September 14 – GS3/Environment and Ecology: 2025 | UPSC Daily Answer Writing Practice PDF Download

Q: The concept of 'nature-based solutions' is gaining traction globally. Discuss how India can effectively incorporate this approach in its environmental policy and biodiversity conservation efforts.

Introduction

Nature-based solutions (NbS) involve actions that protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural or modified ecosystems to address societal challenges while benefiting human well-being and biodiversity. This approach is gaining global recognition as countries seek sustainable ways to tackle issues like climate change, disaster risk reduction, and biodiversity loss. India, with its diverse ecosystems and rich biodiversity, has significant potential to implement NbS effectively.

Rising Global Interest in Nature-Based Solutions

• In 2022, the United Nations Environment Assembly formally recognized nature-based solutions as a crucial strategy for addressing global challenges.
• The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) has integrated NbS into its post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, highlighting its importance for biodiversity conservation.
• The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030) emphasizes NbS as a key approach to achieving restoration and sustainability goals.

Incorporating NbS in India’s Environmental Policy

Policy Framework: India can integrate NbS into existing environmental policies and develop new ones, such as:

• Updating the National Biodiversity Action Plan to include NbS strategies.
• Incorporating NbS into the National Action Plan on Climate Change.
• Developing a dedicated Nature-based Solutions Policy to guide implementation.

Cross-sectoral Integration: NbS should be integrated across various sectors, including:

• Agriculture: Promoting sustainable farming practices that enhance ecosystem services.
• Urban Development: Mandating green infrastructure and urban forests in planning policies.
• Water Management: Implementing natural water management systems like wetlands and riparian buffers.
• Disaster Risk Reduction: Incorporating NbS in disaster management plans to enhance resilience.

Financial Mechanisms: Establish dedicated funding mechanisms for NbS projects, such as:

• Creating a Nature-based Solutions Fund to support implementation.
• Incentivizing private sector investment through tax benefits and green bonds.

Incorporating NbS in India’s Biodiversity Conservation

Ecosystem Restoration: Scale up ecosystem restoration efforts using NbS principles, such as:

• Expanding mangrove restoration along coastlines for coastal protection and biodiversity enhancement.
• Restoring degraded forests through assisted natural regeneration and community forestry.

Protected Area Management: Enhance protected area management using NbS approaches, including:

• Implementing buffer zone management strategies that benefit both wildlife and local communities.
• Using ecological corridors to connect fragmented habitats.

Urban Biodiversity: Promote urban biodiversity through NbS initiatives, such as:

• Developing urban wetlands for stormwater management and biodiversity enhancement.
• Restoring native flora and fauna in urban areas to provide ecosystem services.

Agro-biodiversity Conservation: Integrate NbS in agricultural landscapes by promoting traditional agroforestry systems, such as:

• 'Dehesa' in Spain or 'Khejri' in Rajasthan, which combine fruit tree cultivation with forestry and agriculture.
• Supporting projects like the NABARD-funded Wadi project in tribal areas.

Community-based Conservation: Empower local communities in NbS implementation by scaling up:

• Joint Forest Management and Community Forest Resource rights under the Forest Rights Act.
• Community-led conservation initiatives like the Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary in Nagaland.

Conclusion

By leveraging its rich natural capital and traditional knowledge, India can become a global leader in implementing nature-based solutions. This approach not only enhances biodiversity conservation but also contributes to climate change mitigation, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable development.