| Introduction: Contextual Introduction Body: What is the role of NRL in addressing environmental degradation and lesson India can learn? Conclusion: Way forward |
Environmental degradation and biodiversity loss are pressing global challenges, with ecosystems facing increasing threats due to human activities. Legislative frameworks such as the Nature Restoration Law (NRL), adopted by the European Union, provide a structured approach to reversing environmental degradation.
Role of Legislative Frameworks like the NRL in Addressing Environmental Degradation
- Legally Binding Restoration Targets: The NRL mandates clear, measurable restoration goals. Binding commitments are essential to ensure accountability and consistent progress.
- Focus on Ecosystem Diversity: By targeting various ecosystems, including forests, agricultural lands, rivers, and urban spaces, the law takes a holistic approach to restoration.
- Mitigating Biodiversity Loss: The law’s emphasis on habitat restoration, such as converting 25,000 km of rivers into free-flowing rivers and planting three billion additional trees by 2030, directly addresses biodiversity loss, ensuring ecosystems’ health and resilience.
- Climate Change Mitigation: Restoration efforts under the NRL contribute to climate change mitigation by enhancing natural carbon sinks, such as forests and wetlands.
- Economic and Social Benefits: The NRL creates opportunities for sustainable development, job creation, and improved ecosystem services, essential for rural and urban communities alike.
How India Can Incorporate Similar Laws to Combat Land Degradation and Biodiversity Loss?
- Restoration Targets: Legally binding targets would ensure accountability and motivate both central and state governments to take active measures.
- Wetland Restoration: Critical wetlands like the Sundarbans and Chilika Lake play a vital role in biodiversity conservation and climate regulation. A law could mandate restoring 30% of degraded wetlands by 2030 to enhance these ecosystems’ ecological functions.
- Sustainable Agricultural Practices: Agriculture dominates India’s landscape, and restoring biodiversity in farmlands is crucial. The law could promote agroforestry and other sustainable practices, reducing land degradation.
- River Restoration: India could focus on restoring its free-flowing rivers, starting with major river systems like the Ganga and Yamuna. Removing pollutants and physical barriers (such as dams) would restore river ecosystems and enhance water quality.
- Economic and Social Benefits: A Nature Restoration Law would offer significant economic and social benefits for India. Restoring degraded land enhances agricultural productivity, improves water security, and generates millions of jobs in rural areas.
Conclusion
A legislative framework like the Nature Restoration Law provides a roadmap for tackling environmental degradation by setting binding targets, promoting sustainable practices, and ensuring ecosystem resilience.
