Eco-Sensitive Zones act as “shock absorbers” for protected areas, yet they are often contested by local communities. Discuss the ecological significance of ESZs and analyse the challenges in their implementation, with special reference to recent protests in Kerala.

Answer: Model Answer approach

Comprehending and organizing the response: Explaining eco-sensitive zones, their significance, and related difficulties is the question’s demand.

Overview: 

Describe the eco-sensitive zones and any related events, such as protests, that may be happening there.

• National parks and animal sanctuaries are examples of ecologically sensitive zones (ESZs), which are areas that are transitioning from a lower level of protection to a higher level. The Supreme Court’s decision to create 1-km Eco-Sensitive Zones surrounding all protected areas, wildlife sanctuaries, and national parks sparked protests from farmers in Kerala last year.

Body: Eco-sensitive zones: describe the region, activities that are forbidden there, etc. The significance of environmentally sensitive areas and the difficulties they present. 

Eco-Sensitive Zones

According to the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change’s National Wildlife Action Plan (2002-2016), land located within 10 kilometers of national park and wildlife sanctuary borders must be designated as an eco-fragile zone or an eco-sensitive zone (ESZ).

• If they contain bigger ecologically significant “sensitive corridors,” areas farther than 10 km may also be designated as ESZs by the Union authorities.
• Prohibited activities: In addition to controlled operations like tree-cutting, a number of activities are forbidden in an ESZ, including commercial mining, sawmills, and the commercial use of wood. 
• The ESZs allow for a variety of activities, including organic farming, rainwater gathering, and continuous horticultural or agricultural practices.

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Conclusion: Make recommendations for how to deal with the different issues related to the eco-sensitive zones.

• Local communities should be included in the decision-making process for ESZ management.
• When it comes to developmental projects, the Gram Sabha must have the authority to make choices.
• For local populations whose livelihoods rely on the resources found in ESZs, it is crucial to offer alternate forms of income.
• It is necessary to reforest and replant degraded forests, restore lost habitats, and lessen the effects of climate change by encouraging carbon footprints and educating people.

Practice Question

Question: “Effective Eco-Sensitive Zone management must balance biodiversity conservation with livelihood security.” In the light of this statement, suggest a framework for participatory governance of ESZs involving local communities, panchayati raj institutions, and civil society.

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