About
- The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) is the apex statutory advisory body for wildlife conservation in India.
- It is constituted under Sections 5A, 5B and 5C of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (as amended in 2002).
- It advises the Central Government on policies and measures for wildlife conservation, habitat protection, and protected area management.
Composition
- Chairperson: Prime Minister of India
- Vice-Chairperson: Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change
- Includes:
- Members of Parliament
- Representatives of NGOs
- Eminent conservationists, ecologists and environmentalists
- Senior officials from the Central Government
- Chiefs of relevant scientific and forest institutions
Standing Committee
- Constituted under Section 5B of the Wildlife (Protection) Act.
- Exercises powers delegated by the NBWL.
- Examines and recommends proposals involving Protected Areas and Eco-Sensitive Zones.
Functions (Section 5C)
- Promote conservation and development of wildlife and forests.
- Frame policies for wildlife conservation.
- Review progress of wildlife conservation programmes.
- Advise the Central Government on:
- Establishment and management of Protected Areas.
- Measures for biodiversity and habitat conservation.
- Projects affecting wildlife habitats.
Importance
- Apex body guiding India’s wildlife conservation policy.
- Plays a key role in balancing developmental projects with wildlife protection.
- Its recommendations are significant for projects involving National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Tiger Reserves, and Eco-Sensitive Zones.
Conclusion
- The NBWL is India’s highest statutory advisory body on wildlife conservation, playing a crucial role in protecting biodiversity while guiding decisions on development activities affecting ecologically sensitive areas.
| This concept has been elaborately discussed in the following article: Supreme Court Extends 10-km Mining Buffer to All Wetland Reserves |