India Ranks 176th in Global Nature Conservation Index 2024

India has ranked 176th in the Global Nature Conservation Index 2024, ranking 176th out of 180 countries. The index evaluates conservation efforts using four key pillars: land management, threats to biodiversity, capacity and governance, and future trends.

About the Global Nature Conservation Index

First-ever Nature Conservation Index launched in October 2024
Developed by Goldman Sonnenfeldt School and BioDB.com
Evaluates conservation efforts using four key pillars:
- Land management
- Threats to biodiversity
- Capacity and governance
- Future trends
Uses 25 performance indicators based on World Bank and IUCN data
Designed as unbiased tool to assess conservation challenges
Helps governments and organizations enhance conservation policies

India's Performance Analysis

Overall score: 45.5 out of 100, ranking 176th among 180 countries

Category-wise rankings:

- Land Management: 154th (score 42)
- Threat to Biodiversity: 177th (score 54)
- Capacity and Governance: 115th (score 60)
- Future Trends: 133rd (score 35)
Among bottom five performers alongside Kiribati, Turkey, Iraq, and Micronesia
Particularly poor performance in marine conservation
- Only 0.2% of national waterways protected
- No protection within Exclusive Economic Zone

Key Environmental Challenges

53% land conversion rate for urban, industrial, and agricultural use
High pesticide usage and soil pollution concerns
Sustainable nitrogen index at 0.77

Significant biodiversity threats:

- Loss of 23,300 sq. km tree cover (2001-2019)
- 67.5% marine species showing population decline
- 46.9% terrestrial species facing population decrease
Fourth-largest illegal wildlife trader globally
Annual illegal wildlife trade worth £15 billion
Climate change impacts on alpine regions and coral reefs

Global Rankings and Future Prospects

Top Performing Countries:

Luxembourg (70.8)
Estonia (70.5)
Denmark (69.0)
Finland (66.9)
United Kingdom (66.6)

Recommendations for Improvement:

Strengthen enforcement of conservation laws
Enhance international cooperation
Secure funding for environmental initiatives
Implement sustainable development practices
Focus on marine conservation
Address soil pollution
Protect remaining forest cover
Combat illegal wildlife trade

Compressed Biogas Plant Launch

India has launched its first cooperative multi-feed Compressed Biogas (CBG) plant in Kopargaon, Maharashtra. This is a big step toward renewable energy, green energy, and sustainable rural development

Project Dolphin India

Project Dolphin India is a flagship initiative by the Government of India aimed at conserving India’s dolphin species, both in rivers and marine ecosystems. Launched under the theme of human

Madhya Pradesh’s Gaj Rakshak App

The Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh is not only famous for its tigers but has also become home to a growing population of elephants. With this increase, human-elephant conflicts have e

Mountain Ecosystem Explained

The fragile mountain ecosystem of the Himalayas is facing unprecedented climate risks and ecological challenges. At the 12th Sustainable Mountain Development Summit (SMDS-XII) held in Dehradun, ex

Draft 2025 Solid Waste Management

India marks 25 years since its first Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Rules in 2000. Over the years, the country has seen evolving regulations and infrastructure aimed at cleaner cities, but many urban

Floods and Landslides in Hilly Regions

The current monsoon has brought unusually intense rainfall to hilly states such as Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, exacerbating the incidence of floods and landslides. Rivers are swelling to per

India’s CO₂ Emissions Drop in 2025

India’s CO₂ emissions have always been a critical issue in the context of sustainable development, economic growth, and climate change. For the first time outside a crisis period like the

National Geothermal Energy Policy 2025

Initiative to expand India’s clean energy portfolio, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), has launched the National Geothermal Energy Policy 2025. This marks India’s f

Gangotri Glacier System Melting

The Gangotri Glacier System is the primary source of the Ganga River, with its flow comprising snowmelt, glacier melt, rainfall-runoff, and base flow. Historically, snowmelt dominated the annual f

Current Sundarbans Tiger Population

The Sundarbans Tiger Reserve (STR) in West Bengal has recently made headlines as it expanded in August 2025, following approval from the National Board of Wildlife (NBWL). This expansion adds 1,04