Wildlife Protection (Amendment) Bill 2022
- The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has introduced the Wildlife Protection (Amendment) Bill 2022 in the Rajya Sabha.
- The Bill has been introduced to amend the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
The Bill has the following objectives.
- Strengthen conservation efforts for threatened species,
- increasing the punishment for illegal wildlife trade,
- increasing the number of species protected under the law, and
- To implement the provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Main provisions of the Bill
- The number of schedules has been reduced from 6 to 4 – 2 schedules for specially protected animals, 1 schedule for flora, and
- 1 new schedule for species listed under CITES.
- The schedule relating to vermin has been omitted. Pests are animals that cause harm to humans, crops, livestock or property.
- Obligations under CITES: The Central Government will appoint the Management Authority and the Scientific Authority.
Management Authority: It will grant export/import permits for international trade in flora and fauna.
Scientific Authority: Will advise on all aspects relating to the impact on the survival of the wildlife or plant species being traded.
Invasive Alien Species: The Central Government has been empowered to regulate or prohibit the import, trade, possession or spread of invasive alien species.
Control of Sanctuaries: The Chief Wild Life Warden (CWW) is entrusted with the control, management and protection of all the sanctuaries located in a State.
Conservation Reserve (CR): State/Central Governments can declare areas around National Parks and Sanctuaries as Conservation Reserves to protect the flora and fauna.
Surrender of captive animals: Any person may voluntarily surrender any captive animal or animal products to the Chief Wild Life Warden.
- CITES is an international agreement between governments. Its purpose is to ensure that international trade in wild fauna and flora does not threaten the existence of their species.
- It came into force in the year 1975. At present, 184 countries including India are party to it.
Proposed schedules
- Schedule I: Wildlife species that have the highest level of protection.
- SCHEDULE II: WILDLIFE SPECIES WHICH GET LESS PROTECTION
- Schedule III: Protected Plant Species.
- Schedule IV: Species listed in the Appendices of CITES.
Source – The Hindu
