Role of Indigenous Communities in Biodiversity Conservation

• 09 May 2025

For Prelims: Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs), Traditional Knowledge System, Congo Basin, Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), OECM, Nagoya Protocol,CBD, Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs), Recognition of Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, PESA, 1996, Non-timber Forest Products (NTFPs), Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS), National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAPs), Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs).   

For Mains: Role of indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs) in biodiversity conservation. 

Source: TH 

Why in News? 

Conservation laws globally often exclude indigenous and local communities (IPLCs), sidelining their role in biodiversity protection. In India, the Forest Rights Act, 2006 was a step towards recognizing IPLC rights, but state-led conservation models still prevail.  

• The challenge remains to ensure that India’s conservation efforts fully empower IPLCs in managing and protecting their lands.

What Role does Indigenous Communities Play in Biodiversity Conservation? 

• Preserve Traditional Knowledge: Indigenous tribes possess generations-old knowledge about medicinal plants, wildlife behavior, and sustainable resource use. 
  • E.g., The Kani tribe (Kerala) uses traditional knowledge to conserve medicinal plants in the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve. 
• Community-Led Forest Protection: Many tribal communities protect forests through sacred groves and community reserves. 
  • E.g., The Bishnoi community (Rajasthan) is known for protecting the Khejri tree and wildlife like blackbucks. 
• Seed Conservation: Indigenous farming practices preserve native crop varieties and soil health. 
  • E.g., Tribes in Odisha and Nagaland practice jhum (shifting) cultivation with long fallow periods to maintain soil fertility. 
• Coexistence with Wildlife: Many tribal groups follow cultural traditions that prohibit overhunting and promote harmony with wildlife. 
  • E.g., The Soliga tribe (Karnataka) coexists with tigers and elephants in the Biligiri Rangana Hills (BRT) Tiger Reserve. 

What are the Key Frameworks in India Recognizing the Role of Indigenous Communities in Biodiversity Conservation? 

• Biological Diversity Act (BDA), 2002: Through Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) at the local level, the initiative promotes the conservation of local plants, animals, and habitats, while also documenting traditional knowledge and fostering an inclusive approach to conservation. 
• FRA, 2006: Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act (FRA), 2006 recognizes the rights of forest dwellers, including Adivasis and other traditional forest communities, over forest land and natural resources to manage forests sustainably. 
  • The Gram Sabha plays a central role in conserving biodiversity by managing, protecting, and regulating access to community forest resources, ensuring sustainable use and safeguarding the rights of forest-dwelling communities. 
• Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA), 1996: PESA, 1996 mandates that local self-governments in tribal areas have control over land and natural resources, including forests and water bodies, thus ensuring local control over conservation practices. 
• Joint Forest Management (JFM): The Joint Forest Management (JFM) and Eco-development programs involve local communities for forest conservation and sustainable resource use, with IPLCs managing non-timber forest products (NTFPs) and fuelwood to ensure ecosystem sustainability. 
• National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP): The NBAP promotes participatory conservation, involving tribal communities in decision-making, respecting traditional knowledge, and strengthening community-based initiatives.

How Key Global Initiatives have Recognized the Role of IPLCs? 

• Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD): The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), adopted in 2022, emphasizes IPLCs participation.  
  • Target 3 aims to conserve 30% of global land and oceans by 2030 with full respect for Indigenous rights.  
  • Target 22 ensures their access to justice, land tenure, and decision-making participation. 
    • The COP-16 to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) established a permanent Subsidiary Body to recognize the vital role of IPLCs in biodiversity conservation. 
• Nagoya Protocol (2010): The Nagoya Protocol, adopted in 2010 under the CBD, ensures the fair sharing of benefits from genetic resources and promotes respect for traditional knowledge of IPLCs. 
• UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (2007): It is the most comprehensive international instrument detailing the rights of indigenous peoples, setting minimum standards for their recognition, protection, and promotion.  
  • It covers individual and collective rights, including cultural identity, education, health, and employment, and promotes non-discrimination and effective participation in matters affecting them.

What Measures can India Adopt to Further Integrate Indigenous Communities in Biodiversity Conservation? 

• Strengthening the Implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA): Ensure effective implementation of the FRA by resolving land tenure issues, providing legal recognition to more forest-dwelling communities, and expediting CFR claims while involving gram sabhas in biodiversity management decisions. 
• Recognition of Indigenous Knowledge in Conservation Planning: Document and integrate IPLCs' traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) into biodiversity strategies, and establish platforms to share and promote their conservation practices within legal and policy frameworks. 
• Incorporate IPLCs in the "30 by 30" Agenda: While India commits to protecting 30% of its land and marine areas by 2030, it must ensure that IPLCs are included in the design and management of these areas, reflecting their rights and participation. 
  • Prioritize the inclusion of IPLCs in any new conservation areas or initiatives, ensuring that their rights are not violated in the name of conservation.  
• Traditional Knowledge in Governance: Government and research bodies should work closely with IPLCs to document and safeguard traditional knowledge systems, ensuring these are not exploited without fair compensation. 
  • Biodiversity Management Committees need to be made fully functional and empowered to engage in decision-making processes regarding local biodiversity. 
• Financial Support for Community Conservation Projects: Establish funding for community-led conservation projects and provide incentives like eco-certification and carbon credits to support IPLCs in implementing sustainable biodiversity conservation strategies on their lands.

Conclusion 

India’s conservation framework stands out globally for its inclusive approach by legally recognising the rights of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs). Strengthening laws like the Forest Rights Act (FRA) and ensuring participatory governance through Gram Sabhas and Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) is essential for balancing biodiversity preservation with social justice. 

Drishti Mains Question:

Discuss how India’s legal and policy frameworks have promoted inclusive biodiversity conservation.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)  

Prelims 

Q. Under which Schedule of the Constitution of India can the transfer of tribal land to private parties for mining be declared null and void? (2019)

(a) Third Schedule 

(b) Fifth Schedule 

(c) Ninth Schedule 

(d) Twelfth Schedule 

Ans: (b)

Q. Under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, who shall be the authority to initiate the process for determining the nature and extent of individual or community forest rights or both?  (2013)

(a) State Forest Department 

(b) District Collector/Deputy Commissioner 

(c) Tahsildar/Block Development Officer/Mandal Revenue Officer 

(d) Gram Sabha 

Ans: (d)

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Mains 

Q. How is the Government of India protecting traditional knowledge of medicine from patenting by pharmaceutical companies? (2019)