INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

India is a party to five major international conventions related to Wild Life conservation,
viz.,

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild fauna and

flora (CITES),
International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources
(IUCN),
International Whaling Commission (IWC),
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization-World
Heritage Committee (UNESCO-WHC) and
The Convention on Migratory Species (CMS).

I. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora

(CITES):

In order to regulate international trade in endangered species of Wild Life, the

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild fauna and flora
(CITES) was signed in March 1973.
The Government of India signed the Convention in July 1976, which was ratified in
October 1976.The Director, Wild Life Preservation has been designated as the CITES
Management Authority for India. The enforcement of the provisions of CITES is carried
out by the Regional Deputy Directors, Wild Life Crime Control Bureau, who have also
been designated as the Assistant CITES Management Authority for India. Apart from the
Regional Deputy Directors, the Customs Authorities, State Forest Departments are also
involved in the enforcement of the Convention. An amendment to the Wild Life
(Protection) Act 1972 has been proposed for integrating the provisions of CITES in the
national law for effective implementation of the Convention. The Ministry of Environment
and Forests has also constituted a CITES Cell on 10 th September 2010 to assist the
Government of India in CITES implementation. India has taken several initiatives in
recent years at national level to build capacity for better CITES implementation in the
country.
Indian delegation has participated in the meetings of the Plants and Animal
Committees, the meetings of the Standing Committee and in Conferences of Parties of
CITES from time to time. Following specific agendas have been pursued in this
convention in recent times.
The 16thMeeting of the Conference of Parties to CITES (CoP-16) was held from 314th March 2013 at Bangkok and the meeting was attended by Indian Delegation
headed by CITES Management Authority of India.
In CoP 16, India has support the text of the document of CITES and Livelihoods which
outlines recommendations to Parties to make CITES implementation attractive and

rather positive with respect to livelihood needs of the local people and particularly poor
rural communities.
India expressed the need to establish a self-sustaining funding mechanism for the
Monitoring the Illegal Killing of Elephants (MIKE) programme in Asia. A drafting group
comprising China, Germany, India, Kenya, South Africa, Thailand, Uganda and United
States (chair) was formed for improving the wording in Annex 2 of the document CoP 16
doc. 26 (Rev. 1) on Trade in Elephant Specimens.
With reference to amendments to the Amendments of the Appendices, India strongly
supported the proposal indicating that the species listed under critically endangered and
threatened category of the IUCNs Red list should also be listed in the Appendices of
the CITES for monitoring the trade effectively.
In the CoP 16, India has shown willingness to work with the Nepal Government and
other national authorities in monitoring the trade of shahtoosh wool derived from Tibetan
antelopes and its illegal poaching. India has also deliberated in the CoP 16 that
stringent penal provisions have been provided for any contravention under the Indian
Wild Life (Protection), Act 1972.
India has supported inclusion of box turtles and soft shell turtles in the appendices of
CITES and requested the CITES to ascertain the correct conservation status of a
species before taking any decision on listing of species including sharks in the
Appendices of CITES as such decisions cannot be made on the basis of inadequate or
unreliable information, more so when they are likely to impact the livelihoods of millions
of poor communities. India also mentioned that there is strong need for undertaking
more region specific studies, primarily relating to the status of the concerned species in
the Indian Ocean regions, before taking decisions to include sharks in the Appendices
of CITES.
II. World Heritage Convention:
India is a member of World Heritage Convention responsible for listing of World
Heritage Sites, which include both Cultural and natural sites. The World Heritage
Convention is a Convention under the aegis of the United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Wild Life wing of the Ministry of
Environment and Forests is associated with the conservation of the Natural World
Heritage sites.
Currently, six natural World Heritage Sites have been recognized by UNESCO in India,
viz., Nanda Devi National Park, Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park,
Keoladeo National Park, Sundarbans National Park. Apart from these, the Valley of
Flowers National Park has also been included in the list of World Heritage Sites as an
extension of Nanda Devi National Park.
Further, a serial cluster of following 39 sites from Western Ghats spread over 4 States
have also been inscribed as World Heritage Sites:

Sub-cluster

Site Site Element Name

Area
(km2)

State

Agasthyamala
i

Kalakad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve

895.00

Tamil Nadu

Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary

171.00

Kerala

Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary

128.00

Kerala

Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary

53.00

Kerala

Kulathupuzha Range

200.00

Kerala

Palode Range

165.00

Kerala

1,612.00

SUB-TOTAL
Periyar

Periyar Tiger Reserve

777.00

Kerala

Ranni Forest Division

828.53

Kerala

Konni Forest Division

261.43

Kerala

10

Achankovil Forest Division

219.90

Kerala

11

Srivilliputtur Wildlife Sanctuary

485.00

Tamil Nadu

12

Tirunelveli (North) Forest Division

234.67
(part)

Tamil Nadu

2,806.53

SUB-TOTAL
Anamalai

13

Eravikulam National
proposed extension)

14

Park

(and

127.00

Kerala

Grass Hills National Park

31.23

Tamil Nadu

15

Karian Shola National Park

5.03

Tamil Nadu

16

Karian Shola(part of Parambikulam

3.77
Wildlife Sanctuary)

Kerala

17

Mankulam Range

52.84

Kerala

18

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

90.44

Kerala

19

Mannavan Shola

11.26

Kerala

SUB-TOTAL
Nilgiri

20

Silent Valley National Park

89.52

Kerala

21

New Amarambalam Reserved Forest

246.97

Kerala

22

Mukurti National Park

78.50

Tamil Nadu

23

Kalikavu Range

117.05

Kerala

24

Attapadi Reserved Forest

65.75

Kerala

SUB-TOTAL
Talacauvery

597.79

25

Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary

102.59

Karnataka

26

Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary

181.29

Karnataka

27

Talacauvery Wildlife Sanctuary

105.00

Karnataka

28

Padinalknad Reserved Forest

184.76

Karnataka

29

Kerti Reserved Forest

79.04

Karnataka

30

Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary

55.00

Kerala

SUB-TOTAL
Kudremukh

321.57

707.68

31

Kudremukh National Park

600.32

Karnataka

32

Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary

88.40

Karnataka

33

Someshwara Reserved Forest

112.92

Karnataka

34

Agumbe Reserved Forest

57.09

Karnataka

35

Balahalli Reserved Forest

22.63

Karnataka

SUB-TOTAL
Sahyadri

881.36

36

Kas Plateau

11.42

Maharashtra

37

Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary

423.55

Maharashtra

38

Chandoli National Park

308.90

Maharashtra

39

Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary

282.35

Maharashtra

SUB-TOTAL
GRAND-TOTAL

1,026.22
7,953.15

In the 38th Sessions of the World Heritage Committee meetings held at Doha, Qatar
from16 June - 26 June 2014, the Great Himalayan National Park was tabled for
discussion and was inscribed on to the World Heritage List.
Further, the UNESCO has given in principle concurrence to the proposal of India for
establishment of UNESCO Category II Centre for Asia Pacific Region at Wildlife Institute
of India, Dehradun.
Six new natural heritage sites, viz., Bhitarkanika Conservation area, Desert National
Park, Kangchendzonga National Park, Namdhapha National Park, Neora Valley
National Park, and Wild Ass Sanctuary, Little Rann of Kutch have been included in the
tentative list of World Heritage Site nominations from India.
The first phase of externally aided project was completed which was undertaken with
title World Heritage Bio-diversity Programme for India: Building Partnerships to Support
UNESCOs World Heritage Programme. This project is an outcome of a planning grant
received from the UNESCO and United Nation Foundation (UNF) and was developed
under the guidance of a Project Steering Committee chaired by the Addl. Director
General of Forests (WL), MoEF. The total period of the project is 10 years with two
phases, viz, Phase-I of four years and Phase-II of six years. The project is being
undertaken in 4 World Heritage Sites of India, viz, Kaziranga National Park, Manas
National Park, Nanda Devi National Park, and Keoladeo National Park. The total
financial outlay for the first phase of the project was to the tune of US $ 1.83 million.
The main focus of the Project is on strengthening capacity for effective
management; site level management policies and governance; enhance the role of local
communities in conservation of biodiversity; enhancing habitat connectivity; restoration
of lost attributes; research and monitoring, and identification of potential World Heritage

Bio-diversity sites. Currently the project is under the process of developing Funds in
Trust (FIT), model for raising funds for supporting the World Heritage Bio-diversity
Programme for India.

III. Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS):

The Convention on Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS) or Bonn Convention aims
to conserve migratory species throughout their range. The Convention came into force
in 1979. India is a signatory to the convention since 1983.
During COP 10, India has also been nominated as a member of the Standing
Committee of the Convention with the support from various countries in the Asia. During
the COP, the Ministry of Environment and Forests, WWF-India, Wetlands International
and BNHS (Bombay Natural History Society) jointly organized a side event on Blacknecked Crane urging the range States for regional cooperation for conservation of this
unique species found in the Himalayan high altitude wetlands. Conference of Parties is
held generally once in three years. The COP 11 is is being held in Equador in November
2014.
IV. International Whaling Commission:
The International Whaling Commission (IWC) was set up under the International
Commission for the Regulation of Whaling which was signed in Washington on
2ndDecember 1946. The purpose of the Convention is to provide for conservation of
whale stocks. The main duty of the International Whaling Commission is to keep under
review and revise as necessary the measures laid down in the schedule to the
Convention which governs the conduct of whaling throughout the world. These
measures, among other things, provide complete protection of certain species,
designate specified areas as whale sanctuaries, limit the number of whales which may
be taken, prescribe open and closed seasons and designate areas for whaling; prohibit
the capture of suckling calves and female whales accompanied by calves.
India has been a member of the International Whaling Commission since 1981 and has
played a pro-active and prominent role in bringing about a moratorium on commercial
whaling and supporting the Commission in its efforts towards whale conservation. All
the Cetacean species (whales, dolphins, etc.) have been included in Schedule I of the
Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 thereby giving them the highest degree of protection.
Apart from this, India has always been supporting the conservation of whales through
the establishment of the South Pacific Sanctuary.

GOI-GEF UNDP Projects:

1.

Mainstreaming coastal and marine biodiversity conservation into

production sectors in the east godavari river estuarine ecosystem, Andhra
Pradesh.

The East Godavari River Estuarine Ecosystem (EGREE) encompassing the

Godavari mangroves (321 km2) is the second largest area of mangroves along the east
coast of India (after Sundarbans). The area is rich in floral and faunal diversity, and
generates significant ecological and economic benefits such as shoreline protection,
sustaining livelihoods and carbon sink services. There are 35 species of mangroves, of
which 16 are true mangroves and the rest are associates of mangrove species. This
includes one nearly threatened (IUCN) species (Ceriops decandra) and three rare
species. There are important nesting sites for migratory turtle species, notably the
endangered Olive Ridley turtle, the critically endangered Leatherback turtle and Green
turtle. The area serves as spawning grounds and as a sanctuary for the growth and
development of numerous fin and shell fish. It is an Important Bird Area with a recorded
population of 119 bird species, of which 50 are migratory. In recognition of its national
and global biodiversity significance, a part of the EGREE area is gazetted as Coringa
Wildlife Sanctuary (CWLS). In addition to the biodiversity significance of the area, it is
also of enormous economic significance. The last few decades have witnessed rapid
economic changes and emergence of large scale production activities in EGREE.
The Government of India and UNDP-GEF, in partnership with the Government of
Andhra Pradesh aims to mainstream biodiversity conservation into the production
sectors of EGREE through: (1) Cross-sectoral planning in the EGREE, (2) Enhanced
capacity of sector institutions for implementing biodiversity-friendly sector plans, (3)
Improved community livelihoods and sustainable natural resource use. By project end, it
is anticipated that production activities in at least 80,000 ha of the EGREE introduce
mainstreaming of biodiversity conservation objectives, in turn improving the
conservation prospects of several globally significant species, apart from contributing to
the socio-economic wellbeing of the region.

Under this project, EGREE Foundation was established under Andhra Pradesh
Society Registration Act 2001, which is a cross-sectoral platform to facilitate
implementation of biodiversity conservation initiatives by involving the production
sectors operating in the EGREE; Research gap analysis has been conducted for the
EGREE Region and 58 research gaps identified. Action is being initiated to prioritise the
research activities to be conducted under the project and with other research institutes.
A Landscape based Biodiversity Management Plan has also been prepared for Coringa
Wildlife Sanctuary, taking into consideration the challenges from the production sectors
especially in the peripheries of the sanctuary. This landscape based management plan
is the first of its kind in India.
Regular training programmes are conducted with Coast Guards, Fisheries
Department and other production sectors on conservation of coastal and marine
biodiversity. In addition, a number of livelihood activities have been initiated with the
local communities.

1Mainstreaming coastal and marine biodiversity conservation into production

sectors in sindhudurg, Maharashtra.
The Sindhudurg Coastal and Marine Ecosystem (SCME), located on the west
coast of India in the state of Maharashtra is one of the 11 ecologically and economically
critical habitats identified along the Indian coast. Critical habitats include: rocky shore,
sandy shore, rocky island, estuaries, mud flats, marshy land, mangroves, coral reefs,
and sargassum forests. The area has a rich repository of corals, with the recent
discovery of a large coral area in Angria Bank. Due to its high ecological importance,
29.12 sq. km of SCME was designated as the Malvan Marine Sanctuary (MMS) in 1987
and is one of seven marine Protected Areas in India. The SCME has enormous
economic significance as well, being one of the major fish landing centers, and as a
rapidly emerging tourism destination. The primary drivers of ecosystem degradation in
the SCME include unsustainable fishing by trawlers, an expanding tourism sector, and
pollution from fishing vessels and other maritime traffic.
The Government of India and UNDP-GEF, in partnership with the Government of
Maharashtra, aims to address the threats and concerns in the SCME through the
following outcomes: (1) Cross-sectoral planning framework that mainstreams
biodiversity conservation; (2) Enhanced capacity of sector institutions for implementing
biodiversity-friendly fisheries management plan, ecotourism management plan and
MMS management plan; and (3) Sustainable community livelihoods and natural
resource use.

Under the Project, a biodiversity inclusive Fisheries Plan for Sindhudurg Coast
has been drafted in consultation with the fishing communities, state fisheries
department and other relevant stakeholders; a Sustainable Tourism Plan for the homestays in SCME region is currently under preparation; Mangrove Crab culture has been
initiated with the local communities; System of Rice Intensification has been initiated in
six coastal villages leading to substantial increase in income of local farmers; a
comprehensive solid waste management plan has been prepared for 185 villages in
SCME; Sindhudurg Fort and Vijaydurg Fort, prime tourist spots in the region have been
declared as no plastic zones; an expedition to the Angria Bank has been conducted to
study the living marine resources and a documentary has been prepared; women selfhelp groups have been trained in building rafts for oyster/mussel culture.
In addition, regular training programmes are conducted with representatives of
production sector, conservation sector as well as the livelihood sector on conservation
of coastal and marine biodiversity. As part of the diversification of livelihood
programmes, local youth are trained on snorkeling and scuba diving.
3.
India High Range Landscape Project - Developing an effective multiple-use
management framework for conserving biodiversity in the mountain landscapes
of the High Ranges, the Western Ghats, India.
High Range Mountain Landscape (HRML) in the Western Ghats mountains of
peninsular India is globally significant biodiversity region. Its key attributes are: a) high
levels of endemism and biological diversity; b) World Heritage Site and Important Bird
Area; c) presence of globally threatened species of fauna and flora; d) part of one of
the five viable breeding centre of tiger in India; e) harbour the largest global population
of Nilgiri tahr and a significant population of Grizzled Giant Squirrel (both threatened
species); f) catchment of three major river systems of peninsular India; g) strong ecocultural affinities; and h) support important economic sectors like cardamom, tea and
tourism. There are eight Protected Areas (PAs) in the region.
At present, HRML is a complex mosaic of land uses where conservation,
economic production and livelihood requirements assume equal primacy and profoundly
influence each other. As a result, HRML has contradictory sectoral directives, multitudes
of actors and contrary aspirations. Cumulatively, these are contributing to injudicious
use of natural resources and eventual disruption of vital ecological processes. The
rapidly altering developmental context, demographic contours, resource use
configurations and new and emerging challenges make the situation increasingly
precarious for HRMLs long term ecological sustainability and livelihood security. The
existing planning and policy framework, as well as the institutional arrangements in
HRML are inadequate for addressing biodiversity conservation from a landscape
perspective. The project aims to put in place collaborative governance and know-how
for multiple-use management of HRML.

The project will engineer a paradigm shift from current sector based and
unsustainable practices to integrated multiple-use management of mountain landscapes
to deliver global environmental benefits. The project aims to achieve this through the
following Outcomes: a) Effective governance framework for multiple-use mountain
landscape management in place; b) Multiple-use mountain landscape management is
applied securing the ecological integrity of HRML; and c) Strengthened capacities for
community based sustainable use and management of wild resources.