Unit-I1 | Conservation of Environment « Define sustainability. + Explain judicious use of land, water in achieving sustainable development. Control measures of various types of pollution. «Discuss In- situ and Ex-situ conservation of Biodiversity. « Describe Environmen Protection Act. eLearn about Environmental movements. 3.1 INTRODUCTION Sustainable development is defined as the development that meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainable development represents an opportunity to construct a new approach, and the success of these efforts has powerful implications for issues of peace and security. Development has to be visualized in a holistic manner where it brings the benefits to all. Concept of sustainable development is not new and has been in existence since few decades. Concept of sustainable development could be termed as developed without destruction. It integrates environment and development and can be defined as, “Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. The concept of sustainable development denotes this new positive approach. Sustainable development is now held to be an essential condition for securing stable, enduring, real and sustainable world peace, security and development.Environmental Education 3.2 SUSTAINABILITY | Sustainability means meeting our own needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In addition to natural resources, we also need social and economic resources. Sustainability is a concept related to the development of products, goods and services that involves meeting our present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to fulfill their own needs. It is important to use the environmnet and its resources rationally and protect ir for the good of the earth, our environment, humanity and all living things. Principles of Sustainability The three pillars of sustainability involve economic, social and environmental development. « Economic sustainability is the responsibility of businesses and communities. Here, they are encouraged to use their resources responsibly and efficiently. Economic sustainability is designed to support long-term economic growth without harming environmental, social and cultural aspects of our global community. «Social sustainability benefits people. Living sustainably as individuals, families, communities and countries means healthier air and less money needlessly spent on healthcare. Using renewable energy sources can reduce droughts as they require less water and energy to maintain. The eventual goal is that sustainable development will also reduce hunger, poverty and generally provide a better global quality of life, promoting fairly distributed education and healthcare. «Environmental sustainability focuses on the state of the planet we leave it in, Itencourages individuals to live in a way that creates minimal waste and even regenerates some of the resources we use every day. 3.2.1 Issues of Environmental Sustainability Environmental sustainability is concerned with issues such as: 1. Long-term Health of Ecosystems: Protecting the long-term productivity and health of resources to meet future economic and social needs, e.g. protecting food supplies, farmland and fishing stocks 2. _Intergenerational Decision Making: When making economic decisions, we should focus on implications for future generations, and not just the present moment. For example, burning coal gives a short-term benefit of cheaper energy, but the extra pollution imposes costs on future generations. 3. Renewable Resources: Diversifying into energy sources that do not rely on non-renewable resources. For example, solar and wind power. 4. Prevent the Consequences of Man-made Global Warming: Policies to ensure the environment of the planet does not deteriorate to a point where future generations face water shortages, extreme weather events, excess temperature. — All factors that could make living in parts of the world very difficult if not possible. 5. Protection of Species Diversity and Ecological Structure: Sometimes medicines require elements within specific plant species. If some species go extinct, it limits future technological innovation.Conservation of Environment 6. Treating Environmental Resources as if they have Intrinsic Rights and Value: In other words, we shouldn’t just rely on a monetary value, i.e. we should protect rainforests because they deserve to be protected rather than using a cost-benefit analysis of whether we gain financially from protecting rainforests. 7. Targeting social welfare/happiness and environmental sustainability above crude measures of progress such as GDP. 1 Policies to Promote Environmental Sustainability © Carbon tax is a tax placed on production/consumption of carbon e.g. burning fossil fuels The aim is to make users face the full social cost as opposed to just the private cost. « Government regulation to limit harmful emissions. For example, some cities have promised to ban diesel cars by a certain date. « Subsidising/encouraging more sustainable environmental practices. For example, moving toward renewable energy, like solar and wind power rather than relying on non-renewable energy sources which create pollution. « _ Including all environmental consequences in the cost-benefit analysis of decision making. Shifting consumer/firm behaviour through persuasion and use of behavioural economics — for example discouraging the use of plastic tax. Sustainable development is defined as meeting the needs of present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Until three decades ago, the world looked at economic status alone as a measure of human development. The major goal of sustainable development is the conservation of the natural resources including living things. This not only centres on using such resources in a wise manner in order to prevent their depletion, but also on using them in a manner that will not degrade their quality for future generation. It can also be defined as follows; “Sustainable development is one which meets the needs and aspirations of the present generation without compromising those of the future generations”. “Sustainable development is one which lasts for a long period of time that is, for generations to come”. “Sustainable development is to accept limits of our choice short of natural limits, which may be caused by resource depletion or ecosystem upset or imbalance”. . From Unsustainable to Sustainable Development An economic development which ensures that the use of resources and the environmeht today does not compromise the needs of future generations. Reduction of hunger and poverty in environmentally sound ways. It includes the meeting of a basic needs, expanding economicEnvironmental Education opportunities, protecting and improving the environment and promoting pluralism and the democratic participation. Figure-3.1: Scheme of sustainable development This is a pattern of resource that aims to meet human needs while preserving an environment so that these needs meet not only in a present, but also for the future generations. Sustainable development is defined as the pattern of social and structured economic transformations (i.e., development) which optimizes the economic and societal benefits available in the present, without jeopardizing the likely potential for similar benefits in the future. Primary goal of sustainable development is to achieve a reasonable and equitably distributed level of economic well-being that can be perpetuated continually for many human generations. The sustainable development implies by using renewable natural resources in a manner which does not eliminate or degrade them, or otherwise diminish their usefulness for future generations, growth efficiency © stability Economic Equity Sustainability Climate Change ‘¢inter-generational equity Social e values/culture ¢ empowerment « resilience/biodiversity « inclusion/consultation # natural resources institutions/governace * pollution Figure-3.2 =}9$@——_—_______Conservation of Environment The World Commission on Environment and Development, Brundtland Commission 1987 started developing environmental awareness through the globe. “Sustainable development ensures that the maximum rate of resource consumption and waste discharge for a selected development portfolio would be sustained indefinitely, in the defined planning region, without an progressively impairing its bio-productivity and an ecological integrity. State of the Environment Report - 1999, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India is “Primary objective of Sustainable Development is to reduce an absolute poverty of the world’s poor through providing lasting and secure livelihoods that can be minimize resource depletion, environmental degradation, cultural disruption and the social instability”. Nowadays the sustainable development has become buzz word and hundreds of programmes have been initiated. If we want to test whether or not a proposal will achieve the goals of sustainability just try find the following. Does it prevent the soil erosion? . Does it protect our biodiversity? . Does it slow down the population growth? . Does it increase the forest cover? . Does it reduce waste generation and does it bring benefits to all? Awpenea . Does it cut-off an emissions of CFC, SOx, NOx and CO,? Inrich and advanced nations in development has been human-oriented. They have touched an greatest heights scientific and technological development but at what cost?. Nowadays all resources are polluted such as water, food, air. All our natural resources are just dwindling due to the over-exploitation. When it continues in a same way, in very soon we will be facing the “dooms day” Limits of a growth is unsustainable development and it leads to the collapse of the interrelated systems of this earth. In 1992, UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), it is popularly known as the “Earth Summit”. An Rio Declaration aims at “the new and equitable global partnership through creation of a new levels of cooperation among states”. Out of its fives significant agreements Agenda-21 proposes the global programme of the action on sustainable development in social, economic and political context for the 21* century. Following are the key aspects for sustainable development; 1, Inter-generational Equity: We should handover a safe, healthy and resourceful environment to our future generations. We should minimize any adverse impacts on environment and resources. It can be possible if we stop an over-exploitation of resources and maintain a ecological balance. 2. Intra-generational Equity: It can be emphasizes the development processes should seek tominimize wealth gaps within and between nations. Human Development Report of United Nations emphasizes that the benefits of technology should seek to achieve the goals of intra- 121Environmental Education generational equity. This development will supports an economic growth of the poor countries and help in narrowing wealth gap and it leads to sustainability. 3.3.1 Goals of Sustainable Development Commitment to meet the needs of present and future generations have various implications. “Meeting the needs of the present” means satisfying: Achieve gender equality and empower all women from 18 years of age. Including the access to an adequate livelihood or productive assets and also economic security when unemployed, ill, disabled or otherwise unable to the secure a livelihood. Ensure a healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. Including a shelter which is healthy, safe, affordable and secure, within a neighborhood with provision for piped water, drainage, transport, health care, education and child development, and the protection from environmental hazards Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas & marine resources for sustainable development. Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and the halt biodiversity loss. These must be freedom to participate in national, local politics, in decisions regarding management, development of one’s home, neighborhood, within a broader framework which ensures respect for civil, political rights and the implementation of environmental legislation. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy to all. To minimising the consumption of fossil fuels and substituting with renewable sources where feasible and minimising the waste of scarce mineral resources (reduce use, re-use, recycle, reclaim). Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development. Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive, sustainable industrialization and foster innovation. Reduce inequality within and among the countries. Using freshwater, soil and forests show the ways that ensure a natural rate of recharge. The capacity of rivers to break down biodegradable wastes as well as capacity of global environmental systems like climate, to absorb greenhouse gases even. Promote peaceful societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice all and build effective, accountable and institutions at all levels. 3.3.2 Threats to Sustainability The current threats toward environmental sustainability can be broadly categorized into three segments. 1. Population 2. Industrial Activities 3. Human Behavior 1. Population: Human population has been growing exponentially, Increased population growth has put increased pressure on food production, land masses, water body, transportation and biodiversity losses etc. Meeting the needs of the global population initiates all the subsequent =} $A $mConservation of Environment problems. Therefore, the global population needs to be proportionate with the natural resources. 2. Industrial Activities: Industrial revolution has gifted humanity a better standard of living but sadly with the cost of environmental damage. To meet the need of the existing population and provide them with a better standard of living, massive industrialization has been occurred for last several centuries 3. Human behavior: Human behavior is one of the major threats to the environmental imbalance. Lack of education and awareness can cause severe harm to the environment. Increased consumer needs of essential and trendy products as well as over-consumption stimulates industrial activities. Industry faces severe competition in order to meet these needs of the consumers. Cheap products, mass production, globalized supply chain, outsourcing etc., are the results of that industrial competition, contributing to the amplified global carbon footprint. 3.3.3 Sustainable Development with Judicious use of Land Land provides an environment for agricultural production, but it also is an essential condition for improved environmental management, including source/sink functions for greenhouse gasses, recycling of nutrients, amelioration and filtering of pollutants, and transmission and purification of ‘water as part of the hydrologic cycle. The objective of sustainable land management (SLM) is to harmonise the complimentary goals of providing environmental, economic, and social opportunities for the benefit of present and future generations, while maintaining and enhancing the quality of the land (soil, water and air) resource. Sustainable land management is the use of land to meet changing human needs (agriculture, forestry, conservation), while ensuring long-term socioeconomic and ecological functions of the land. Sustainable Land Management Definitions ‘The United Nations defines sustainable land management (SLM) as “the use of land resources, including soils, water, animals and plants, for the production of goods to meet changing human needs, while simultaneously ensuring the long-term productive potential of these resources and the maintenance of their environmental functions”. TerrAfrica (2005) defines SLM as “the adoption of land-use systems that through appropriate management practices enable land users to maximize the economic and social benefits from the land while maintaining or enhancing the ecological support functions of the land resources”. The productivity and sustainability of a land-use system is determined by the interaction between land resources, climate and human activities. Especially in the face of climate change and variability, selecting the right land uses for given biophysical and socio-economic conditions, and implementing SLM, are essential for minimizing land degradation, rehabilitating degraded land, ensuring the sustainable use of land resources (i.e. soils, water and biodiversity) and maximizing resilience. Sustainable land use and management (human activities) decide the sustainability/resilience or degradation/vulnerability of land resources.Environmental Education Figure 3.3 Source: FAO, CLIMATE-SMART AGRICULTURE ‘SLM encompasses established approaches such as soil and water conservation, natural resource management and integrated landscape management (ILM). It involves a holistic approach to achieving productive and healthy ecosystems by integrating social, economic, physical and biological needs and values, and it contributes to sustainable and rural development. SLM is Based on Four Principles « Targeted policy and institutional support, including the development of incentive mechanisms for SLM adoption and income generation at the local level; « _ Land-user-driven and participatory approaches; The integrated use of natural resources on farms and at the ecosystem scale; and © Multilevel, multistakeholder involvement and partnerships at al levels — land users, technical experts and policy-makers. 3.3.4 Sustainable Development with Judicious use of Water Judicious use of water means to use water, wisely without wasting it. Water should be used judiciously because it is very important for living things such as human, animals and even plants. « Wateris very essential thing for all the organisms living on the earth. Without water, no one can survive and the whole earth will be a barren planet. e Although 72% of the earth is covered with water only 2% of earth’s water is fresh and safe for drinking. Each person needs 15-20 liters of water for theur daily uses, which includes drinking, bathing, cooking washing clothes and utensils, washing the house and planting trees. «Some times we waste water when we take excess water and can’t drink it. There are still some places where very little water is availbale and people there have to face the scarcity of water. There are people who are tdying from thirst and we all are wasting it. We should be very judicial while using the sources of water and we should never pollute them. 124Conservation of Environment If warer will be polluted, then we can’t drink it and can’t survive. We should use only as much of warter which we can drink and if taps are open, we should close them as soon as possible to reduce the wastage of water. © We should not throw garbage in the sources of water and also not wash our clothes and take bath in the sources of water because it detriorates the quality of water. « So we shoulf not waste water and save water to protect our life. 3.3.5 Sustainable Development with Judicious use of Forest Resources "Sustainable" means to maintain, continue, and keep, while "forestry" is the science and art of managing forests. Thus, sustainable forestry is about caring for and managing forests to provide the natural resources, such as wood and clean water, we need now and in the future. It also ‘means sustaining other things we value from the forest like wildlife habitat and beautiful landscapes. Sustainable forestry is concerned with all parts of the forest-~trees, smaller plants, soils, wildlife, and water, It involves protecting forests from wildfire, pests, and diseases, and preserving forests that are unique or special. Sustainable forest management (SFM) is defined as a “dynamic and evolving concept, which aims to maintain and enhance the economic, social and environmental values of all types of forests, for the benefit of present and future generations.” Forests and trees, when sustainably ‘managed, make vital contributions both to people and to the planet, bolstering livelihoods, providing clean air and water, conserving biodiversity and responding to climate change. The complexity of determining what is deemed to be sustainable, and by whom, leads to challenges in implementing and monitoring forest management. As a way of framing discussions about sustainability, we offer the following strategies which we believe are important considerations for sustainable forest management for ecoregions, States, and the Nation: « Maintain a Stable Forest Land Base: This concept embraces strong sustainability and stresses the fact that goods and services provided by forests are irreplaceable. Thus, human-created capital is no substitute for forest land. + Maintain or Increase Forest Biodiversity: This includes sustaining diverse populations of native plants and animals, diversity of forest ecosystems and habitats across the landscape, and genetic diversity of forestassociated plants and animals. Special emphasis is given to restoring species and habitats that are threatened with extinction, and controlling invasive species. + Maintain Diverse Forest Size Structure and Species Composition on the Landscape: Forests constantly change, but their trajectory of change is periodically altered by fire, insects, diseases, harvesting, weather, invasive plants, and other disturbances. Healthy, diverse forests can better cope with such disturbances and continue to function as forests. + Maintain or increase the quality and quantity of water from forest ecosystems, Maintain or increase soil productivity and minimize soil erosion and contamination. + Maintain or increase the capacity for sustained yield of timber and nontimber forest products and associated economic development. 125Environmental Edweation, $$$ a Maintain or increase forest-based employment and community stability. Commercial forest operations may be the most economical means of altering forest structure and composition in ways that are essential to achieving other goals such as habitat restoration, hazardous fuel reduction, or invasive species mitigation. © Maintain or enhance the quantity and quality of forest recreation and other opportunities for people to experience forests. « Dedicate more resources to systematic policy research understand and influence decision making processes in the forest sector and develop innovative apporaches to harmonize different economic, environmental, policy and political time horizons. * Maintain a system of institutions, policies, regulations, and incentives that support forest sustainability at multiple spatial scales. « _ Increase environmental literacy and engage a wide range of stakeholders in sustainable forest management. « Continue work to develop appropriate international policy and institutional frame works to foster international cooperation in technology transfer and financial assistance in support of the conservation and sustainable development of forests. Formulate criteria for sustainable forest development to strengthen international trade in forest products derived from sustainably managed forests. © Publicize more widely the commitment, policies and programmes undertaken by various stake holders in the forest sector to achieve the objectives of sustainable development. + Sustainable developemnt of forst land and its multiple economic and environmental values involves maintaining indefinetely, without unacceptable impairment, the productive and renewal capacities as well as the species and ecological diversity of forest ecosystems, 3.3.6 Aforestration Afforestation usually involves tree planting in agricultural or other lands that have been abandoned due to poor soil quality or overgrazing. Over time, the soil was depleted, so now not much will grow there. Abandoned urban areas, such as land formerly cleared for buildings that no longer stand, can also be good candidates for smaller afforestation projects. Afforestation can occur on land where there may or may not have been forests at one point in history, Deforestation may have occurred on lands hundreds of years ago, or there may not be a record of a forest existing in the place targeted for afforestation, Afforestation is the establishment of a forest or stand of trees in an area where there was no previous tree cover. The difference between afforestation and reforestation Although both are driving towards a similar if not the same goal, afforestation is not the same as reforestation. Afforestation is the planting or adding of trees in an area where there was never a forest or plantation. This is a method to create a new forest. Reforestation is the replanting of trees in an area where there was once a forest which was destroyed or damaged. This is a method to bring back or improve forest that was previously there. 126Conservation of Environment Advantages of Afforestration Afforestation is the creation of forests on lands that do not have them for some amount of time, such as previous forests that were converted to ranges, though it is also the act of establishing forests on lands that are not forested at all in the past. Its term is also often associated with discussions of carbon sequestration, which is the process of removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. While it is intended to restore previously forested regions and help remove carbon dioxide, it is also said to have detrimental effects on diversity and agricultural profits. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of afforestation: 1. It grows trees that provide wildlife habitats: At the source of almost every ecosystem are trees, serving as home, place of protection and food source for most animal species, and even us humans. By simply growing them, you are helping wildlife and ecosystems to thrive. 2. It increases the supply of timber and charcoal: On the commercial side, afforestation is done by companies to grow trees to be able to source timber and charcoal from them. Aside from this, it provides more job opportunities, while helping local businesses with an increased supply of its products as well as benefiting the local economy. 3. Ithelps resolve the problem of climate change: Through photosynthesis, trees play an important role in fighting against the greenhouse effect, which is a big contributing factor causing climate change around the world. 4. Ithelps prevent soil erosion: As we already know, trees and their roots have a significant role in binding the soil together and preventing the process of desertification or soil erosion, which can cause regions to become useless dry wastelands. Disadvantages of Afforestation 1. It comes with real opportunity costs: One potentially huge drawback of afforestation is the simple fact that it comes with real opportunity cost, where the transformed lands can no longer be used residential developments and agriculture that are highly beneficial to the society through more supply of food and housing for those who need them. 2. It can affect biodiversity: Under poor management, this method can result in a reduction of biodiversity in the local ecosystem; introduction of potentially invasive and non-native species; modification of particular biomes; reduced stream flow; and loss of agricultural revenue. As you can see, native grasslands that are converted into forests might not be able to contain the same habitat for local species. Also, mismanaged reforestation efforts could result in the production of a monoculture that lacks plant diversity and lessens the number of available habitats for inhabitants of the forest. 3. It can bring some problems of ecotourism: If the purpose of afforestation is ecotourism, it may be subject to potential problems that come with ecotourism, such as littering and harm to wildlife. While you can see the process of afforestation as a positive one, offering a lot of benefits to both the environment and society, it is also accompanied by the fact that it can also bring about some drawbacks. By assessing its advantages and disadvantages, you will be able to build a well- informed opinion on whether it is good for the world as a whole, or not. 127—eEoorororererorore Environmental Education 3.4.1 Control of Air Pollution 1. 2. 14. 15. 16. Industrial estates should be established at a distance from the residential areas. Chimneys of industries should be at a great height so that poisonous gases released will not get mixed with an inhaled air. Preferably fuel efficient vehicles should be used. Removal of poisonous gases by passing the fumes through water tower scrubber or spray collector. Use of high temperature incinerators for reduction in particulate ash production. Development and employment of non-combustive sources of energy, e.g., nuclear power, geothermal power, solar power, tidal power, wind power, etc. Use of non-lead antiknock agents in gasoline. Attempt should be made to develop the pollution free fuels for automobiles, e.g,, alcohol, hydrogen, battery power. Automobiles should be fitted with an exhaust emission controls Industrial plants and refineries should be fitted with an equipment for removal and recycling of wastes. Growing plants capable of fixing carbon monoxide, Daucus carota, Ficus variegata. haseolus vulgaris, Coleus blumei, Large vegetation zones should be created around the industrial plants and refineries. Hence, the plants can absorb an excess of CO,. Industrial gases could be passed through the water tower before discharging into the atmosphere. Thus, water-soluble pollutants can be absorbed before hand. Growing plants capable of metabolising nitrogen oxides and other gaseous pollutants, ¢.g., Vitis, Pimis, Jtiniperus, Quercus, Pyrus, Robinia pseudo-acacia, Viburnum, Crataegus, Ribes, Rhamanus. Afforestation of the mining area on priority basis. Bag filters, cyclone collectors and industrial electrostatic precipitators are other devices to filter industrial fumes. Processes such as absorption can help in separation of various pollutants. 3.4.2 Control of Automobile Pollution 128 Engine efficiency has been steadily improved with improved engine design. Monitor and repair any leaks. Always take used oil, batteries and other fluids to a repair shop for proper disposal. Never allow oil or other toxins to runoff into the ground, street gutters or storm drains.Conservation of Environment «Take your car to a commercial car wash or use detergents that don’t contain phosphorus to wash your car and direct the flow of runoff to grass clippings or gravel instead of the street. + When purchasing a new automobile look for cars with high fuel efficiency ratings. 3.4.3 Control of Water Pollution The control of pollution should ideally take place at the point of generation, or, in other words, it should be prevented at source. + The control of excess nutrients is an important issue both from a public health perspective and to keep natural waters free from eutrophication. + An increasing proportion of water pollution originates from diffuse (non-point) sources, such as agricultural use of fertilisers. Farmers may need guidance on good agricultural practices that will help reduce water pollution from agriculture. For example, the amount of fertiliser used and the timing of its application can make a significant difference. 3.4.4 Control of Soil Pollution 1. _Effluents should be properly treated before discharging them on the soil. 2. The soil erosion is controlled by a variety of forestry and farm practices. Example: Planting trees on barren slopes. Contour cultivation and strip cropping may be practiced instead of shifting cultivation. Terracing and the building diversion channels may be undertaken. From the waste, recovery of usefull products should be done. People should be trained regarding the sanitary habits. Example: Lavatories should be equipped with quick and effective disposal methods. i 7. Solid waste should be properly collected and the disposed of appropriate method. 8. Cattle dung should be used for methane generation. 9, Ban should be imposed on chemicals and pesticides like DDT, BHC, etc., which are fatal to plants and animals. 10. To minimize soil pollution, the wastes such as paper, plastics, metals, glasses, organics, petroleum products and industrial effluents etc should be recycled and reused. Il, Informal and formal public awareness programs should be imparted to educate people on health hazards by environmental education. 12. Control of land loss and the soil erosion can be attempted through restoring forest and grass cover to check wastelands, soil erosion and floods. Crop rotation or mixed cropping can improve the fertility of the land.Environmental Education 3.4.5 Control of Noise Pollution Noise pollution prevention is very important to protect everyone. Noise is an aggravation, but more than that it leads many problems for a person exposed to it. % hh & 10. i 12. 13. 14. 15, 16. 17, Construction of sound proof rooms for noisy machines in industries. Use of hom in public places (hospital, teaching institutes etc.) should be banned. The sound of musical instruments should be controlled to desirable limits. Noise producing industries, aerodromes, and railway stations to be shifted away from the inhabited areas, Proper law should be enforced to check the misuse of loudspeakers and public annou- ncements systems. The use of sound absorber acoustic tiles should be encouraged in the construction of multi- storeyed buildings. In industrial, commercial and hospital buildings, adequate soundproof systems should be installed. To enforce silence zones near schools/colleges, hospitals etc. Settlements should not be located at least within 20 kilometers from mining areas, and airports. Explosives should be not used in mountainous, forest and mining areas. Intensive plantation should be made in the entire building complex. Planting green trees along the road side reduces the intensity of noise pollution. Growing green plants/trees along roadside to reduce the noise pollution as they absorb sound, Limits should be set on noise and control over noise pollution by legal provisions. Adequate health education on pollution should be provided through the government agencies and the voluntary institutions. Loud speakers are banned from 10pm to 6am. India enacted Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and noise pollution has been declared offence. Dense tree cover is very useful in the prevention of noise pollution. Such trees help in absorbing high sound waves, as well as deflecting them into the atmosphere. 3.4.6 Control of Thermal Pollution Using artificial lakes or cooling ponds, cooling towers and improved electric generating plants cam solve the problem of the thermal pollution. 1 Artificial lakes are the man-made bodies of water which offer one possible alternative. The heated effluents can be discharged into the lake at one end and the water for cooling purposes may be drawn at the other. $$ eeeConservation of Environment 2. — Cooling towers are able to transfer heat from cooling water to the atmosphere, most probably through the evaporation of water. Evaporative cooling towers are mainly of two types i, Natural draft towers and ii. Mechanical draft cooling towers. Natural draft; In Natural draft towers hot water is sprayed through a rising current of air. The water vapour gives its heat to the counter current air and gets cooled. The cooled water is collected at the bottom and returned to the water body. Mechanical draft: In mechanical draft cooling towers airflow is forced or induced by fans, Hot water, during its passage to the water course gets cooled by the action of air. Thermal pollution could be drastically reduced by direct conversion of the heat into electricity. Another method to reduce thermal pollution is to use water heat for a number of purposes which will simultaneously help to conserve our fuel resources e.g. heating of buildings, heating swimming pools, desalination, aquaculture and warm water irrigation. As our future generation will need more and more electricity, pollution problems will continue. In future, this problem can be alleviated by improving the efficiency of the electricity power generating plants. 3.5 ENERGY RESOURCES The energy can be defined as the capacity to do work. Work is the product of force. The agent can be used for “pushing or pulling” an object is called as a force. Thus, the energy is an abstract concept. Chemical energy is the source of energy can be required by all living organisms, which they acquire through their food by radiant energy of a sun, The energy flow in any ecosystem should be unidirectional. The main source of energy is the sun 57% of a sun’s energy can be absorbed in an atmosphere and scattered in space. 35% is expand to evaporated water of a 88% of the sun light striking the plant surface, 10-15% can be reflected, 5% can be transmitted and the 80-85% can be absorbed. On average only 2% of the light energy can be utilized for photosynthesis by the plants, rest is all transformed into an heat energy. 3.5.1 Growing Energy Needs Energy is the capacity of doing work. It can be created nor destroyed but it converts one form into another form. Energy is the important aspect of development. If the civilization proceeds energy needs increase. Growing Energy Needs Development of different countries depends upon input of energy. Our day to day scores require abundance of commerical energy. Energy is required to every walk of our life. Industry, mining, agriculture, lighting, cooling and heating in buildings, household, transportation all need energy. Fossil fuels such as oil, petroleum, coal and natural gas provide 95 % of the energy. Our life style has changed from the simple one to a luxurious way of living. It leads to an increased consumption of energy in our homes. Our standard of living are closely related to energy consumption. Norway, Switzerland and U.S.A. have high gross national products and the energy consumption while India and China have low gross national product and the low energy 131ere Environmental Education use. Bahrain and Quatar are oil rich states. Thus, their energy consumption and GNP are more but their development is of those standards. 3.5.2 Types of Natural Resources Energy Resources Renewable Non-renewable (biomass based, unlimited) (Limited Sources) 1. Fuel wood/firewood 1. Fossil Fuels, Coal, Petroleum Oil 2. Petroplants 2. Natural Gas 3. Plant biomass 3. Nuclear Fuels 4. Agricultural waste 5. Animal Dung 6. Solar Energy 7. Wind Energy 8. Hydropower 9. Geothermal Power 1 0. Dendro-thermal Energy Figure-3.4 These are two types of natural resources viz., 1, Renewable Resources 2. Non-renewable Resources 1. Inexhaustible Natural Resources (Renewable Resources) Resources that can be replenished by an environment is called as renewable resources. These are also called inexhaustible resources. These resources are constantly recycled in a environ- ment like water. It also includes resources like the solar energy, air, plants, animals, microbes and some minerals like nitrogen. Rates at which these resources are returned to the environment are different for different resources. The rate at which man uses them also varies. These resources are unlimited in nature, and these are not likely to be exhausted by human activities. Examples: Solar radiation, air, water, precipitation (rainfall, snow fall, etc.,) and atomic power. The renewable resources are generally living resources like fish, reindeer, coffee, and forests, which can restock (renew) themselves if they are not over-harvested but used sustainably. 1, Once the renewable resources are consumed at a rate that exceeds their natural rate of replacement, standing stock will diminish and eventually run out. 2. Rate of sustainable use of a renewable resource can be determined by the replacement rate and the amount of a standing stock of that particular resource.Conservation of Environment 3. Non-living renewable natural resources are include soil and water. Flow renewable resources are very much like renewable resources, only they donot need regeneration, unlike renewable resources. 4, Flow renewable resources include renewable energy sources such as the following renewable power sources: solar, geothermal, biomass, landfill gas, tides and wind 5. Resources can also be classified on the basis of their origin as biotic and abiotic. i. Biotic resources are derived from living organisms. ii, Abiotic resources are derived from the non-living world. Global battle against climate change has encouraged developed countries and developing nations to reduce the carbondioxide emissions. Advantages of Renewable Energy a, Solar Energy: An amount of solar energy intercepted by Earth every minute is greater than the amount of energy the world uses in fossil fuels each year. b. Wind Energy: An energy in the winds that blow across the United States each year could produce more than 16 billion GJ of electricity - more than one and one-half times the electricity consumed in the United States in 2000. ¢. Tidal Energy: The moon which provides the forces that causes tides always. d. Hydroelectric Energy: Unless there is a drastic changes in the rain patterns always. Disadvantages of Renewable Energy Resources a, Solar: Panels are expensive. Governments are not willing to buy home generated electricity because all climates are not suitable for the solar panels. b. Wind: Turbines are expensive. The wind doesn’t blow all the time so they have to be part of a larger plan. ¢. Tides: Dams across river mouths are expensive to build and disrupt shipping. Smaller turbines are cheaper and easier to install. d. Rivers: Dams are expensive to build and disrupt a environment. These are also caused earthquakes. Smaller turbines are cheaper and easier to install. e. Geothermal: It is very difficult to drill two or three kilometers down into an earth. 2. Exhaustible Natural Resources (Non-renewable Resources) Resources that cannot be replenished by the environment are called as non-renewable resources. These are also called as exhaustible resources. These resources are formed in the environment at a very slow pace and cannot be replenished at the rate at which these are used. They include fossil fuels like coal and petroleum and most of the minerals. Coal and petroleum, for instance take millions of years to be formed as they are formed from the fossils. Thus, they can never be replaced. 133Environmental Education This type of resources are limited in nature and are liable to be degraded in quantity and quality by the human activities. Examples are forests, soil, wild animals, minerals and fossil fuels ete, a. Non-renewable resource is a natural resource that exists in a fixed amount that cannot be re-made, re-grown or regenerated as fast as it is consumed and used up. Some non-renewable resources can be renewable but take an extremely long time to renew. Fossil fuels are take millions of years to form and so are not practically considered ‘renewable’. 3.5.3 Use of Alternate Energy Sources Following are the important alternate energy resources; Solar Energy: Sun is renewable and inexhaustible source of the energy. This is the pollution fire source. Human beings use the solar energy in day to day life in various forms like drying of clothes, the production of food grains, an preservation of eatables, for obtaining the salt from sea water, in the form of a light, fan, geyser and the cooker etc. These are many methods by which we can extract solar energy and convert it into electrical or the mechanical energy. Solar Cells: These cells convert the solar energy into electrical energy. These solar cells are made up of silicon and gallinium. When the solar radiations fall on the solar panels they get converted into the electric energy. Solar panels can be made up of silicon cells. Tidal Energy: Tidal waves can be formed by the gravitational forces of sun and moon, The height of the tides can be used for the spinning the turbines, which can be generates an electricity. Solar Heat Collectors: These are made up of stones, bricks etc. and absorb the heat during the day time and release it slowly at the night. Wind Energy: It can be produced by windmill but windmills are restricted to certain coastal areas, open grassland or hilly region. These are used for grinding grains and pump water. Hydropower Energy: This is also known as hydroelectric energy. Hydroelectric energy can be produced from kinetic energy of the water falling from certain height, This type of energy can be produced in big dams. Water falling from the height rotates the turbines at bottom of the dam to generate an electricity. This is pollution free energy. Geothermal Energy: For extracting geothermal energy, this energy can be generated from hot rocks present inside the Earth, The hole can be drilled in hot rocks and by putting pipes inside. The steam or hot water can be extracted through the pipe at high pressure which rotates the turbine to generate the electricity. Biomass Energy: The biomass is a term can be used for all materials produced from photosy-nthesis. Biomass involves residues, plants, wastes, marine algae, aquatic plants and the forest residue etc.Conservation of Environment Types of Biomass a. Biogas: This is a pollution free and the clean technology. These gases can be used as fuel. The lot of animal waste and agricultural waste is put for anaerobic degradation in a presence of water, Anaerobic degradation is an breakdown of organic matter by bacteria in absence of oxygen. Anaerobic degradation results in the production of biogas. The biogas is the mixture of methane, carbon dioxide, hydrogen and hydrogen sulphide. Petro-plants: Hydrocarbon rich plants can be converted into petroleum hydrocarbon under the high temperature and pressure. Products can be obtained from these petro-plants are gases, kerosene and oil cake ete. Examples: Euphorbia plants which are rich in hydrocarbons. Energy plantation: This is also known as dendro-thermal energy. Wastelands are used for plantation of fast growing trees, shrubs and herbs with high calorific value. These plants produces energy either by burning or may be converted into the fuels by fermentation Energy from Urban and Agricultural Waste: The wastes of sewage and agriculture are converted into the gas and an electricity. The agricultural wastes are burnt in dweller for generating the fuel. Bagasse based Plants: It is a waste of sugar mills can be used to generate energy. Biomass can be fermented to alcohol such as ethanol and methanol which can be used as fuel. enn Solid waste management (SWM) is associated with the control of waste generation, its storage, collection, transfer and transport, processing and disposal in a manner that is in accordance with the best principles of public health, economics, engineering, conservation, aesthetics, public atti- tude and other environmental considerations. Higher standards of living of ever increasing popu- lation has resulted in an increase in the quantity and variety of waste generated. Management of solid waste has therefore become very important in order to minimize the adverse effects of solid wastes. At the end of the 19* century, the industrial revolution can be caused an unprecedented growth in the number of commodities available for consumption. In- crease in consumption can be associated with equivalent increase in generation of wastes. Com- bination of industrialization and the rapid increase in population and urbanization has greatly increased the generation of the solid wastes. The earth can be rapidly being converted into dumping ground of the non-biodegradable solid wastes. Solid wastes are responsible for the land pollution in urban and an industrial areas. Sources of Urban and Industrial Wastes 1. Garbage: These wastes are produced during the preparation or storage of meat, fruit, veg- etables, etc. (decomposable wastes from food). Rubbish: It includes combustible wastes like paper, wood, scrap, rubber, leather, etc. and non-combustible wastes like metals, glass, ceramics, etc. 35]EE——————————— eee Environmental Education 3. Ashes: They are the residues of the combustion of solid fuels. 4. Pathological Wastes: They include dead animals, human wastes, etc. 5. Large Wastes: Demolition and construction debris and trees form large wastes. 6. Sewage Treatment Solids: These are the materials retained on sewage treatment screens, settled solids and biomass sludge. 7. Hospital Wastes: It includes disposable needles, syringes, blades, blood-soaked bandages, human flesh and tissues, etc. that may cause contagious diseases. 8. Industrial Wastes: Chemicals, paints, sand, metals, fly ash, etc. are various industrial wastes 9. Agricultural Wastes: These wastes result from farms and may include crop residues like paddy husk, bagasse from sugarcane, tobacco and corn residues, etc. 3.6.1 Increasing Industrialization and Rapid Urbanisation The gap between urban and the rural is slowly reducing with an increasing industrialisation and the rapid urbanisation. Quantity of waste generated by society is increasing, and the composition of waste is becoming more and more diversified. Thirty years ago, the composition of waste generated by the Indian farmer was generally characterized by one-fifth non-biodegradable waste and the four-fifths biodegradable waste. This ratio is almost the reverse. At the same time, many houscholds do not recycle their waste instead, they tends to dispose it outside their homes or on . A Reduction Recycling and Composting Landfill Figure-3.5 This is the duty of local bodies to address an issue of garbage removal, labour constraints, high logistical costs, inadequate sanitary areas of land to dump the waste, etc. render the situa- tion that has little hope for alleviation in near future, The instead, garbage is burnt or dumped either producing hazardous smoke or leeching into soil and contaminating both the soil and water. Non-biodegradable waste, comprising of approximately 30-35 percent of waste like paper, carton boxes, plastics, glass, tins, Tetra Pak packages, and Pet bottles is manually separated into [436+Conservation of Environment different categories and thereafter sold to scrap dealers and the local industries that recycle or reuse the material. Reduction Strategies: Reduction strategies are the approaches the community may use to lower the amount of waste being produced. Examples includes the surcharge on excess bags, containers, or household refuse or an incentive program for the commercial/industrial reduction efforts. Some simple reduction activities that individuals within the community can do are backyard composting and two-sided copying on the paper. Waste exchange program also contributes to reduction. In any of the change strategies (reduction, reuse and recovery), public education and involve- ment are crucial, and in the case of reduction, they are imperative. Reduction assumes the commitment and involvement of all citizens. The source reduction strategies have many favorable environmental impacts, including the reducing greenhouse gas production, saving energy and conserving resources, in addition to reducing the volume of a waste stream. Reuse Strategies: Reuse is using the product more than once, either for the same purpose or for an alternate purpose. It does not require reprocessing and therefore, has lower energy requirements than recycling. These strategies include making donations to charity, reusing packaging. By using empty jars for food storage, and participating in a paint collection and reuse program. Recycling and Composting: In recycling, the waste materials are processed industrially and then reformed into a new or similar products. Recycling includes pre-consumer waste like factory cuttings or shavings, as well as the post-consumer waste items, including cardboard, newspapers, plastic bottles, and the aluminum cans. Recycling can be often viewed as a resource conservation activity, it may offer greater return for many products in terms of the energy savings. The second means of recapturing value is through the use of an natural biodegradation process. In urban areas, composting of leaf and tree waste alone can reduce landfill dependency by up to 12 percent, Segregation of yard waste from an other organic (biodegradable) wastes is necessary to avoid contamination of a compost which might render the much or end product less desirable. Incineration: It is another solid waste management technique used in cities, which is an indus- trial combustion process designed to reduce wastes to simple and gaseous residues. Many com- bustibles are recyclable, there is often a higher total value due to processing costs in burning the waste for energy than in recycling. Many combustible/recyclable materials are contaminated and rendered difficult and/or expensive to recycle. By developing an incineration program with the materials recovery component, furnace and the processing equipment life can be usually extended because glass and ferrous and non-ferrous metals are removed during the material recovery. The incineration reduces the volume of refuse by up to 90 percent, leaving behind only ash, and resulting in less need for landfill space. Landfill: Last option is disposal. These are better planned and managed waste disposal sites which are designed to concentrate and contain without creating a nuisance or hazard or public. In the year 2000, more than 50 percent of all waste generated nationally ended up in landfills. The continuing development of more stringent requirements for landfills is making this ultimate disposal eTEnvironmental Education option less environmentally offensive, but more costly. An increasing ability to recover methane from landfills is providing a positive use for what has historically been a non-valued disposal method. Bioreactor landfill technology has the potential to further reduction of the environmental impact of landfills and maximize methane recovery from these systems. 3.6.2 Effects of Solid Waste Pollution 1. Dueto an improper disposal of municipal solid waste on the roads and immediate surroundings, biodegradable materials undergo the decomposition producing foul smell and becomes the breeding ground for disease vectors. 2. Rats will be depending upon the solid wastes may also cause plague, salmonellosis, trichinosis, endemic typhus like diseases through the direct bite. 3. Industrial solid wastes are source for toxic metals and hazardous wastes that can affects the soil characteristics and productivity of soils when they are dumped on soil 4. Toxic substances may percolate into ground and the contaminate in the groundwater. Burning of the industrial or the domestic wastes produce furans, dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls that are harmful to human beings. 6. Crops and water supplies may result in a large scale epidemic of cholera, jaundice, gastro intestinal diseases and hepatitis etc. 7. Noxious fumes can pollute air due to far burning of waste products especially the plastic containers. 8. Harmful species may percolate the soil and groundwater from decomposed garbage dumps causing the pollution 3.6.3 Measures for Safe Urban and Industrial Waste Disposal With an increase in population, the migration and rising standard of living the problem of solid waste is attaining larger and the complex dimensions, requiring integrated and sophisticated inter- ventions in terms of policies/rules and regulations and technologies. Main objective of solid waste management is to minimize these adverse effects before it becomes too difficult to rectify in the future. 1. Collection of Solid Waste: Large number of dustbins must be provided to enable the proper collection of a solid wastes according to their categories. (a) Community Storage Point: Municipal refuse is taken to fixed storage bins and the stored till the waste collection agency collects it daily for an disposal in a vehicle. Kerbside Collection: In advance of the collection time, the refuse is the brought in containers and placed on the footway from where it is collected by the waste collection agency. (b) (©) Block Collection: Individuals bring the waste in containers and hand it over to the collection staff who empties it into the waiting vehicle and returns the container to the individuals. 2, Transportation of Solid Waste: Next step in solid waste management is an transportation of solid wastes from urban areas to the dumping grounds. Means of the transport most 138Conservation of Environment commonly used are tractors, trucks etc. Overloading of these vehicles should be avoided to prevent the spilling of the garbage along this way. Disposal of Solid Waste: It is estimated that when suitable methods for the systematic disposal of the garbage generated annually are not devised than more than 1,4000 sq.km of land would be converted to dumping grounds by the year 2047. Due to an heterogeneity of city refuse it is important to select the most appropriate solid waste disposal methods keeping in view of the following objectives: (a) ) (c) (d) (©) Itshould be economically viable i.e., the operation and maintenance costs must be carefully assessed. It should not create a health hazard. It should preferably provide opportunities for recycling of an materials. It should not cause adverse environmental effects. Itshould not be aesthetically unpleasant i.e., it should not result in offending sights, odours and noises. Commonly used methods of disposal are, Manual Component Separation: Before ultimate disposal, the manual separation of solid waste components accomplished to achieve the recovery and reuse of materials. Compaction or Mechanical Volume Reduction: After separation of reusable or disposable articles, compacters are used to compress waste the materials directly into large containers or to form bales that can be then placed large containers. Incineration or Thermal Volume Reduction: Highly combustible wastes like plastics, cardboard, paper, rubber and combustible wastes like cartons, wood scrap, floor sweepings, food wastes etc., are subjected to incineration i.e., burning at very high temperatures. It results in the air pollution and so proper control equipment needs to be installed to avoid contamination of environment. Open Dumping: Open dumping of solid wastes is done in low lying areas and outskirts of the towns and cities. Sanitary Landfilling: Sanitary landfilling involves the disposal of municipal wastes on or in the upper layers of the earth’s mantle especially in the degraded areas in need of restoration. Solid wastes are compacted and spread in thin layers each layer being uniformly covered by a layer of soil. Then final layer is covered by a final cover of about one meter of earth to prevent rodents from burrowing into the refuse and scattering. Destructive Distillation: Solid wastes are heated under anaerobic conditions i.e., burning without oxygen. ———SSS. _—_—aaeeaeeEyEyEyE Environmental Education vii. Land Farming: Biodegradable industrial wastes are treated by the biological, physical and chemical processes occurring in the surface of the soil. viii. Composting (or) Biodegradation: Bacterial decomposition of the organic components of municipal solid wastes result in formation of humus or compost and the process is known as composting. Reduction at Source: The best possible technique for the management of waste is reduction at source. Over consumption and wastage of commodities is checked by adopting the 3 R’s of consumption. i, Reduce: Reduction in the use of raw materials will correspondingly decrease the produc- tion of waste. Example: Reduced demand for any metallic product will decrease the mining of that metal and cause less production of wastes. fi, Reuse: Reusing goods will reduce the demand for new goods. This would reduce the ex- ploitation of natural resources for the production of new goods. Example: Disposable plastic jars can be reused for storing things such as spices in the kitchen which prevents these jars from becoming non-biodegradable waste. iii, Recycle: Recycling ensures that the goods are used again in another form. Example: Used paper can be recycled and converted to various usable forms such as paper board, handmade paper, etc. This reduces the demand on wood pulp and saves trees. Biodiversity management system for conserving biodiversity in India is shown in the figure 3.6. Conservation of Biodiversity (Wild Life): Conservation is defined as the management of human use of biosphere so that it can yield the greatest sustainable benefit to the present genera- tion while maintaining its potential to meet the needs and aspirations of the future generations. In situ strategies emphasise protection of total ecosystem. Objectives of Conservation of Wild Life Conservation of wild life has three objectives a. To maintain the essential ecological processes and the life supporting systems. b. Topreserve the diversity of species or range of genetic material found in world’s organisms. ¢. Toensure sustainable utilisation of species and the ecosystem which supports the millions of rural communities as well as the major industries. Hence, the conservation is concemed not only with plants, animals and microorganisms but also with an abiotic factors of the environment, which supports them. This is a complex operation.Conservation of Environment Biodiversity Conservation In situ Ex situ Protected Area Network Sacred Seed banks Biotanical plants Field gene banks —_ gardens Home Cryopreservation Arborata Sacred Biosphere National parks gardens Zoological groves reserves Wildlife gardens Sacred lakes sanctuaries Aquaria Terrestrial Marine Figure-3.6: The in-situ and ex-situ approaches of conserving biodiversity in India In Situ and Ex Situ Conservation-Gene Banks Conservation of biodiversity can be achieved in a number of complementary ways. These meth- ods all of them falling within a broader concept of ‘gene banks’ can be broadly classified by, (i) In-situ conservation can includes conservation of plants and the animals in their native ecosystems or even in man made ecosystems, where they naturally occur. Gi) Ex-situ conservation, which can be include the conservation of samples of genetic diversity (particularly representing endangered species) away from their field habitats. 1 In-situ Conservation: This type of conservation applies only to wild fauna and flora and not to the domesticated animals and plants, because conservation is achieved by protection of popula- tions in nature. It includes a system of protected areas of different categories, e.g. National Parks, Sanctuaries, Nature Reserves, Natural Monuments, Cultural Landscapes, Biosphere Re- serves, etc. Situ Conservation of Biodiversity In-situ Conservation of Forest Trees: Efforts are being planned by CGIAR’s latest interna- tional agricultural research centre, CIFR (Centre for International Forestry Research) to con- duct research for in situ conservation of forest trees. It is argued that although the tropical foresters reserve forest areas against other land uses, these have been used for multiple pur- poses (for water catchment, protection of mammals or birds, etc.). CIFOR will conduct research and find more rational location of in situ reserves for the conservation of woody plants germplasm. This work will be done in close collaboration with IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources), and the national institutes in developing countries. ETa ..Q00gL QQ. Environmental Education In Situ Conservation Atpresent we have 7 major Biosphere reserves, 80 National parks, 420 wildlife sanctuaries in our country covering 4% of the geographic area. i. The Biosphere Reserves conserve some representative ecosystems as a whole for long term. In India we have Nanda Devi (U.P.), Nokrek (Meghalaya), Manas (Assam), Sunderbans (West Bengal), Gulf of Mannar (Tamil Nadu), Nilgiri (Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu), Great Nicobars and Similipal (Orissa), biosphere reserves. Within the biosphere reserves we may have one or more National Parks. Eg: Nilgiri Biosphere reserve has two National parks-Bandipur and Nagarhole National Park. ii, A National Park is an area dedicated for the conservation of wildlife along with its environ- ment. It is also meant for enjoyment through tourism but without impairing the environment. Grazing of domestic animals, all private rights and forestry activities are prohibited within a national park. Each park aims at conservation of some particular species of wildlife along with others, Eg: Kaziranga National park (Assam), Gir national life (Gujarat), Bandipur (Kamataka) etc., iii, Wild life Sanctuaries are protected areas where killing, hunting, shooting or capturing of wildlife is prohibited except under control of highest authority. However, private ownership rights are permissible and forestry operations are also permitted to an extent that they do not affect the wildlife adversely. For plants, there is one gene sanctuary for Citrus (Lemon family) and one for pitcher plant (an insect eating plant) in North-east India. Eg: Ghana bird sanctuary (Rajasthan), Sultanpur bird sanctuary (Haryana) etc., Advantages « _ Itis often both the species and their habitat that are conserved. Larger populations can be protected. tis less disruptive than removing organisms from their habitats. «The chances of the population recovering are greater than ex situ methods. Disadvantages « — Itcan be difficult to control some factors that are threatening a species. For example poach- ing, predators, disease and/or climate change. 2, Ex-Situ Conservation of Biodiversity Ex Situ Conservation: Ex situ conservation, using sample populations is done through estab- lishment of ‘gene banks’, which include genetic resource centers, zoos, botanical gardens, cul- ture collections, etc, Although the phrase ‘gene banks’ often refers to only ex situ conservation facilities, they do include in-situ conservation methods, which include national parks and sanctu- aries. This has become particularly important for conservation of crop varieties and wild genetic resources, because of their utility in future crop improvement and afforestation programmes. = P@$@ —@ i i—@—________Conservation of Environment There has been a competition for relative allocation of efforts directed towards in situ and ex situ conservation. For an instance in 1987 for ex situ programmes, USA allowed only 1% of a total of 37.5 million dollars meant for biodiversity conservation, excluding contributions to international systems of gene banks. United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) however, advocated equality for in situ and ex situ conservation efforts. In view of this, efforts and funding for ex situ conservation were enhanced in recent years. Practical action on ex-situ genetic resource con- servation and its use can be divided into following four major eras. @ (i) iii) (iv) In a first era (1850-1860), utility of genetic resources was tested and genetic resources introduced. In second phase (1950-1970), a wide spectrum of genetic resources were conserved, due to their utility. In third phase (1980-2010), long-term viability of the investment in collection is ensured. In fourth phase (2010-2030), there will be enhanced exploitation, through breeding programmes. In India we have the following important gene bank/seed bank facilities: lc National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR): It is located in New Delhi Here agricultural and horticultural crops are cryo preserved. Cryo-preservation of seeds, pollen, etc is done by using liquid nitrogen at a temperature as low as -196°C. Varieties of rice, radish, tomato, onion, carrot, chilli, tobacco, etc. have been preserved successfully in liquid nitrogen for several years without losing seed viability. National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR): It is located at Karnal, Haryana. It preserves the semen of domesticated bovine animals. National Facility for Plant Tissue Culture Repository (NFPTCR): This facility has been created within the NFPTCR for the development of a facility of conservation of vari- eties of crop plants/trees by tissue culture Artificial ecosystems which are as follows: 1. Seed Gene Bank: These are cold storages where seeds are kept under controlled tem- perature and humidity for storage, and this is easiest way to store the germ plasma of plant at low temperature, Seeds preserved under controlled conidtions remain viable for long duration of time. Gene Bank: Genetic variability also is preserved by gene bank under normal growing con- ditions. These are cold storages where germ palm is kept under controlled temperature and humidity for storage; this is an important way of preserving the genetic resources. Crypreservation: This is the new application of technlogy for preservation of biotic parts. This type of conservation is done at very low temperature (196°C) in liquid nitrogen. The metabolic activities of the organisms are suspended under low temperature, which are later used for research purposes. 143Environmental Education 4. Tissue Culture Bank: Cryopreservation of disease-free meristems is very helpful. Long term culture of excised roots and shoots are maintained, Meristem culture is very popular in plant propogation as it’s a virus and disease free method of multiplication. 5. Long Term Captive Breeding: The method involves capture, maintenance and captive breeding on long term basis of individuals of the endagered species which have lost their habitat permanently or certain highly unfavourable conditions are present in their habitat. 6. Botanical Gardens: A botanical garden is a place where flowers, fruits and vegetables are grown, The botanical gardens provide beauty and calm environment. Most of them have started keeping exotic plants for educational and research purposes. 7. Animal Translocation: Release of animals in a new locality which come from anywhere else. 8. Zoological Gardens: In zoos wild animals are maintained in captivity and conservation of wild animals. Advantages of ex-situ Preservation © Organisms are completely protected from predation and poaching. Health of individuals can be monitored and medical assistance given as required, «Populations can be more effectively managed and divided if disaster strikes. Genetic diversity of the population can be measured. «Selective breeding programmes can be put into place. «Modern reproductive technology can increase the chances of repoductive success. «Animals and plants can be bred to increase their numbers if endangered. «Research into reproductive physiology, lifestyle and ecology of an endangered species is made easier. « Conservation sites can be used as attractions to raise funds for further conservation efforts. « Conservation sites can be used for education. Disadvantages Captive population have limited genetic diversity. «Animals can be exposed to a wide range of different diseases «The organisms are living outside their natural habitat. Nutritional issues may arise. Animals may not behave as normal making reproduction difficult. « — Correct survival environmental conditions may be difficult to achieve. « — Expensive to maintain. Animals may not survive reintroduction into the wild. «There can be difficulties with acceptance by the existing wild members of the species. 144Conservation of Environment On 5* June 1972, environment was first discussed as an item of international agenda in the UN Conference on Human Environment in Stockholm and thereafter 5* June is celebrated all over the world as World Environment Day. Soon after the Stockholm Conference, our country took substantive legislative steps for environmental protection. Wildlife (Protection) Act was passed in 1972, followed by The Water (Prevention and Con- trol of Pollution) Act 1974, The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, Air (Prevention and Control and Pollution) Act, 1981 and subsequently The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. 3.8.1 The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 The Act came in to force on Nov, 19, 1986, the Birth anniversary of our late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who was a pioneer of environmental protection issues in our country. The Act extends to whole India. Some terms related to environment have been described as follows in the Act: a) Environment includes water, air land their inter-relationships that exist among between them, human beings, aswell the all other living organisms inclusive of property. b) Environmental pollution means the presence of any solid, liquid or gaseous substance present in such concentration, which tends to be injurious to environment. c) Hazardous substance means any substance or preparation which by its physico-chemical properties cause harm to human being, other living organisms, property or environment. The act has given powers to the Central Government to take measures to protect and im- prove environment while the state governments coordinates the actions. The most important functions of the Central Government under this Act include setting up of: 1, The standards of quality of air, water or soil for various areas and purposes. 2. Maximum permissible limits of concentration of various environmental pollutants for differ- ent areas. Procedures and safe guards for the handling of hazardous substances. 4. The prohibition and restrictions on the handling of hazardous substances in different areas. The prohibition restriction on the location of industries to carry on process and operations in different areas. 6. The procedures safe guards for the prevention of accidents which may cause environmental pollution and providing remedial measures for such accidents. Under the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986, an amendment was made in 1994 for the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of various development projects. There are 29 types of projects listed in under schedule I of the rule which require clearance from the Central Govern- SSEnvironmental Education ment before establishing, Others require clearance from the State Pollution Control Board, when the proposed project or expansion activity is going to cause pollution load exceeding the existing levels. 3.8.2 Wildlife Protection Act 1, ‘Animal’: Animal includes mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, other chordates and invertebrates and their young as well eggs. 2, Animal Article: It means an article can be made from any captive animal or wild animal, other than vermin and an article or object in which whole or any part of such animal. 3. Hunting: It means injuring or destroying or taking any part of the body of any such animal or in case of wild birds or reptiles, damaging the eggs of such birds or reptiles. 4. Habitat: Habitat includes land, water or vegetation which is the natural home of any wild animals. 3. 1 Wildlife Protection Act - 1972 Wild life protection Act is enacted to provide for the protection of wild animals, birds and plants and for matters connected there with a view to ensure an ecological and environmental security of the country. Wildlife protection act was introduced in 1972. Wildlife includes any animal i.e., aquatic, land, water and vegetation which is a natural home of any wild animal. Wildlife was transferred from state list to concurrent list in 1976, hence giving powers to Central government to enact legislation. This act provides the constitution of Indian Board of Wildlife (IBWL) which actively took up a task of setting up Wildlife National parks and the sanctuaries. As well wild life, which is a part and parcel of a environment, constitutes wealth of a nation. It included as wild animals, birds, plants etc. However, man is the process of progress and development for his selfish ends can be causing much damage to the forests and wild life. Wild life is nature's gift and its decline has adverse effect of ecology. Thus, there is an urgent need to protect wild life. Hence, in order to protect the wild life from destruction. The Indian Parliament passed the Wild Life Act in a year 1972. The act Provides 1. Wildlife protection act is applicable all over India, except Jammu and Kashmir which has its own act for conservation of wildlife. 2. This act emphasizes that no person shall hunt of any wild animal except mice, rats, common crow and fruit bats. When an animal becomes dangerous to human life or it is disabled or diseased as to be beyond recovery it should be permitted in writing by the chief of wildlife warden. [astConservation of Environment It sets down the rules for setting up any protected area and the regulations to be observed inside. This acts as the provision for the declaration of sanctuaries, it can be done by state government by declaring such area which is of an adequate ecological, fauna, florally geographically, natural or zoological significant for the purpose of protecting, propagating as well development of wild life environment. Wild life protection Act has framed rules for the appointment of Director and other officers. It's powers to delegate prohibition of cultivation of specific plants without valid License and protection of specific plants. If any person who contravenes any provision of act or any rule made there unde, or who commits a breach of any conditions of any licence or permission granted under this act shall be an punishable. With imprisonment for a term which can be extended. Following are the some of wildlife protection acts; 1, POS ey hop pP Amendments in the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 1982 Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 1986 Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 1991 Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 1993 Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2002 Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2006 Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Bill, 2010. This act has listed species according to their conservation status in five schedules, Schedule-I: It lists an endangered species that cannot be harmed in anyway. Schedule-II: It includes species that need special protection.It includes big game species. Schedule-III: It includes the big game species Schedule-IV: It includes the small game species. Schedule-V: It includes species that can be hunted without permission. Objectives of the Act bi 2 3, This act provides restriction and prohibition on hunting and trapping wildlife. Rehabilitation of endangered and the threatened species. Preservation of biological diversity by establishing sanctuaries, the national parks and biosphere reserves. ann)EEE Ee e—_—_ ——eeeoeeeee Environmental Education 4. Tomaintain an ecological processes and life supporting systems. 5. Grant ofa special permit to hunt the wildlife for scientific research, the scientific management and collection of specimens for zoological gardens and the museums etc. 6. To maintain the ecological processes and life supporting systems. 7. Collaboration with voluntary bodies and the NGO’s. 8. Regulation of trade in the wildlife and national conservation strategy. 9. Topreserve biodiversity. 3.8.2.2 Drawbacks of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 The number of laws have been enforced for safeguarding the environmental quality. Thus, these laws and acts could not be enacted successfully in light of the following problems; 1. Jammu and Kashmir have their own wildlife acts, therefore, hunting and trading of many endangered species, prohibited in other states are allowed in Jammu and Kashmir. 2. This Act has been enacted just as a fallout of Stockholm Conference held in 1972. It has not included in any locally evolved conservation measures. 3. The personal ownership certificates for some animal articles (Ex: Leopard and Tiger skins) often serve as a tool for an illegal trading. 4. There is little emphasis on protection of plant genetic resources. 5. The offenders of this act are not subject to any harsh fines. The fine is only Rs. 25000 or imprisonment for up-to three years. 3.8.3 Forest Conservation Act, 1980 Forest conservation act was enacted on 25" October, 1980. Forest conservation act 1981, was introduced in 1980. National Forest Policy (1980) prohibits the state governments for declaring any portion of a forests as non-reserved without the approval of the Central government. This policy prohibits state government for allotting any forest land for a non-forest purposes aswell. An amended Act (1988) prohibits lease of forest land to anybody other than the government. This enhances a conservation, plantation and increase of a forest cover to an average of 30%. It can be aimed to conserve all the types of forests. To use forests only for the forestry purposes. This Act covers all types of forests including the reserve forests, protected forests or any forested land irrespective of its ownership. To control of shifting cultivation and encroachments, the stoppage of any illegal non-forest activity in a forest area. To control the gazing problems, approvals are granted or refused only after the advise of an advisory committee constituted to look after these requests form the states. To control soil erosion to check deforestation in a critical areas like catchment areas, sleep slopes etc. Compensatory afforestation of a non-forest 148——. Conservation of Environment land of same areas directed along with other pre-conditions when diversion is allowed. Compensatory afforestation should be conducted on a degraded forest land and the area should be twice the area being diverted should conducted. 3.8.3.1 Forest Conservation Act was Amended in 1992 An amended act states: l R Toallow the non-forestry activities such as setting of transmission lines, drilling, hydro electric projects, etc., with the prior approval of central government. Cultivation of tea, coffee, spices, rubber, mulberry for rearing silk worms and cash crops are included under the non-forestry activities these are not allowed in the reserve forests. An approval of central government is must for the cultivation of fruit trees, oil-yielding or medicinal plants. Wildlife sanctuaries, National Parks etc., are totally prohibited for any exploration or survey without prior approval of the central government even when no tree felling is involved. To allow the tassar cultivation (a type of silk producing insect) to discourage monoculture practices in forests. Mining and removal of stones, bajri, etc., Mining is a non-forestry activity and prior approval of Central government is mandatory. More the stringent penal provisions are made against violators of an Act. 3.8.3.2, Drawbacks of the Forest (Conservation) Act This act is concentrated on protecting trees, birds and animals but not on the protecting poor people, The power has been centralized at the top and local communities have been completely ignored from the decision making process regarding a nature of the forest areas. The forest conservation act only transfers the powers from state to centre to decide a conversion of reserve forest lands to the non-forest areas. Hence, the powers has been centralized at the top. Tribal peoples living in forests are totally dependent on the forest resources. If they are stopped from exploiting forests for their livelihood, they resort to criminal activities like smuggling and killing etc. About forest resources, forest dwelling tribal communities have a rich knowledge their role and the contribution is not acknowledged. This act has failed to attract the public support due to infringed upon a human rights of poor native people.Environmental Education 7. Efforts are now being made to make up for gaps in laws by introducing the principles of Public trust or human rights protection. 8. The powers of this act are concerned with the central government. 3.9.1 Kyoto Protocol The Kyoto protocol is protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on climate change (UNFCCC or FCCC), aimed at fighting global warming. The UNFCCC is an_ international environmental treaty with the goal of achievingh stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level thet climate system. Under the protocol , 37 industrialized countries called as Annex I countries, commit them- selves toa reduction of f our greenhouse gases (GHG) namely carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, sulphur hexafliuoride and two groups of gases like hydrofluorocarbons and perfluotocarbons produced by then, and all member countries give genaral commitments. Annex I countries agreed to reduce their collective greenhouse gas emissions by 5.2% from the 1990 level. Emission limits do not include emission by international aviation and shipping, but are in addition to the industrial gases, chlorofluorocarbons, or (CFCs), which are dealt with under the 1987 Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. The protocol allows for several flexible mechanisms, such as emissions trading, the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and joint implementaion to allows Annex I countries to meet their GHG emissions reductions credits from elsewhere, through financial exchanges, projects that reduce emissions in non- Annex I countries, from other Annex I countries, or from annex I conries with excess allowances. Kyoto is intended to cut global emissions of greenhouse gases. The objective is the stabilization and reconstruction of greenhouse gas concentrstions in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenoc interference with the climate system. The objective of the Kyoto climate change conference was to establish a legally binding international agreement, whereby all the participating nations commit themselvesv to tacking the issue of global warming and greenhouse gas emissions. The target agreed upon was an average reduction of 5.2% from 1990 levels by the year 2012. Countray to popular belief, the protocol will not exepire in 2012. In 2012, Annex I countries must have fulfilled their obligations of reduction of greenhouse gases emissions established for the first commitment period (2008-2012). The five principal concepts Oof the Kyoto Protocol are: « Commitments to reduce greenhouse gases that are legally binding for annex I countries, as well as general commitments for all member countries. « Implementation to meet the Protocol objectives, to prepare policies and measures which reduce greenhouse gases, incresing absorption of these gases (for example through 150Conservation of Environment geosequestration and biosequestration) and useall mechanism available, such as joint imple- mentation, clean development mehchanism and emissions trading; being rewarded with credits which allow more greenhouse gasemissions at home. Minimizing impacts on develeping countries by estsblishing an adaptation found for climate change. « Accounting, reporting and reviw to ensure the integrity if the protocol.\ » Compliance by estsblishing a compliance committed to enforce commitment to the Proto- col. 3.9.2, Motreal Protocol The Motreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer , a protocol the Vienna Convention for the Protection of Ozone Layer is an international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of a number of substances believed to be responsible for ozone depletion. The treaty was opened for signature on September 16, 1987, and entered into force on January 1, 1989, followed by a first meeting in Helsinki, May 1989. Since then, it has undergone seven revisions, in 1990 (London), 1991 (Nairobi), 1992 (Copenhagen), 1993 (Bankok), 1995 (Vienna), 1997 (Montreal), and 1999 (beijing). It is believed that if the international agree- ment is adhered to, the ozone layer is expected to been hailed as an example of exceptional international co-operation with Kofi Annan quoted as saying that “perhaps the single most suc- cessful international agreement to date has the been Montreal Protocol” It has been ratified by 196 states. This treaty has been very effective especially due ato the fact that it has instated a 10 year phasae out of CFC’s by developing countries, made possible through the multilateral fund by the developed countries with insufficient funds for transitions. The Montreal Protocol is also trying to phase out and crub more chemicals tat are depleting the ozone layer of our atmosphere. Due to all of these enforcements of the Montreal Protocol, and the fact that it was agreed to by so many countries around the world, by 2009 CFC emissiions where almost zero.CFC’s and HFC’s through they deplet the ozone, are also heat trapping polltants. The phasing out of these chemicals has led toa greater slowing of climate change. Anenvironmental movement can be defined as a social or political mvement, for the conservation of the environment or for the improvement of the state of the environment. The term “green Movement” or “conservation Movement” are alterantively used to denote the same. The envi- ronmental movements favour the sustainable management of natural resources. The movements often stress the protection of the environment via changes in public policy. Many movements are ————————_—_—— mnEnvironmental Education centered on ecology, health and human rights. Environmental movements range from the highly organized and formally institutionalized ones to the radcally informed activities. The spatial scope of various environmental movements ranges from being local to almost global. 3.10.1 Bishnois of Rajasthan Amrita Devi, a female villager could not bear to witness the destruction of both her faith and the village’s sacred trees. She hugged the trees and encouraged others to do the same. It was started in 400. years ago by a Sage known as Sombaji. in Rajasthan, a large number of trees are still worshiped by devotees. People resisted the cutting of such tree & advocated movement against deforestation. This movement was the first of its kind to have developed the strategy of hugging or embracing the trees for their protection spontaneously. Objectives of Movement « _ Toconserve bio-diversity of the area so as to ensure a health Eco-friendly sociallife for the community. To promoting personal hygiene and maintaining good basic health, healthy socialbehavior. To defend against the cutting of such trees and advocated movement against deforestation. Topreserve bio-diversity and encourage good animal husbandry. Origin of the Bishnois The sect Bishnoism was founded by Guru Jambheshwar. He had laid down 29 principles to be followed by the sect. Bish means 20 and noi means 9. Thus, Bishnoi translates as Twenty-nine. Those who follow from their heart of 29 principles will be called ‘BISHNOI’. The Bishnoi is a non-violent community of nature worshippers of in western India especially in Rajasthan Principles of Bishnoism The Bishnoism was founded in year of 1485 by Guru Jambheshwar, who was born in 1451. He announced a set of 29 tenets, from which the name Bishnoi is derived (Bish means twenty, Noi means nine). His spiritual name was Jambhaji. Of his 29 tenets, ten are directed towards. per- sonal hygiene and maintaining good basic health, nine for healthy social behaviour, four tenets to the worship of God, andsix tenets have been prescribed to preserve bio-diversity and encourage good animal husbandry. Of the 6 tenets that focus on protecting nature, the two most profound ones are: Jeev Daya Palani — Be compassionate to all living beings. Runkh Lila Nahi Ghave —Do not cut green trees. The principles were not only tailored to conserve bio- diversity of the area but also ensured eco-friendly social life. For modern societies it is unbeliev- able to find that Bishnoi women feed milk to the babies of the black deer with their breast caring ——Conservation of Environment for them as their own children. It determined the adherence of Bishnois to such values that has helped them survive and ensure the survival of the fragile desert ecosystem. Amrita Devi and Bishnoi Movement: On a Tuesday (The 10th day of the month of Bhadrapad according to the Indian Lunar Calendar) in 1730 A.D., Amrita Devi, a Bishnoi woman was at her home with her three daughters (Asu, Ratni and Bhagu Bai) when she came to know that a number of people had descended on their otherwise sleepy village of Khejarli. The name Khejarli was derived from ‘Khejri’ (Prosopis cineraria), since these trees were found in abundance in the village. The people were a party of men sent by Maharaja Abhay Singh, the ruler of the kingdom of Jodhpur in the Marwar region, who wanted to fall green Khejri trees to bum lime for the construction of the Maharaja's new palace. Since there was a lot of greenery in the Bishnoi villages even in the middle of the Thar Desert, the king ordered his men to get the wood by cutting The Khejri trees. Amrita Devi decided to literally hug the trees, and encouraged others to do so too, proclaiming: “A chopped head is cheaper than a felled tree.” Bishnois from Khejri and nearby villages came to the forest and embraced the trees one by one to protect them from being cut down. As each villager hugged a tree, refusing to let go, they were beheaded by the soldiers. This voluntary martyrdom continued until 363 Bishnoi villagers were killed in the name of the sacred Khejarli forest! From the various sources of research, it is revealed that people from 49 villages sacrificed their lives, 294 of them were men and 69 were women, 36 of them were married couples including one newly married one who was passing by Khejadali village when the massacre was taking place. This event is believed to have taken place on 9 September 1730. Once word got back to the King about this activity he rushed to the village and apologized, ordering the soldiers to cease logging operations. Soon afterwards, the maharajah designated the Bishnoi state as a protected area, forbidding harm to trees and animals. This legislation still exists today in the region. 3.10.2 Chipko Movement The Chipko movement, also known as the Chipko Andolan, was a forest conservation movement. It was an ecological movement that took place in the northern Himalayas segment of Uttar Pradesh (later Uttarakhand) during the 1970s. Chipko Movement was a non-violent movement aimed at protection and conservation of trees and forests from being destroyed. It created an example for starting of non-violent protest in India, and its success meant that the world immedi- ately took notice. It inspired many such eco-groups by helping to slow down the rapid deforesta- tion, expose vested interests, increase ecological awareness, and demonstrate the viability of people power. The movement got its name from the word ‘embrace or hug’ and that’s what hundreds of nature lovers did in order to save the trees from being illegally chopped down. Today, Google celebrates the 45th anniversary of Chipko Movement. ‘The movement was particularly led by women in India and aimed at protecting trees and forests slated for government-backed logging. The incident inspired the several other rural women, 153Environmental Education who in 1970’s launched such similar movements in different parts of India. It is really surprising that the women of that age were better aware of the significance of forests. Rural women in India actively participated in the movement about deforestation and its consequences. Some of the key women leaders who fought for the protection of forests, whom they call their maternal mother, were Gaura Devi, Sudesha Devi, Bachni Devi, Dev Suman, Mira Behn, Sarala Behn and Amrita Devi. Important Points of Chipko Movement Sunderlal Bahuguna coined the Chipko slogan, “Ecology is permanent economy”. « Chipko Andolan began to preserve the nature from being mercilessly destroyed on accounts of dam construction, setting up of factories or roads. « The original movement dates back to the 1 8th century in Rajasthan where people of Bishnoi community resisted deforestation by embracing them. «The movement was led by Amrita Devi, 383 people from 84 villages sacrificed their lives protecting a group of Kehri trees. Sunderlal Bahuguna along with Dhoom Singh Negi, Bachni Devi, Chandi Prasad Bhatt took part in the Chipko Andolan. « The movement got its name from the word ‘embrace or hug’ and that’s what hundreds of nature lovers did in order to save the trees from being illegally chopped down. 3.10.3 Silent Valley When the Kerala State Electricity Board announced plans to begin the construction of a 240 MW hydroelectric project over the Kunthipuzha river flowing through the Palakkad and Mallapuram districts in 1976, it triggered a wave of protests across the state. Soon it became India's first major environmental movement resulting in far-reaching changes in the way the nation cleared infra- structure projects. The protesters, spear-headed by the Kerala Shastra Sahitya Parishad, a voluntary organisation to promote scientific temperament, produced hard facts. It showed the enormous damage the project would cause by submerging 530 hectare of pristine evergreen forests rich in biodiversity. Known as the Silent Valley, a misnomer because the dense forests are teeming with life, it was one of the world’s ecological hotspots. The Valley harboured a range of species endemic to the region, including the lion-tailed macaque, that faced the threat of extinction. In 1980, the then prime minister Indira Gandhi told the state government to abandon the project. She declared the area a National Park and by 1984 the necessary legislation was in place to ensure that status. The agitation led to the establishment of stringent clearances including a mandatory environmental impact assessment report to be 154Conservation of Environment submitted to the Central Government for clearance of any major project that had ecological implications. The success of the ‘Save Silent Valley! movement became the inspiration for similar agita- tions, including the Narmada Bachao Andolan and protests against the Tehri Dam. Today, the virgin forests and the unparalleled beauty of the park bear silent testimony to what a determined band of environmentally conscious individuals can achieve if they combine forces. Significance of Silent Valley + The valley is famous for many rare species of birds and animals, + Birdlife International listed 16 bird species in Silent Valley as threatened or restricted. © The mammals in the valley include Gaur, the largest of all wild cattle. There are at least 34 species of mammals at Silent Valley, including the threatened species of mammals. « Over 128 species of butterflies and 400 species of moths live here. + Silent Valley is identified as a region with high biodiversity and an important Gene Pool resource for Recombinant DNA innovations by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, ICAR (India). After completing this unit , you heave learnt Explain sustainability Development. Importance of Afforestration. Conservation of biodiversity. e Uses of renewable sources. Montreal and Kyto protocols, I. Short Answer Questions 1. Whatis sustainability? Explain sustainability development. What are the uses of Alternative energy resources? 2. 3, 4. Write a short notes on Environmental protection Act-1986? 5. Write a short note on wild life act? 6. Explain various values in biodiversity.eG“ Environmental Education 7. Explain different levels of biodiversity and classification of biodiversity. 8. What is solid waste management? 9. Define Environmental Movements. 10. Bishoni movement. II. Long Answer Questions 1. Write a brief note on Environmental laws? 2. — State the typical features of Environmental Protection Act. 3. _ Discuss briefly on environment protection act, 1986. 4. What are the penalties for violations under the EPA? 5. How are terms environment, environmental pollutant, environmental pollution and hazardous substance define under E.P.A 1986? 6 Write a short notes on hotspots of biodiversity. 7. Discuss briefly the provision of the Forest Conservation Act of 1980. 8. Write the formulation and approval Proposal of Forest Act. 9. Describe in detail about solid waste management. 10. What is solid waste management? Explain briefly various management practices of solid waste. 11. What are the control measures of soil pollution? 12. What are the control measures taken to prevent noise pollution. 13. Discuss about sustainability. 14. What are the goals of sustainable development? 15. Explain judicious use of land for acieveing sustainable development. 16. Discuss judicious use of water for achieving sustainable development? 17. Explain use of forest resources for acheiving sustainable development. 18. Define afforestration and its advantages and limitations... 19. Define conservation of biodiversity, it methods and strategies. 20. Discuss chipko movemet? 21. Explainsilent valley movement. 1, Which one is the right abbreviation of EIA? () (a) Energy impact assessment (b) Ecological impact assessment (c) Emission in atmosphere (d) Enviromental impact assessment