Title: Training Module for Biodiversity Conservation in Sikkim
KeyWords: Concept of Ecosystem, Wetland Biodiversity, Endemism, Biodiversity Hotspots
Year of Publication: 2019
ISSN No: NA
Author Name: Indian Institute of Public Administration, New Delhi
Details:
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The training module provides an overview of the importance of biodiversity conservation goals. It describes specific methods and approaches that can be used to achieve mainstreaming of biodiversity concerns into different development plans and programmes. These tools and strategies include incorporating biodiversity into different development plans by using sectoral strategies and tools as entry points for mainstreaming. The module consists of five sub modules. The first sub module is an introductory part that describes the concept of biodiversity and emphasises its importance for human wellbeing and ecosystem sustainability. It also highlights the uniqueness of Sikkim’s biodiversity and threats to it.
The aim of the second sub-module titled “Methods of Conservation”, is to create awareness among the stakeholders about the need, methods and strategies for the conservation of biodiversity, different purpose of action plans and laws and acts related to biodiversity conservation. In addition, case studies of biodiversity conservation from different regions are also given in this sub module to serve, as an effective tool box which can be used by the stakeholders to carryout biodiversity conservation activities in their respective areas.
The third sub-module titled “Community & Governance” explains the importance of community participation for conservation of biodiversity and explains the concept of Biodiversity Management Committees (BMC’s), Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMC’s) and Eco-Developmental committees (EDC) as well as their roles. It describes importance of People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR), as well as highlights the concept of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and Geographical Indicators (GIs).
The fourth sub- module titled “Mainstreaming Biodiversity” explains the importance and need for mainstreaming biodiversity at all levels (policy, investment and practice) and across all sectors. It also elucidates ecosystem approach and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for harmonizing development and biodiversity.
The fifth sub-module titled “SWOT Analysis”, Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) is a very simple and highly effective tool, which will help participants to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in each specific sector. This analysis will provide significant information that is helpful in identifying conservation priorities and defining management strategies to assure biodiversity conservation in specific sectors such as agriculture, tourism, horticulture and the like.
The module will create awareness about the importance of biodiversity and need for its conservation. It will help in capacity building among various stakeholders for mainstreaming biodiversity into developmental plans so that they are complementary with biodiversity conservation goals.