Evaluate the role of protected areas in biodiversity conservation in India. How effective have national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves been in preserving India's biodiversity?

Shortcoming of biodiversity areas:

i) Restriction of ranges of the species which may venture out. (eg) Tiger, Cheetah.

ii) Unclearly defined boundaries

(e.g. Aravali Biodiversity park – leading to illegal mining in the area.

iii) Not properly marked buffer zones and core areas.

iv) Smuggling and trafficking of animals.

v) Restriction of activities of traditional forest dwellers.

vi) Bureaucratic approach rather than Joint management utilising traditional knowledge.

Effectiveness of the protected areas:

i) Improved population of endangered species such as Tiger – over 2000 in numbers.

ii) Protection of some endangered species on the verge of extinction (eg) Great Indian bustard.

iii) Increase in the area of protected sites – showcasing empathy and one earth, one family approach.

Measures that can be further taken:

i) Declaration of areas of biodiversity in consultation with local communities.

ii) Joint management of forest utilising knowledge of tribals (eg) Bishor community and blackbuck.

iii) Improving forest cover and reducing emission to decrease climate change effects.