Biodiversity Heritage Sites in India - UPSC Notes

Understanding Biodiversity Heritage Sites

Biodiversity Heritage Sites are identified under Section 37 of the Biodiversity Act 2002 . As per the Act, these sites are ecologically fragile ecosystems which are unique and possess attributes such as species richness, high endemism, presence of rare and threatened species, species of evolutionary significance, wild ancestors of domestic/cultivated species or their varieties, and areas with high biological diversity represented by fossil beds. These sites also hold cultural or aesthetic values.

• The power to declare a site as a Biodiversity Heritage Site lies with the state government. However, consultation with local bodies is a prerequisite.
• The state government can call for suggestions and even consider sites that have been recommended by the Biodiversity Management Committees and other relevant authorities.
• The rules for the management and conservation of these sites are formulated by the state governments in collaboration with the Union Government.
• The state government is also responsible for developing schemes to compensate or rehabilitate individuals who are economically impacted or displaced due to the declaration of a Biodiversity Heritage Site.
• Currently, there are 40 Biodiversity Heritage Sites in India.

Recent Developments in Biodiversity Heritage Sites

West Bengal Adds Four More Biodiversity Heritage Sites (April 2023)

West Bengal government has recently announced the addition of four new biodiversity heritage sites, raising the total count to eight, the highest in India. These sites are known for their unique ecosystems and rich biodiversity.

Spotlight: Yaya Tso Lake

The Yaya Tso lake in Ladakh has been proposed to be included in the list of biodiversity heritage sites. This proposal has been put forward by the Ladakh Biodiversity Council, the Chumathang Village Panchayat and the SECURE Himalaya Project . If accepted, Yaya Tso will be the first such site in Ladakh.

Yaya Tso is a high-altitude lake, situated at an elevation of 4820m above sea level. It is a crucial nesting and breeding ground for various bird species including the bar-headed goose, black-necked crane, and the brahminy duck, earning it the moniker of a “Birds’ Paradise”. It is particularly important for the conservation of the vulnerable “black-necked crane” as it is one of its most significant breeding sites globally.

How Many Biodiversity Heritage Sites Are There in India?

Currently, India is home to 36 biodiversity heritage sites.

List of Biodiversity Heritage Sites in India