SECTION 49M OF THE WILD LIFE (PROTECTION) ACT 1972

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Picture Courtesy: https://www.worldwildlife.org/stories/living-among-the-trees-five-animals-that-depend-on-forests

Context: The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change issued guidelines for the implementation of Section 49 M of the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act 2022.

Details

• The Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 was amended in 2022 and serves as a key legislative framework for the conservation of wildlife.
• Section 49M of the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022, comes into effect on April 1, 2023, and allows for the ownership, transfer of live planned species, and reporting of births and deaths. These species are recognized under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and classified in the Fourth Schedule of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972.
• Recently, the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change issued guidelines for the implementation of Section 49 M of the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act 2022.

Key Highlights of the Guidelines

• Section 49 M mandates the registration of the ownership, transfer, and birth of live scheduled animal species. This applies to persons or organizations that possess such specimens.
• Individuals who own living specimens of scheduled animal species must apply for registration within six months of the rule's enactment. As a result, every acquired item must be registered within thirty days through the PARIVESH 2.0 portal.
• The rules highlight the need to record the transfer of ownership and the birth of offspring from scheduled animal specimens. These incidents should be promptly reported via the PARIVESH 2.0 portal.
• In the event of the death of a scheduled animal specimen, the Chief Wildlife Warden must be notified immediately via the PARIVESH 2.0 portal to ensure accountability and transparency.

Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act 2022

• The Act complies with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which ensures that international trade in wildlife and plant specimens is regulated.
• The previous six schedules have been reduced to four, with improved protection for specially protected animals. The removal of the vermin species schedule demonstrates a more focused approach, while a new schedule for CITES-listed specimens is implemented.
• A Management Authority was established to issue trade permits, as well as a Scientific Authority to advice on the impact of trade on species survival. Reporting planned specimen transactions is required, and tampering with identification markers is forbidden. Owners of live-scheduled animals require a registration certificate.
• Empowering the central government to restrict or prohibit the import, trade, possession, or spread of invasive alien species, while highlighting their potential damage to native fauna and habitats.
• Expanding the Chief Wildlife Warden's responsibilities in supervising, handling, and maintaining sanctuaries. Management plans must be in line with central government standards and authorized by the Chief Warden. Special regions require management plans after consultation with the Gram Sabha.
• Permitting the central government the right to notify conservation reserves, broadens the extent of protection for flora, animals, and habitats.
• Allows persons to voluntarily surrender caged animals or animal products to the Chief Wild Life Warden. Surrendered things become state property, with no compensation.
• Penalties, including fines and imprisonment, have been increased to discourage offenders of the Act and guarantee more effective enforcement.

Conclusion

• The Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act 2022 aims to modernize and strengthen India's wildlife protection laws. By addressing contemporary problems such as invasive species and complying with international norms, the act strengthened India's commitment to biodiversity protection and sustainable wildlife management.

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AMENDMENT TO WPA 1972: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/amendment-to-wpa-1972

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Wildlife conservation efforts may sometimes restrict the traditional customs of communities living near protected areas. How can India help these tribes find alternate livelihoods that are sustainable with wildlife conservation?