Development projects jeopardize India's forests

doi:10.1126/science.abd4305

GSTDTAP > 气候变化

DOI	10.1126/science.abd4305
	Development projects jeopardize India's forests
	Suvarna Khadakkar
	2020-08-28
发表期刊	Science
出版年	2020
英文摘要	As climate change intensifies, India, one of the world's most megadiverse countries, has put its forests and wildlife in jeopardy. Between January and May, India's Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change gave environmental clearance (i.e., approval to proceed) to 73 projects located within 10 km of a forest, including some planned near forests with protected status ([ 1 ][1]). Protected areas and forests can effectively mitigate the effects of urbanization and anthropogenic pressure ([ 2 ][2]), but human land use along their boundaries reduces their effectiveness ([ 3 ][3]), especially if the activities include permanent infrastructure ([ 4 ][4]). Low- and middle-income countries like India should mitigate environmental damage caused by development by imposing more stringent rules and regulations for environmental clearances. India's approved projects include industrial construction, roadways, mining, and new infrastructure. Such development could lead to permanent changes in land use, land cover, and topography. Environmental impact assessment reports for 23 of the proposals found species in the vicinity of the project area that were designated as Schedule I (the most vulnerable) in India's Wildlife (Protection) Act ([ 5 ][5]), yet environmental clearances were granted regardless. For example, one approved project [IA/AS/IND2/92824/2007 in ([ 1 ][1])] outlines a plan to conduct extension drilling and test hydrocarbons 1.34 km from Dibru-Saikhowa National park ([ 6 ][6]). An environmental impact assessment report confirms the presence of species in the area such as the Critically Endangered white-rumped vulture ( Gyps bengalensis ) ([ 7 ][7]), the Vulnerable fishing cat ( Prionailurus viverrinus ) ([ 8 ][8]), and the Endangered western hoolock gibbon ( Hoolock hoolock ) ([ 9 ][9]), all of which are classified under Schedule I ([ 5 ][5]). Oil and fossil fuel extraction in forests drives wildlife mortality, habitat loss, and fragmentation as well as carbon sequestration ([ 10 ][10]), putting these species in further danger. Development projects that threaten vulnerable species are antithetical to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals ([ 11 ][11]). Megadiverse countries like India should focus on sustainable development and formulate environment-centered development policies. Project approval decisions should rely on the results of mandatory and more stringent environmental impact assessments, which consider areas in the immediate vicinity of protected areas and forests in addition to the designated project area. More research is needed to assess the efficacy of the mitigation measures mentioned in environmental impact assessment reports. India could conserve forests and protect the habitats of vulnerable species by restricting development to urban areas and industrial zones. 1. [↵][12]Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Government of India, Parivesh (2020); . To search for approved projects, click on the “Environment clearance” icon at the bottom of the page. Then click “Dashboard” on the blue bar. Select 2020 in the “Year of Submission” dropdown and search. Then click “More info” under the box labeled “EC granted.” The resulting table provides details for 200 approved projects, 73 of which are within 10 km of a forest. 2. [↵][13]1. L. Naughton-Treves, 2. M. Holland, 3. K. Brandon , Annu. Rev. Environ. Resour. 30, 219 (2005). [OpenUrl][14] 3. [↵][15]1. S. Leroux, 2. J. Kerr , Conserv. Biol. 27, 166 (2012). [OpenUrl][16][CrossRef][17] 4. [↵][18]1. A. Hansen et al ., BioScience 61, 363 (2011). [OpenUrl][19][CrossRef][17] 5. [↵][20]Government of India, The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (1972); [www.indiacode.nic.in/handle/123456789/1726][21]. 6. [↵][22]Oil India Limited, “EIA for extension drilling and testing of hydrocarbons at 7 (seven) locations under Dibru-Saikhowa National Park area: NorthWest of Baghjan PML under Tinsukia District” (2018); . 7. [↵][23]BirdLife International. Gyps bengalensis (The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, 2017). 8. [↵][24]1. S. Mukherjee et al ., Prionailurus viverrinus (The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, 2016). 9. [↵][25]1. W. Brockelman, 2. S. Molur, 3. T. Giessmann , Hoolock hoolock (The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, 2019). 10. [↵][26]1. N. Jones, 2. L. Pejchar, 3. J. Kiesecker , BioScience 65, 290 (2015). [OpenUrl][27][CrossRef][28] 11. [↵][29]United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Sustainable Development (). 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领域	气候变化 ; 资源环境
URL	查看原文
引用统计
文献类型	期刊论文
条目标识符	http://119.78.100.173/C666/handle/2XK7JSWQ/293204
专题	气候变化资源环境科学
推荐引用方式 GB/T 7714	Suvarna Khadakkar. Development projects jeopardize India's forests[J]. Science,2020.
APA	Suvarna Khadakkar.(2020).Development projects jeopardize India's forests.Science.
MLA	Suvarna Khadakkar."Development projects jeopardize India's forests".Science (2020).