ISAS Insights

Protected Areas (PAs) in India represent an attempt to ensure the ecological protection of the country, inclusive of wildlife, ecosystem functions and bio-cultural heritage. Despite a strong legal framework, the PAs face threats from the expanding development and infrastructure projects, poor management and the increasing biotic pressure on ecosystems. In this paper, the effectiveness of the PA network in India is examined from the point of view of socioeconomic sustainability and long-term viability. Moreover, the local- and national-level policies that are required to mainstream the PAs into the national development process are elaborated. A two-pronged approach at two different levels - re-aligning national policies to encourage green growth and mitigating costs to local communities - is suggested.