NOTES ON NATURE CONSERVATION

UNIT IV

NATURE CONSERVATION

Define NATURE

It is the free gift of god. It includes both biotic and abiotic components, biotic components like plants, animals, insect, human being and abiotic components such as soil, water, sunlight etc. “Nurture Nature saves the Future”

What is CONSERVATION and PRESERVATION?

·       CONSERVATION –It refers to race or method to save the endangered species of flora and fauna from extinction and use of natural resources in a sustainable manner.

·       PRESERVATION –The protection of our natural environment (flora and fauna) through activities that minimize the chemical and physical deterioration and damages.

Define NATURE CONSERVATION

Nature conservation means utilization of the natural resources in such a way that least used of resources yielding maximum benefits, so that we will be able to pass to the hand of our younger generations.

CONCEPT OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

“A cow will yield milk and butter for many years but beef only once”. Interpret.

This statement states that resources should be utilized in a proper manner, so that it can pass down to the hands of our future generations. In this statement cow refers to resources and taking care of cow can provides milk and butter for long period of time but if we slaughter (kill) the cow and take beef, it finishes at once. So, we should use the natural resources in such a way that the resources available today should also be available for the future generation.

What is SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT?

Sustainable development means utilization of resources, according to their capacity to replacement, so that their continuous supply can be ensured in the hand of future generations. OR It is a development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generation to meet their own needs. 

The concepts of sustainable development were followed by Bhutanese people only after the declaration of Paro in 1990.

POLICY MADE BY THE GOVERNMENT FOR THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

1.      Establishment of National Environment Commission (NEC) in 1989

It is responsible for the preservation and sustainability of the resources.

2.      Establishment of Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) in 1987

It is a Non-Government Organization (NGO). It works closely with government and private sectors to create environment awareness among the people about the importance of environment and its protection.

3.      Establishment of Environment Trust Fund (ETF) in 1992

It is responsible for protection and to upgrade the available resources.

4.      Establishment of Mining Act in 1995

The activities related to mining cause lots of disaster and imbalance the eco-relationship, the mining Act was introduced during 7^th Five year plan in order to protect the environment.

ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY IN THE RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

Technology plays a very important role in the resources management:

1.      It provides scientific knowledge to use and maintain natural resources.

2.      Technical skills to be used and maintain natural resources whereby least use of resources yields maximum benefits. By using machines, resources can be modified as per our requirement, replacement will be easy and resources can be durable.

ENVIRONMENT IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA)

It is a formal process used to predict the environmental consequences (positive and negative) of plan, policies and programs or projects prior the implementation decision. OR It is programme or assessment to maintain ecological balance for carrying out the developmental activities.

The government of Bhutan is following a middle path of development that attempts to raise the living standard of the people without jeopardy the nation’s unique and fragile natural environment.

OBJECTIVES OF EIA 
      1.      To identify and describe the elements of community and environment likely to be affected by  the developmental activities.

2. To identify any negative impacts on sites of cultural heritage and to propose the measures to mitigate these impacts.
3. To identify the damages cause to flora and fauna and natural habitats. 

IMPORTANCE OF EIA

1.      It helps to evaluate the potential risks.

2.      It helps in decision making to the project planner.

3.      It helps in avoiding environmental degradation.

FACTORS THAT HAVE RESULTED IN PRESERVATION OF THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT IN BHUTAN

1.      Land Topography

As the mountainous country most of the settlements are located in the river valleys pressuring the resources in the locality but those in mountain terrain remain intact resulting in preservation of the environment.

2.      Less Population

Bhutan is in a fortunate position as we still have forest cover in its primary form and low population density of 16 people per sq.km. People living in square kilometer is relatively low with the estimated population of 6,34,982 (As per PHCB 2005) with least pressure to environment which helps in preservation of the environment.

3.      The Buddhist Faith (Religion)

The Buddhist faith which stresses respect for all forms of life (flora and fauna) plays an important role in all aspects of Bhutanese life and thus, helps in the preservation of natural resources.

4.      Traditional Subsistence Farming

Traditional subsistence farmers have developed environmentally sustainable practices over the centuries and only recently have come under pressure from changes resulting from the economic growth and population pressure. It preserves the environment because there is no use of chemical fertilizers which degraded the soil.

5.      Isolation

The Kingdom of Bhutan remained isolated for longer period of time and its experience less effect of development and materialism reducing least pressure to environment.

6.      Establishment of different Organization

Royal government of Bhutan (RGoB) framed rules and Act on environment preservation. Establishment of institutions such as RSPN, NEC, Environmental Act, Road Act and mining Act etc. helps to preserve our natural environment.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS IN BHUTAN

The developmental activities may lead to the negative impact on the environment. The following are the important environmental concerns:

1.      Rapid growth of population leads to more negative impact on environment (pressure on natural resources).

2.      Use of chemical fertilizer in the soil to increase the food production but it degraded the soil fertility.

3.      Over grazing of land due to increase in number of livestock.

4.      Over use of forest resources such as timber for construction, firewood as fuel etc. which leads to deforestation and soil erosion.

5.      Construction of roads and bridges due to developmental activities.

6.      Rapid urbanization and industrialization.

7.      Waste disposal problem.

8.      Various types of pollution (land, air, water and noise).

9.      Illegal and unsustainable wild life exploitation.

10. Climate change.

MEASURES TO OVERCOME THESE CONCERNS

1.      By following the concept of sustainable development.

2.      By practicing organic farming and use of green manure.

3.      Rearing of high breeds of livestock such as Jersey, brown Swiss, mithun etc. also follow the pasture land policy.

4.      Sustainable use of forest resources – come up with reforestation and afforestation.

5.      By following the policy of CLEAN BHUTAN – The 4^th Druk Gyalpo advocated behavioral change by minimizing the demand on resources and maximizing the 6 Rs (Reuse, Recycle, Reduce, Rethink, Recover and Responsibility).

6.      Establishment of the world commission on environment and development in 1987.

ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES AND PROGRAMMES

1.      Formation of National Environment Commission in 1989.

2.      Establishment of Environment Trust Fund – 1992 collaboration of WWF and UNDP.

3.      Introduction of Bhutan Forest Act in 1969 and revised Act in 1991.

4.      Introduction of Mining Act during 7^th FYP.

5.      Jhomolhari snow leopard conservation program.

6.      Establishment of RSPN.

7.      Establishment of World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

BIO-DIVERSITY

Bio – Living beings and Diversity – Multi – species. The multi – species / variety of living being (plants and animals) in the world or in a particular habitat is called biodiversity.

Bhutan is one of the ecological wonders of the world. Bhutan is rich in bio-diversity, with its forest cover largely intact.

FOREST RESOURCES

Forest is a natural resources, it is the home for plants and animals and survival source which provides basic needs to the human beings.

Ecological Importance of forest

1.      Forest provides timber, wood, fuel, medicines, fodder etc.

2.      Vital as watershed – preserving adequate water supply.

3.      Regulation of global climate / warming and temperature.

4.      Production of oxygen.

5.      Conservation of soil – important in a fertility of soil.

6.      Habitats to wildlife.

7.      Absorption of noise and air pollution.

Preservation / Conservation of Forest Resources (Method)

1.      Reduce the use of forest products or resources.

2.      Create awareness to the general people about the importance of forest resources.

3.      Follow the concept of sustainable development (if we cut down one tree, replace it by planting two saplings).

4.      Prevent forest fire.

5.      By maintaining ecosystem equilibrium.

6.      Encourage and support rural people to set up community forest.

WATER RESOURCES

The clear liquid that falls as rain and is in river, seas, oceans and lakes form, water is the life for all beings.

Importance / uses of Water Resources

1.      Use in factories and industries.

2.      Use for domestic purpose.

3.      Use for respiration for plants.

4.      Use for generating hydroelectricity.

Preservation / Conservation of Water Resources (Method)

1.      By not cutting down the trees.

2.      By making different types of irrigation facilities.

3.      By cleaning the source of water resources.

4.      By planting trees near the source of water resources.

5.      By creating awareness among the people on importance of water resources.

6.      Prevent water pollution from solid and liquid waste.

7.      Follow the policy of close the tap after use.

BHUTAN’S HERITAGE – “Bhutan is indeed rich in Cultural as well as Natural Heritage”

1.      NATURAL HERITAGE

It refers to the flora and fauna passed to us from the earlier generation to present generation. As once Bhutan has been declared as 10^th Global “HOT SPOT” for conservation of biological diversity.

Ø  200 species of animals (mammals).

Ø  770 species of birds.

Ø  50 species of Rhododendrons.

Ø  300 species of medical herbs.

2.      CULTURAL HERITAGE

What is Culture?

It means the way of life, especially the general customs and beliefs, of a particular group of people at a particular time. 

Types of Culture

1.      Material Culture – The Bhutanese material culture such as Dzong, architectural styles, games,                                         clothes, ornaments etc.

2.      Non-Material Culture – The Bhutanese non-material culture is the values and beliefs (the beliefs in local deities), language, folk, songs and dances etc.

Define Cultural Heritage.

It refers to the unique aspects of Bhutanese people’s beliefs, values, and behavior and material objects shared by a particular group of people, passed down from generations to generations.

Some ways to preserve our Cultural Heritage

1.      By making strict laws, which every citizen have to follow.

2.      By encouraging the people about the importance of cultural heritage through different Medias such as movies, skits, serials etc.

3.      By educating the people about the importance of cultural heritage as a national identity which will safeguard our country’s sovereignty.

PROTECTED AREAS

An area of land especially dedicated to the protection and maintenance of biological diversity, natural and associated cultural resources, and to manage through legal or other effective means.

The protected areas system of Bhutan was initiated in the 1960s, and then covered almost the entire southern and northern regions of the country.

There are 10 formally protected areas (as parks and sanctuaries) in Bhutan covering 16,396.43 square kilometers; 20% of the country is under formal protection and another 9% as biological corridors. However, the management of these areas is constrained by the lack of staffs. 

Types of Protected Areas in Bhutan

1.      Strict Nature reserve

The protected area or a body which is part of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) managed primary for research and environmental monitoring.

2.      National Park and Wild Life Sanctuary

The protected area managed mainly for eco- system protection, recreation and sustainable use.

3.      Biological Corridor

An area set aside for the management to connect one or more protected area for the safe movement of the wild life.

Revision Questions for the Unit

1.      What is conservation?

2.       Design THREE strategies that would help in the conservation of our cultural heritage?

3.       Differentiate between natural and cultural heritage?

4.       According to sociologist, what are the different types of cultural heritage? Explain with example.

5.      What is a protected area? State why they are established?

6.      What could be the main task of Bhutanese in the face of the ever fast changing times?

7.      Mention TWO factors attributed to the preservation of the country’s rich biological diversity.

8.      Why Bhutan has been declared as one of the global “Hot Spot” for the conservation of biological diversity?