Centre begins work on new wildlife management plan

With the current wildlife management plan set to lapse in 2031, the Union Environment Ministry has tasked the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) with drafting a new roadmap focused on wildlife conservation, management and ecotourism.

The decision was taken during a meeting of the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL). While WII will serve as the nodal agency, other research institutes involved in wildlife studies will also be brought on board. The last comprehensive wildlife management plan was formulated in 2017.

Member of Standing Committee of NBWL Dr R Sukumar said, “WII will be the nodal agency. Compilation and mapping of India’s wildlife management initiatives with global standards would be taken by WII, Dehradun, and Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal. There are a lot of scientific institutes in the country that have achieved academic excellence of global standards. Their expertise and knowledge has to be taken into account. A large number of institutes and individuals have worked on many species. Their knowledge can be taken on board for which there has to be a plan.”

The National Wildlife Action Plan (2017–2031) emphasises integrated management of wildlife and their habitats, including corridors, while aiming to protect genetic diversity and promote sustainable development.