Conservation Reserves

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Conservation Reserves

Conservation Reserve

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Conservation Reserves were introduced under Section 36A of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, via theWildlife (Protection) Act Amendment of 2002. They are designated on government-owned lands — often adjacent to national parks or sanctuaries or connecting protected areas — with the objective of preserving landscapes, seascapes, flora, fauna, and biodiversity corridors

Features of Conservation Reserves

Legal Backing: Conservation Reserves are declared under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972
Declaration: A Conservation Reservescan be declared by both the central and state governments.
Government Land: Conservation Reserves are established on lands owned by the government.
Conservation Reserves often serve as ecological corridors, enabling the free movement of wildlife between major protected areas like National Parks and Sanctuaries. They also act as buffer zones, reducing human-wildlife conflicts in areas bordering these core habitats.
Although the land is government-owned, local communities and other stakeholders play a key role in planning and managing Conservation Reserves. This collaborative approach enhances conservation outcomes and ensures that local interests are respected.
Human activities in Conservation Reserves are regulated to prevent ecological harm. However, eco-tourism, research, and limited sustainable practices may be permitted if they do not disturb the ecosystem or wildlife.

Declaration of Conservation Reserves

State Government

The State Government has the primary authority to declare Conservation Reserves under Section 36A of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. It may notify any government-owned land, especially areas adjacent to National Parks or Wildlife Sanctuaries or those linking two protected areas, as a Conservation Reserve to protect landscapes, seascapes, flora, fauna, and their habitats.
Before such declaration, the State Government must consult local communities, ensuring participatory conservation.
If the proposed area includes land owned by the Central Government, the prior concurrence of the Central Government is mandatory.

Section 36A. Of The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972

Declaration and management of a Conservation Reserve:

(1)The State Government may, after having consultations with the local communities, declare any area owned by the Government, particularly the areas adjacent to National Parks and sanctuaries and those areas which link one protected area with another, as a Conservation Reserve for protecting landscapes, seascapes, flora and fauna and their habitat:

Provided that where the Conservation Reserve includes any land owned by the Central Government, its prior concurrence shall be obtained before making such declaration.

Central Government

The Central Government is also empowered to declare Conservation Reserves under Section 38(2A) of the Act. Once declared, the provisions applicable to Conservation Reserves remain the same as those notified by the State.
In such cases, the administrative powers that are usually exercised by the Chief Wildlife Warden are instead carried out by the Director of Wildlife Preservation or an officer authorised by them.

Conservation Reserve Management Committee

The State Government must set up a Management Committee to advise the Chief Wildlife Warden to conserve, manage and maintain the conservation reserve.
Composition of the Committee:
- One officer from the Forest/Wildlife Department (Secretary)
- One representative from each Village Panchayat in the reserve
- Three members from NGOs working in wildlife conservation
- One representative each from the Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Departments
The committee decides its own procedures and meeting rules.

Facts

The first conservation reserve in India is the Tiruppadaimarathur conservation reserve near Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu. It was established in 2005
The Tsarap Chu Conservation Reserve in Himachal Pradesh is the largest conservation reserve in India.

Importance of Wildlife Sanctuaries

Wildlife Connectivity
- Conservation reserves serve as ecological corridors connecting larger protected areas like national parks and sanctuaries. They facilitate genetic exchange and species migration, which is vital for maintaining biodiversity.
Habitat Protection
- They protect critical habitats, especially for migratory species or wide-ranging animals like elephants, leopards, and tigers, ensuring their survival in landscapes outside core protected areas.
Buffer Against Human Impact
- These areas buffer core protected zones from human disturbances by absorbing external pressures like grazing, agriculture, or development, thereby minimizing human-wildlife conflict.
Community Participation in Conservation
- Conservation reserves promote inclusive governance by involving local communities, NGOs, and other stakeholders in conservation management, increasing local ownership and reducing opposition to protected areas.
Conservation of Lesser-Known Ecosystems
- They help in conserving landscapes, seascapes, and transitional habitats (like wetlands, coastal belts) which are often ignored in mainstream conservation strategies but are crucial for ecological balance.
Eco-Tourism and Sustainable Use
- By regulating sustainable practices and promoting eco-tourism, conservation reserves contribute to local livelihoods without compromising ecological integrit

Conservation reserves play a critical complementary role to core protected areas in India’s wildlife conservation strategy. By promoting habitat connectivity, engaging local communities, and offering flexible management, they enhance the resilience of ecosystems and help in achieving long-term biodiversity conservation goals. As human pressures on natural spaces increase, the importance of these inclusive and adaptive conservation models will only grow.

FAQs on Conservation Reserves

Q1. What is a Conservation Reserve in India?

A Conservation Reserve is a protected area notified by the State Government/Central Givernment, usually located near National Parks or Sanctuaries, meant to protect landscapes, seascapes, and habitats of flora and fauna with the involvement of local communities.

Q2. How is a Conservation Reserve different from a Sanctuary or National Park?

Unlike National Parks and Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves are typically smaller, act as corridors or buffer zones, and encourage active participation of local communities in their management.

Q3. Can human activities take place in Conservation Reserves?

Yes, but they are regulated. Activities like eco-tourism, research, and traditional uses may be allowed if they do not harm wildlife or the habitat.

Q4. Who manages Conservation Reserves?

They are managed with the help of a Conservation Reserve Management Committee.

Q5. Why are Conservation Reserves important?

They provide connectivity between protected areas, help in conflict mitigation, promote community-based conservation, and protect critical but overlooked habitats.

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