Natural Resources & Biodiversity

Indigenous communities have lived in close harmony with nature for centuries, developing unique ways of managing ecosystems that ensure balance between human needs and the environment. Their knowledge systems, cultural traditions, and spiritual practices make them custodians of biodiversity, often safeguarding forests, wildlife, water sources, and medicinal plants far more effectively than modern systems. Recognizing … Read more

Cities are expanding at an unprecedented rate, transforming landscapes and putting immense pressure on natural ecosystems. In the process, urban biodiversity—the variety of plants, animals, and ecosystems within city environments—faces growing threats. Green spaces such as parks, wetlands, community gardens, and urban forests are critical for maintaining ecological balance, reducing pollution, and supporting human well-being. … Read more

Biopiracy refers to the unauthorized commercial use of biological resources and associated traditional knowledge without proper consent or benefit-sharing. India, with its vast biodiversity and rich heritage of indigenous knowledge systems, has often been a victim of biopiracy. International corporations and research institutions have, at times, patented resources and knowledge that have been used in … Read more

Biodiversity conservation has become one of the most pressing global concerns in the 21st century. Rapid deforestation, habitat destruction, overexploitation of resources, and climate change have accelerated species extinction and ecosystem degradation. To address these challenges, the international community has established key conventions and protocols that provide a legal framework for cooperation. Among the most … Read more

India’s biodiversity conservation has always drawn strength from both cultural traditions and legal frameworks. Two important approaches that reflect this synergy are the sacred groves—forests preserved by communities as part of religious and cultural practices—and Community Biodiversity Registers (CBRs), which document local biological resources and associated traditional knowledge. Together, they represent a bridge between customary … Read more

Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) has emerged as one of the most pressing challenges in conservation and governance. As human populations expand and natural habitats shrink, encounters between people and wildlife become more frequent and often violent. From crop raiding by elephants to livestock predation by big cats and even human casualties, these conflicts threaten biodiversity conservation … Read more

Agro-biodiversity, or agricultural biodiversity, refers to the variety of plants, animals, and microorganisms essential for food production and agriculture. It includes traditional crop varieties, livestock breeds, soil organisms, and pollinators that support ecosystems and human well-being. In the face of climate change, population growth, and industrialized farming, agro-biodiversity has become a critical pillar of food … Read more

India is one of the world’s most biodiverse countries, blessed with unique ecosystems ranging from the Himalayan mountains to tropical rainforests and coastal wetlands. However, rapid industrialization, mining, and development projects have often clashed with the need to conserve biodiversity. Several iconic battles have shaped India’s environmental governance and highlighted the power of law, civil … Read more

Climate change has become one of the most pressing global challenges, and its impact on a developing country like India is particularly significant. With its vast geographical diversity—ranging from the Himalayan glaciers to coastal ecosystems—India’s natural resources are highly vulnerable to rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and extreme weather events. These changes not only affect the … Read more

Marine biodiversity is a cornerstone of global ecological balance, providing food, livelihoods, and climate stability. Covering over 70% of the Earth’s surface, oceans are home to countless species and ecosystems. However, unsustainable exploitation, overfishing, and climate change have placed marine life under severe stress. To address these concerns, international frameworks like the United Nations Convention … Read more