Abstract

Floral and faunal diversity represents the health of an ecosystem. Increase in the number of endangered plants acts as an alarming sign of ecosystem’s imbalance. The ecological failure pose threat to our own health, thus by saving endangered species our own health is being saved. Government, non-profit international organizations, local communities and individuals are working together to protect and restore population levels. Biological Diversity Act (2002) for conservation of biodiversity is a landmark effort by Indian government as it provides mechanisms for knowledge, sustainable use of components of biological diversity and fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the use of biological resources. The various awareness campaigns have been conducted for local communities with regard to the conservation of endangered species. Both in-situ (on site) and ex-situ (off site) conservation strategies target critical habitats under continuous threat of extinction. Conservation programmes that centred mainly on the local masses which completely depend upon the environment including forests, lakes and wildlife for their needs truly showcase the leadership of local and indigenous communities in protecting biodiversity. The rights of local communities in decision making must be recognized and supported through clear laws and regulations. Sacred groves, a legacy of prehistoric traditions of nature conservation act as an ideal centre for biodiversity conservation. Besides providing vital ecosystem services to people, these are of immense ecological significance. Community conservation is the need of the hour in terms of conserving biodiversity at ground level.

Highlights

  • The plant and animal species form the foundation of a healthy ecosystem

  • A successfully tested protocol following an integrated approach for threatened species conservation is recommended for future conservation action

  • Communities that are actively involved in the conservation of an area that provides livelihood to them are under continuous threat from internal as well as external factors thereby restricting them to get social, administrative and legal recognition

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Summary

Introduction

The plant and animal species form the foundation of a healthy ecosystem. Endangered species give the indication that the ecosystem is slowly falling apart/ degraded. To halt the rapid loss of biodiversity (plants & animals), the Endangered Species Act (ESA) was passed in 1973. It is referred as “Crown jewel” of United Nation’s environmental laws and one of the world’s strongest species protection laws [7]. In India, the Biological Diversity Act (2002) for conservation of biodiversity strongly recommends the creation of Biodiversity Management Committees (BMC) at village level It provides mechanism for declaration of the areas being conserved for agricultural or wildlife biodiversity as Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS). Imperiled- At high risk of extinction due to very restricted range; very few populations (often 20 or fewer); steep decline. Vulnerable- At moderate risk of extinction due to restricted range; relatively few populations (often 80 or fewer), recent and widespread declines

Initiatives of government authorities
Why community-centred conservation
Support reconciliation and redress
Adopt a ‘rights-based’ approach
Respect and revitalize local rules for decision making
Conservation strategies for endangered plants
Main objectives of communities involved
Global scenario of community conservation
Limitations of community conservation
Findings
Conclusion
Full Text
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