Conservation Biology — Tech Evolutions

Entry	Year	Description	Impact
Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022	2022	This amendment aligns the WPA with CITES, rationalizes schedules for protected species, allows for management plans for elephant reserves, and enhances penalties for wildlife crimes. It also provides for the designation of a 'management authority' and 'scientific authority' for CITES implementation.	Strengthens India's legal framework for wildlife protection, particularly concerning international trade in endangered species. It streamlines administrative processes and aims to reduce human-wildlife conflict through better management of elephant reserves, while also increasing deterrence against poaching and illegal trade.
Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, 2023	2023	Aimed at encouraging the Indian system of medicine, facilitating research, and decriminalizing certain offenses under the Act. It exempts certain categories of users (e.g., AYUSH practitioners, codified traditional knowledge holders) from benefit-sharing requirements for accessing biological resources.	Seeks to balance conservation with the promotion of traditional medicine and research, potentially easing compliance burdens for certain sectors. However, it has raised concerns among some environmentalists regarding potential dilution of benefit-sharing mechanisms and implications for biodiversity protection, particularly for local communities.