Forests

According to PIB, India’s submission marks not just compliance but a strategic advancement in biodiversity governance – the country is demonstrating that conservation and economic development can go hand in hand when guided by principles of equity and sustainability.

Despite the optimism, experts warn of hurdles in ensuring equitable distribution and community access to funds. Past REDD+ pilots in Nepal have faced criticism for bureaucratic delays and inadequate consultation with marginalized groups, including indigenous Tharu and Chepang communities in the targeted provinces.

Experts emphasize the need for community involvement and habitat protection to ensure the project’s success. Local communities around Kuno have been engaged through awareness programs, highlighting the economic benefits of eco-tourism that cheetahs could bring.

Challenges remain, including funding constraints and implementation hurdles in remote areas. However, the commitment from top leadership signals optimism.

Experts say the warning signs are unmistakable: without decisive intervention, Pakistan’s bears could slip irreversibly toward extinction, marking a profound loss not only for biodiversity but also for the ecological balance of the region.

Crucially, medium-scale irrigation proposals aimed at bolstering water access in Madhya Pradesh’s Bundelkhand region were discussed alongside measures designed to enhance water regimes for both human use and wildlife needs, particularly for reptiles like gharial crocodiles.

Experts warn that without addressing underlying causes – including deforestation, corridor fragmentation and climate pressures – human–wildlife conflict will continue to strain India’s conservation gains. Conservation advocates argue that coexistence frameworks must align ecological priorities with local needs, fostering safe practices while safeguarding biodiversity.

Critics from environmental organisations and civil society have described the current legal interpretation as a “simplification that fails to respect the Aravallis’ complex ecology”, warning that it could gradually weaken the shield that the mountain system provides against desertification, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss.