106 coastal sites picked for conservation

Why in news?
  • Biennial report released by the government says, the Centre has identified over 100 coastal and marine sites as conservation reserves under its National Wildlife Action Plan (NWAP) for 2017-2031.
More about the news
Highlights of the Report:
  • Under NWAP government is working towards the conservation of coastal and marine ecosystems from the impacts of climate change.
  • In the last four and a half years, India has not only been able to sustain but also increase its mangrove cover at a time when these ecosystems are disappearing.
  • India has rich coastal and marine wealth.
  • It is also a source of valuable fish protein for the growing population and for global food basket.
  • India produced 3.8 mmt of seafood during 2017, valued at Rs 5.28 lakh million at landing center.
  • Fisheries sector supports around 9.3 lakh active and part-time fishers, one of the largest workforces of fishers in the world.
About 3rd NWAP 2017-2031
  • The draft emphasizes on aspects like preservation of genetic diversity and sustainable utilization of species and ecosystems.
  • Mitigation of human-wildlife conflict, coastal and marine ecosystem conservation and a focus on wildlife health are among the key areas.
  • The first NWAP was adopted in 1983, while the second was adopted in 2002, which ended in 2017.
Source
The Hindu



Posted by Jawwad Kazi on 20th Feb 2019