Indian & World Geography·Policy Changes
Biodiversity Hotspots — Policy Changes
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Version 1Updated 7 Mar 2026
| Entry | Year | Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022 | 2022 | This amendment significantly updated the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Key changes include rationalizing the schedules for protected species (reducing from six to four), implementing provisions of CITES, and enhancing penalties for wildlife crimes. It also provides for the establishment of a Standing Committee of the State Board for Wildlife and allows for the designation of a management authority for CITES. | The amendment aims to streamline the protection of wildlife, particularly species listed under CITES, many of which are found in biodiversity hotspots. Enhanced penalties serve as a stronger deterrent against poaching and illegal trade, directly benefiting the conservation of endemic and threatened species within these hotspots. The rationalization of schedules is intended to make the Act more efficient in its application, though some critics raised concerns about potential dilution of protection for certain species. |
| Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, 2023 | 2023 | This Bill, passed by Parliament, seeks to amend the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. Its primary objectives include decriminalizing certain offenses under the Act, encouraging Indian traditional medicine systems, facilitating research, and simplifying the access and benefit-sharing process for certain categories of users. It also exempts registered AYUSH practitioners and codified traditional knowledge holders from seeking prior approval for accessing biological resources. | The amendment aims to ease compliance burdens for certain sectors and promote research and traditional medicine, potentially boosting the bio-economy. However, concerns have been raised by environmental groups regarding the decriminalization of offenses, which might weaken the enforcement mechanism, and the potential for reduced benefit sharing for local communities, especially those residing in or near biodiversity hotspots. Its impact on the equitable sharing of benefits from the rich biodiversity of these regions will be crucial to monitor. |