Introduction to Eco Sensitive Zones UPSC

Welcome to PreCrack! In India, there are many territories where industrial activities are restrictedly prohibited. These territories or land areas are known as Eco Sensitive Zones (ESZs). These are generally considered as wildlife sanctuaries, national parks or government protected areas. These areas are known as the most sensitive land parts of India and need special care to be saved from severe exploitation.

What are Eco Sensitive Zones?

Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) are designated areas around protected natural sites like national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Their purpose is to minimize human activities that could harm the ecosystem and biodiversity.

Background of Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs)

We can understand the background of Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) this way:

1. Initiation in Wildlife Conservation Strategy – 2002

The concept of Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) originated in the Wildlife Conservation Strategy – 2002, which proposed the notification of lands within 10 kilometers of the boundaries of National Parks and Sanctuaries as eco-fragile zones.

2. Directive to Chief Wildlife Wardens

On 6th February 2002, the Additional Director General of Forests requested all Chief Wildlife Wardens to identify and propose areas within 10 kilometers of National Parks and Sanctuaries for notification as ESZs under relevant environmental protection laws.

3. Concerns Raised by State Governments

Several State Governments expressed concerns over the proposed 10 kilometers range, citing potential adverse effects on human habitation and development in areas falling under the purview of ESZs.

4. National Wildlife Action Plan

The National Wildlife Action Plan (2002-2016) emphasized the need to protect areas outside the protected area network as vital ecological corridor links and proposed declaring them as ecologically fragile under existing environmental protection laws.

5. Re-examination by National Board for Wildlife

In response to the concerns raised by states, the National Board for Wildlife re-examined the proposal and emphasized the need for site-specific delineation of ESZs, focusing on regulating specific activities rather than imposing outright prohibitions.

6. Public Interest Litigation

A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the Goa Foundation before the Supreme Court highlighted the issue of declaration of ESZs and sought judicial intervention to address the matter.

7. Directive from Supreme Court

On 4th December 2006, the Supreme Court directed the Ministry of Environment & Forests to provide a final opportunity to all states and union territories to submit their proposals for ESZs within four weeks.

8. State Responses to Supreme Court Directive

Following the Supreme Court directive, state governments were required to submit their proposals for ESZs to the Ministry of Environment & Forests within the stipulated timeframe.

9. Adaptation and Implementation

The process of delineating and notifying ESZs involves a balance between conservation objectives and socio-economic considerations, with a focus on regulating activities rather than imposing outright prohibitions.

10. Ongoing Evolution and Challenges

The concept of ESZs continues to evolve, with ongoing efforts to strike a balance between conservation and development imperatives while addressing challenges such as stakeholder engagement, enforcement mechanisms, and adaptive management.

Statuary Backing / Provisions

There are no direct statuary provisions but backing for Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) in India:

1. Initiation in Wildlife Conservation Strategy – 2002

The concept of Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) originated in the Wildlife Conservation Strategy – 2002, which proposed the notification of lands within 10 kilometers of the boundaries of National Parks and Sanctuaries as eco-fragile zones.

2. Directive to Chief Wildlife Wardens

On 6th February 2002, the Additional Director General of Forests requested all Chief Wildlife Wardens to identify and propose areas within 10 kilometers of National Parks and Sanctuaries for notification as ESZs under relevant environmental protection laws.

3. Concerns Raised by State Governments

Several State Governments expressed concerns over the proposed 10 kilometers range, citing potential adverse effects on human habitation and development in areas falling under the purview of ESZs.

4. National Wildlife Action Plan

The National Wildlife Action Plan (2002-2016) emphasized the need to protect areas outside the protected area network as vital ecological corridor links and proposed declaring them as ecologically fragile under existing environmental protection laws.

5. Re-examination by National Board for Wildlife

In response to the concerns raised by states, the National Board for Wildlife re-examined the proposal and emphasized the need for site-specific delineation of ESZs, focusing on regulating specific activities rather than imposing outright prohibitions.

6. Public Interest Litigation

A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the Goa Foundation before the Supreme Court highlighted the issue of declaration of ESZs and sought judicial intervention to address the matter.

7. Directive from Supreme Court

On 4th December 2006, the Supreme Court directed the Ministry of Environment & Forests to provide a final opportunity to all states and union territories to submit their proposals for ESZs within four weeks.

8. State Responses to Supreme Court Directive

Following the Supreme Court directive, state governments were required to submit their proposals for ESZs to the Ministry of Environment & Forests within the stipulated timeframe.

9. Adaptation and Implementation

The process of delineating and notifying ESZs involves a balance between conservation objectives and socio-economic considerations, with a focus on regulating activities rather than imposing outright prohibitions.

10. Ongoing Evolution and Challenges

The concept of ESZs continues to evolve, with ongoing efforts to strike a balance between conservation and development imperatives while addressing challenges such as stakeholder engagement, enforcement mechanisms, and adaptive management.

Types of Eco-Sensitive Zones

Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) can vary in their characteristics and purposes based on the ecological, geographical, and socio-economic context of the area. Here are the types of ESZs in detail:

1. Buffer Zones

• Buffer zones are areas surrounding protected areas such as national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves.
• They act as transitional zones between the core protected area and the surrounding human-dominated landscape.
• Buffer zones help mitigate human-wildlife conflicts, provide habitat connectivity, and regulate human activities to minimize disturbances to wildlife.

2. Corridor Zones

• Corridor zones connect fragmented habitats, allowing for the movement of wildlife between protected areas.
• They are essential for maintaining genetic diversity, facilitating species migration, and ensuring the long-term survival of populations.
• Corridor zones may include natural or man-made corridors such as forested corridors, riverine corridors, or wildlife corridors established through landscape planning and restoration efforts.

3. Catchment Areas

• Catchment areas encompass the watersheds and drainage basins that supply water to rivers, lakes, and other aquatic ecosystems.
• These zones play a crucial role in regulating water flow, maintaining water quality, and supporting aquatic biodiversity.
• Catchment areas may include forests, wetlands, and other natural features that contribute to water retention, infiltration, and recharge of groundwater resources.

4. Coastal and Marine Zones

• Coastal and marine zones comprise coastal ecosystems such as mangroves, coral reefs, estuaries, and marine habitats.
• They are vital for shoreline stabilization, coastal protection, fisheries support, and biodiversity conservation.
• Coastal and marine zones are susceptible to various anthropogenic pressures, including coastal development, pollution, overfishing, and habitat destruction, necessitating their protection as ESZs.

5. Mountainous and Hilly Zones

• Mountainous and hilly zones include high-altitude regions, slopes, and mountain ranges characterized by unique biodiversity and fragile ecosystems.
• These zones are susceptible to soil erosion, landslides, habitat fragmentation, and climate change impacts.
• Protecting mountainous and hilly zones as ESZs helps conserve biodiversity, maintain ecological processes, and safeguard ecosystem services such as water provisioning, carbon sequestration, and cultural values.

6. Cultural and Heritage Zones

• Cultural and heritage zones encompass areas of cultural, historical, or archaeological significance, including heritage sites, sacred groves, traditional landscapes, and indigenous territories.
• They represent the intertwined relationship between human communities and the natural environment, embodying traditional knowledge, practices, and cultural values.
• Protecting cultural and heritage zones as ESZs helps preserve cultural diversity, promote sustainable livelihoods, and foster community-based conservation initiatives.

7. Agricultural and Rural Zones

• Agricultural and rural zones include agricultural landscapes, agroforestry systems, rural settlements, and traditional farming practices.
• These zones support food security, rural livelihoods, and traditional land-use practices while harboring biodiversity and ecosystem services.
• Balancing agricultural production with biodiversity conservation in agricultural and rural zones is essential for sustainable land management, soil health, and ecosystem resilience.

8. Urban and Peri-urban Zones

• Urban and peri-urban zones comprise cities, towns, urban greenspaces, peri-urban agricultural areas, and human settlements located in the vicinity of protected areas.
• They are characterized by high human population densities, infrastructure development, land-use changes, and environmental degradation.
• Managing urban and peri-urban zones as ESZs involves integrating urban planning, green infrastructure development, and biodiversity conservation to enhance ecological resilience, mitigate environmental impacts, and improve urban livability.

9. Tourism and Recreation Zones

• Tourism and recreation zones encompass areas frequented by tourists, visitors, and recreational activities such as nature reserves, ecotourism destinations, adventure sports sites, and cultural heritage sites.
• They play a significant role in promoting nature-based tourism, outdoor recreation, and environmental education while generating economic benefits for local communities.
• Sustainable tourism management in these zones is essential to minimize negative environmental impacts, conserve natural and cultural resources, and support community-based tourism initiatives.

10. Transboundary and International Zones

• Transboundary and international zones extend across national borders, encompassing shared ecosystems, transboundary protected areas, and biodiversity hotspots.
• They require collaborative efforts between neighboring countries to address common conservation challenges, promote cross-border cooperation, and ensure the sustainable management of shared natural resources.
• Protecting transboundary and international zones as ESZs involves implementing joint conservation initiatives, establishing bilateral agreements, and fostering dialogue and cooperation among stakeholders from different countries.

Objectives / Purpose of Eco-Sensitive Zones

The objectives or purposes of Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) are multifaceted and aim to achieve various conservation, socio-economic, and sustainable development goals. Here are the primary objectives of ESZs

1. Biodiversity Conservation

• Protecting and conserving biodiversity by preserving critical habitats, wildlife corridors, and ecological processes.
• Maintaining the integrity of ecosystems, habitats, and species populations within and outside protected areas.

2. Habitat Protection

• Safeguarding natural habitats, including forests, wetlands, grasslands, and marine ecosystems, from anthropogenic disturbances and habitat loss.
• Ensuring the long-term viability of endangered species, endemic species, and keystone species by providing them with suitable habitats and ecological conditions.

3. Wildlife Protection and Management

• Minimizing human-wildlife conflicts by regulating human activities in areas adjacent to protected areas.
• Facilitating the movement of wildlife between fragmented habitats, thereby enhancing genetic diversity, population resilience, and species survival.

4. Water Resource Management

• Protecting catchment areas, riverine ecosystems, and aquifers to ensure the availability and quality of water resources for humans, wildlife, and ecosystems.
• Regulating land-use practices to prevent soil erosion, sedimentation, and contamination of water bodies.

5. Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation

• Enhancing ecosystem resilience to climate change impacts by conserving natural habitats, carbon sinks, and biodiversity-rich areas.
• Supporting climate change adaptation measures through sustainable land management, reforestation, and ecosystem restoration initiatives.

6. Natural Hazard Mitigation

• Reducing the risk of natural hazards such as floods, landslides, and droughts by protecting natural buffers, stabilizing slopes, and maintaining vegetative cover.
• Enhancing ecosystem services such as soil stabilization, flood regulation, and water retention to minimize the impacts of extreme weather events.

7. Cultural and Heritage Preservation

• Safeguarding cultural landscapes, archaeological sites, sacred groves, and traditional knowledge systems associated with indigenous communities and local cultures.
• Promoting ecotourism, environmental education, and cultural heritage conservation initiatives to raise awareness and appreciation of local traditions and customs.

8. Sustainable Development and Livelihoods

• Balancing conservation objectives with socio-economic development priorities to support sustainable livelihoods, rural development, and community empowerment.
• Fostering alternative livelihood options such as eco-tourism, sustainable agriculture, agroforestry, and non-timber forest products to reduce dependency on natural resource exploitation.

9. Regulatory Framework and Land-Use Planning

• Providing a legal and regulatory framework for land-use planning, zoning regulations, and environmental impact assessment processes in areas adjacent to protected areas.
• Integrating ESZs into regional development plans, local governance structures, and land management policies to ensure effective implementation and enforcement of conservation measures.

10. Public Awareness and Participation

• Promoting public awareness, stakeholder engagement, and community participation in ESZ planning, management, and decision-making processes.
• Encouraging collaborative partnerships between government agencies, civil society organizations, local communities, and other stakeholders to achieve common conservation goals and objectives.

Features of Eco Sensitive Zones

These are the key features of Eco-Sensitive Zones

1. Proximity to Protected Areas: ESZs are typically located near national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, or other ecologically sensitive areas to provide a buffer zone.
2. Ecological Sensitivity: These zones are identified based on their ecological significance, including unique habitats, rare species, and fragile ecosystems.
3. Biodiversity Hotspots: ESZs often encompass regions with high biodiversity, aiming to conserve and protect diverse flora and fauna.
4. Critical Wildlife Habitats: They include areas crucial for the survival and breeding of endangered species, serving as vital habitats for their conservation.
5. Habitat Connectivity: ESZs facilitate the connectivity of habitats, allowing wildlife to move between different areas and maintain genetic diversity.
6. Buffer Zones: Acting as buffers between human activities and protected areas, ESZs mitigate human-wildlife conflicts and minimize disturbances to wildlife habitats.
7. Conservation of Natural Resources: ESZs aim to conserve natural resources such as water bodies, forests, and soil, promoting their sustainable use and management.
8. Regulation of Human Activities: Certain human activities like mining, construction, and tourism may be regulated in ESZs to minimize their impact on the environment and wildlife.
9. Sustainable Development: Balancing conservation goals with socio-economic development, ESZs promote sustainable land-use practices and livelihood opportunities for local communities.
10. Stakeholder Engagement: Effective management of ESZs involves the active participation of local communities, government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders to ensure their conservation objectives are met while addressing the needs of all involved parties.

Extents / Limitations of Eco Sensitive Zones

1. ESZs should extend up to 10 kilometers around protected areas, as per the Wildlife Conservation Strategy, 2002.
2. Beyond the 10-kilometer limit, sensitive corridors, connectivity routes, and ecologically important patches should also be included in ESZs.
3. ESZ width and extent may vary based on the distribution of sensitive areas and the need for landscape linkage conservation.
4. A Supreme Court directive mandates a minimum ESZ width of 1 kilometer around protected forests, national parks, and wildlife sanctuaries across India.

Activities Allowed in Eco Sensitive Zones

Activities allowed in Eco Sensitive Zones typically include

1. Sustainable tourism and eco-tourism activities that do not harm the environment.
2. Traditional and non-mechanized agricultural practices.
3. Conservation-oriented research and educational activities.
4. Regulated recreational activities such as hiking, bird watching, and nature trails.
5. Controlled grazing by local communities.
6. Non-polluting industries and small-scale enterprises.
7. Forest produce collection by local communities following sustainable practices.
8. Construction of eco-friendly infrastructure like nature interpretation centers or eco-lodges.
9. Restoration and rehabilitation activities to enhance ecological health.
10. Any activity that promotes biodiversity conservation and sustainable development while minimizing negative impacts on the environment.

Activities Restricted in Eco Sensitive Zones

1. Commercial mining and quarrying activities.
2. Large-scale industrial projects with high pollution potential.
3. Construction of large dams or hydropower projects.
4. Setting up of large-scale commercial resorts or hotels.
5. Establishment of thermal power plants.
6. Felling of trees and large-scale deforestation.
7. Introduction of invasive alien species.
8. Intensive agriculture and use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
9. Construction of highways or major roads.
10. Sand mining from riverbeds and coastal areas.
11. Discharge of untreated industrial effluents or sewage into water bodies.
12. Large-scale infrastructure projects such as airports or seaports.
13. Establishment of hazardous waste disposal facilities.
14. Use of loudspeakers or other sources of noise pollution.
15. Introduction of exotic species in ecosystem restoration projects.
16. Commercial fishing using destructive methods.
17. Establishment of industries generating hazardous emissions.
18. Dumping of solid waste in the ESZ area.
19. Activities that disturb breeding grounds or nesting sites of endangered species.
20. Any activity that significantly alters the natural landscape or disturbs ecological balance within the ESZ.

Significance / Importance of Eco-Sensitive Zones

The significance and importance of Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) lie in their role in:

1. Biodiversity Conservation: ESZs help protect and conserve the biodiversity and ecological integrity of surrounding ecosystems, including wildlife habitats, endangered species, and sensitive ecosystems.
2. Habitat Connectivity: By providing buffer zones around protected areas, ESZs facilitate habitat connectivity, allowing for the movement of wildlife populations and maintaining ecological corridors essential for their survival.
3. Environmental Protection: ESZs help safeguard vital natural resources such as water bodies, forests, wetlands, and soil, thereby preserving ecosystem services crucial for human well-being, including clean air, water, and soil fertility.
4. Mitigating Human-Wildlife Conflict: By regulating human activities in the vicinity of protected areas, ESZs help reduce conflicts between wildlife and human populations, promoting coexistence and minimizing instances of human-wildlife conflict.
5. Sustainable Development: ESZs promote sustainable development by balancing conservation objectives with socio-economic considerations, ensuring that development activities are carried out in an environmentally responsible manner that does not compromise long-term ecological integrity.
6. Climate Change Resilience: Protecting natural habitats within ESZs contributes to climate change resilience by preserving carbon sinks, enhancing ecosystem resilience to climate impacts, and promoting climate adaptation strategies such as watershed management and forest conservation.
7. Ecotourism and Recreation: ESZs provide opportunities for ecotourism, nature-based recreation, and environmental education, thereby generating economic benefits for local communities while raising awareness about the importance of conservation.
8. Regulatory Framework: ESZs serve as a regulatory framework for land-use planning and development activities in ecologically sensitive areas, ensuring that human activities are conducted in a manner compatible with conservation objectives and environmental sustainability.
9. Legal Protection: Designating ESZs under relevant environmental protection laws provides legal protection to sensitive ecosystems and habitats, enabling enforcement agencies to take action against activities that threaten their integrity.
10. Long-term Sustainability: By preserving biodiversity and natural resources for future generations, ESZs contribute to the long-term sustainability of ecosystems, ensuring their continued functioning and resilience in the face of environmental challenges.

Challenges to Eco Sensitive Zones

These are some challenges that can be face during maintain the Eco Sensitive Zones:

1. Development Projects: Building things like dams and roads mess up the natural balance, hurting animals and plants in ESZs.
2. Rules and Laws: Not enough rules to protect forests and not enforcing existing laws make it hard to save ESZs.
3. Too Many Tourists: Lots of people visiting create more pollution and destroy nature around ESZs.
4. Foreign Plants and Animals: Bringing in plants and animals from other places messes up the natural order in ESZs.
5. Climate Change: Crazy weather caused by global warming hurts the homes of animals and plants in ESZs.
6. Local People: Traditional farming and cutting down trees for firewood harm the environment in ESZs.
7. Pollution: Trash left by people visiting and industries nearby makes ESZs dirty and harms the animals and plants.
8. Poaching: Killing animals for their body parts or fur destroys the balance of nature in ESZs.
9. Fires Wildfires caused by heat or human carelessness can burn down forests in ESZs.
10. Water Issues: Floods or drying up of water sources due to climate change or human activities harm the habitats in ESZs.

How a Territory Declared as Eco Sensitive Zones? / Process to Declare Eco Sensitive Zones in India

The process for declaring an area as an eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) in India involves several key steps, typically initiated by the state government and approved by the central government. Here’s how it usually unfolds

1. Identification and Proposal by State Government

• The state government identifies potential areas for ESZs based on factors like the presence of national parks or wildlife sanctuaries, ecological richness, and fragile ecosystems.
• A detailed proposal for the ESZ notification is prepared, including boundary demarcation, justification, ecological values, and proposed regulations.

2. Public Consultation

• Public consultations are conducted by the state government to gather feedback from stakeholders such as local communities, forest-dependent communities, and tourism operators.
• Various forms of consultation, including public hearings and written feedback, are utilized to ensure comprehensive engagement.

3. Approval by MoEFCC

• The proposal and consultation report are submitted to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) for approval.
• The MoEFCC reviews the proposal considering ecological significance, stakeholder impact, and consultation feedback, suggesting changes if necessary.

4. Notification of ESZ

• Upon MoEFCC approval, the final notification declaring the ESZ is published in the official gazette of the Government of India.
• This notification outlines specific regulations applicable to activities within the ESZ, ensuring environmental protection and conservation.

5. Management and Monitoring

• The state government, with the involvement of local communities and relevant authorities, manages the ESZ.
• Implementation of regulations, ecological monitoring, and conservation efforts are key aspects of ESZ management to address threats and ensure sustainable development.

Purpose of Declaration

The purpose of declaring an area as an eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) can be summarized in five key points

1. Conservation: Protecting and preserving the ecological integrity of sensitive ecosystems and habitats.
2. Biodiversity: Safeguarding diverse flora and fauna, including endangered species and their habitats.
3. Sustainable Development: Balancing conservation objectives with socio-economic development needs.
4. Regulation: Establishing guidelines and restrictions on human activities to minimize environmental impact.
5. Enhanced Awareness: Increasing public awareness about the importance of environmental conservation and responsible behavior in sensitive areas.

Key Facts about Eco Sensitive Zones

These are the key facts about Eco-Sensitive Zones:

1. ESZs are designated areas surrounding protected areas like national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and reserves.
2. They aim to conserve the ecological balance, preserve biodiversity, and protect wildlife habitats.
3. The concept of ESZs originated in India’s Wildlife Conservation Strategy of 2002.
4. ESZs can extend up to 10 kilometers from the boundaries of protected areas.
5. They serve as buffer zones to minimize human activities that could harm the core protected area.
6. The boundaries of ESZs are delineated based on ecological significance and potential threats.
7. ESZs may vary in size, shape, and regulations based on the specific needs of each protected area.
8. Activities within ESZs are regulated to minimize disturbance to wildlife and ecosystems.
9. Some activities allowed in ESZs include eco-tourism, regulated agriculture, and sustainable development projects.
10. Activities like mining, commercial logging, and industrial development are restricted or prohibited in ESZs.
11. The notification of ESZs involves a consultation process with local communities and stakeholders.
12. ESZs are governed by environmental protection laws like the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
13. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) oversees the declaration and management of ESZs.
14. ESZ notifications are published in the official gazette of the Government of India.
15. The management of ESZs involves collaboration between government agencies, local communities, and conservation organizations.
16. ESZs play a crucial role in maintaining ecological connectivity and protecting wildlife corridors.
17. They help mitigate human-wildlife conflicts by reducing human encroachment into wildlife habitats.
18. Climate change impacts are considered in the management of ESZs to ensure long-term resilience.
19. Research and monitoring efforts are conducted in ESZs to assess their effectiveness and guide management decisions.
20. The establishment of ESZs reflects a holistic approach to conservation, integrating ecological, social, and economic considerations.

FAQs – Eco Sensitive Zones UPSC Questions

Question-1: What is an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ)?

Answer. An Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) is a designated area surrounding protected areas like national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and reserves aimed at conserving biodiversity and preserving ecological balance.

Question-2: How are Eco-Sensitive Zones delineated?

Answer. ESZ boundaries are delineated based on ecological significance, potential threats, and consultation with stakeholders, including local communities and conservation experts.

Question-3: What activities are allowed in Eco-Sensitive Zones?

Answer. Activities allowed in ESZs typically include eco-tourism, regulated agriculture, and sustainable development projects, while activities like mining, commercial logging, and industrial development are restricted or prohibited.

Question-4: Who governs the declaration and management of Eco-Sensitive Zones?

Answer. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) oversees the declaration and management of ESZs in India.

Question-5: What laws govern Eco-Sensitive Zones?

Answer. ESZs are governed by environmental protection laws like the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and relevant state regulations.

Question-6: How do Eco-Sensitive Zones mitigate human-wildlife conflicts?

Answer. ESZs help mitigate human-wildlife conflicts by reducing human encroachment into wildlife habitats, thereby minimizing interactions that could lead to conflicts.

Question-7: Why are Eco-Sensitive Zones important?

Answer. ESZs are important for conserving biodiversity, preserving wildlife habitats, maintaining ecological connectivity, and minimizing human impacts on sensitive ecosystems.

Question-8: How are Eco-Sensitive Zones established?

Answer. ESZs are established through a process that involves identification, proposal by state governments, public consultation, approval by the MoEFCC, and notification in the official gazette.

Question-9: What role do local communities play in Eco-Sensitive Zones?

Answer. Local communities play a crucial role in ESZ management through participation in consultation processes, implementation of regulations, and collaboration with government agencies and conservation organizations.

Question-10: How are climate change impacts addressed in Eco-Sensitive Zones?

Answer. Climate change impacts are considered in ESZ management to ensure long-term resilience, with measures implemented to adapt to changing environmental conditions and mitigate associated risks to biodiversity and ecosystems.