Current Affairs-Topics

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

More Related Articles

Climate Change in the Hindu Kush Himalaya

The Himalayan Cryosphere is a vital component of the global climate system. Snow persistence refers to how long snow stays on the ground before melting, which is crucial for maintaining steady river

IMD Heatwave Alert for Delhi

Delhi is bracing itself for an intense heatwave this weekend as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave alert for April 25 and 26, 2025. The national capital is likely to

Blackbuck Population and Grassland Ecosystems

India's blackbuck population, once on the brink of extinction, has been a focal point of conservation efforts in recent years. As the world celebrates efforts toward wildlife protection, the bla

A Water Revolution Uplifting 200 Families

By ascending from the lowest council position to the highest, he serves as a testament to the tenacity of India's democratic system. Water is life in rural areas of India, where agriculture rema

North India Heatwave 2025: Early Warning Signs

It’s only April, and the North India heatwave 2025 has already gripped the region with extreme temperatures. From Delhi to Rajasthan, the rising mercury is pushing people indoors and putting

Naini Lake Water Levels Hit Record Low

We recorded a concerning drop in water levels, measuring just 4.7 feet—marking a five-year low. This alarming situation has raised serious concerns about water scarcity and environmental sus

Deadly Earthquake in Myanmar & Bangkok

On March 28, 2025, a powerful Myanmar earthquake of 7.7 magnitude struck central Myanmar, with tremors felt as far as Bangkok, Thailand. The epicenter was situated near Mandalay, the second-larges

Increase in Zika Virus Cases in Maharashtra

The Zika virus has become a significant public health concern in Pune district, Maharashtra. In 2024, Pune accounted for 125 of the 151 confirmed Zika cases reported across India. This sur

Geo-Tagging Helps Preserve Kashmir’s Iconic Chinar Trees

Kashmir’s iconic chinar trees, celebrated for their cultural and ecological importance, are facing growing threats from urbanization and infrastructure expansion. To address this, th

Indore and Udaipur Added to Global Wetland Cities Network

Indore and Udaipur have made history as the first cities from India to receive accreditation as Wetland Cities under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. This recognition marks a significant

Toppers

anil kumar
Akshay kuamr
geeta kumari
shubham