Indian & World Geography·Policy Changes
Biodiversity and Conservation — Policy Changes
Constitution VerifiedUPSC Verified
Version 1Updated 7 Mar 2026
| Entry | Year | Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022 | 2022 | This amendment significantly revised the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. It reduced the number of schedules for protected animals from six to four, rationalized the list of species, and introduced provisions for the management of invasive alien species. It also enhanced penalties for wildlife crimes and implemented the provisions of CITES more effectively by empowering the Central Government to designate a management authority and scientific authority for CITES. | Aims to streamline the protection regime, align national law with international obligations (CITES), and strengthen enforcement against wildlife trafficking. The reduction in schedules is intended to simplify administration and focus resources on truly endangered species, though some critics raised concerns about potential dilution of protection for certain species. |
| Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, 2023 | 2023 | Passed by Parliament, this amendment aims to decriminalize certain offenses under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, and encourage Indian system of medicine (AYUSH) practitioners and registered traditional knowledge holders to access biological resources for commercial purposes without prior approval from the NBA, provided they intimate the State Biodiversity Boards. It also seeks to facilitate research, patent application, and commercial utilization of biological resources. | Intended to reduce the compliance burden, promote research and innovation, and facilitate the growth of the AYUSH sector. However, concerns were raised by environmental groups regarding potential dilution of the 'Access and Benefit Sharing' (ABS) mechanism and the risk of commercial exploitation of biodiversity without adequate oversight, particularly concerning traditional knowledge. |