India fails global conservation test: NCI reveals alarming rank
Guwahati: A new index paints a concerning picture of India's environmental health. Released in October 2024, the inaugural Global Nature Conservation Index (NCI) ranked India 176th out of 180 countries, with a score of only 45.5 (out of 100).
This places India among the five lowest performers, alongside Kiribati, Turkey, Iraq, and Micronesia.
The NCI, developed by the Goldman Sonnenfeldt School of Sustainability and Climate Change and BioDB.com, is a data-driven tool designed to help countries assess their conservation efforts. It analyzes four key areas: land management, biodiversity threats, governance capacity, and future trends.
India's low ranking is primarily due to inefficient land management and rising threats to biodiversity. The country faces a high rate of land conversion (53%) for urban, industrial, and agricultural purposes. Additionally, high pesticide use and low nitrogen sustainability (0.77) indicate a need for improved soil management practices.
Marine conservation is another major concern. Only 0.2% of India's waterways are protected, and none within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). While 7.5% of terrestrial land is protected, significant population declines continue for both marine and terrestrial species (67.5% and 46.9% respectively).
Habitat loss and fragmentation due to agriculture, urbanization, and infrastructure development are major threats, further exacerbated by climate change. Deforestation alone caused a staggering 23,300 sq km of tree cover loss between 2001 and 2019.
These findings echo concerns raised by the recent global progress report on Sustainable Development, where India faced challenges in achieving SDGs 14 (Life Below Water) and 15 (Life on Land).
The NCI report highlights both challenges and opportunities for India. While the country's high population density (one of the highest in the world) puts a strain on ecological resources, there is a chance for a brighter future.
India needs stronger enforcement and international cooperation to combat the illegal wildlife trade, currently estimated at £15 billion annually (fourth-largest in the world).
The path forward requires strong political will to implement conservation strategies, including legislation for sustainable development and increased funding for environmental initiatives. With this commitment, India can navigate its conservation challenges and build a more sustainable future.