agriculture, urbanization, and infrastructure development.
Climate Change: Adds pressure to sensitive ecosystems, such as alpine regions and coral reefs.
From 2001 to 2019, India lost 23,300 sq. km of tree cover due to deforestation. Although 40% of marine species and 65% of terrestrial species are in Protected Areas, many continue to decline. The index reports that 67.5% of marine species and 46.9% of terrestrial species are experiencing population decreases.
Global Sustainable Development Goals
India’s NCI results align with issues highlighted in the latest global progress report on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The country faces challenges with SDG 14 (Life below water) and SDG 15 (Life on land).
Future Trends and Opportunities
The index identifies both challenges and opportunities for India’s biodiversity. With one of the highest population densities globally and a population that has doubled since the late 1970s, the country’s ecological wealth is under threat. Additionally, India is the fourth-largest illegal wildlife trader, with annual sales of approximately £15 billion. The index calls for stronger enforcement and international cooperation to address this issue.
Strong political will is crucial for effective conservation, including passing laws that promote sustainable development and securing funding for environmental initiatives. With commitment and action, India can address its conservation challenges and work towards a sustainable future.