ABSTRACT
Our life on this earth is ecologically intertwined. Sustainable development denotes improving the quality of life within the carrying capacity of the supporting ecosystem. Sustainable development and effective rehabilitation and management of ecosystem with adequate concern for biodiversity represent two sides of the same coin. The conservation of our rich biodiversity heritage portends better quality of life for the present as well as future generations. The biodiversity outlook of the last decade indicates that biodiversity is declining at all levels and on geographical scales. However, targeted response options such as the expansion of protected areas, resource management and pollution prevention can reverse this trend for specific habitats and species. For instance, protected area coverage has doubled over the past 20 years and terrestrial Protected Area net work now covers 12 percent of the earth’s surface. Tropical Forest cover in several countries in Asia and Pacific is showing signs of recovery in the last decade with an increase of 0.5 million hectares every year between 2005 to 2010. Water quality in Europe, North America and Latin America has improved since 1980. The National River Conservation Plan and the National Lake Conservation Plan of the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India over the last two decades aim to improve water quality in rivers and lakes albeit with limited success. But the active participation of all stakeholders including local bodies, industries and the public at large alone can bring glory back to rivers and lakes. The experience in other developed countries indicates that such transformation is not impossible. Biodiversity conservation is essential for the sustenance and wellbeing of the present and future generations. As John Sawhill said, “In the end our society will be defined not by what we create but what we refuse to destroy.’’ The global agreements such as CBD provide a framework for sustainable future for mankind. But success of these global agreements depends on the commitment and action at the national and local level to live in harmony with nature and conserve biodiversity for the posterity.
