Introduction:

1. Environmental and ecological issues have emerged as central challenges in the 21st century, affecting climate stability, biodiversity, and human well-being.
2. With rapid industrialisation, urbanisation, and population growth, ecosystems are under increasing pressure. India, being ecologically diverse and climate-sensitive, must balance development needs with conservation goals to ensure sustainable and resilient growth.

Role of Community Participation:

1. Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK): Indigenous communities possess rich knowledge about local ecosystems. Initiatives like the Sacred Groves of Meghalaya and Orans in Rajasthan showcase community-led biodiversity preservation.
2. Forest Rights and Protection: Under the Forest Rights Act, 2006, local communities have legal rights to conserve forests. Examples like Joint Forest Management (JFM) in Madhya Pradesh and Odisha highlight collaborative success.
3. Disaster Resilience: Community-led early warning systems and adaptation practices like mangrove plantation by coastal communities in Sundarbans help mitigate climate-induced disasters.
4. Behavioral Change: Community-based awareness and participation in movements such as Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and Jal Shakti Abhiyan have created significant impact in conservation efforts.

Role of Decentralised Governance:

1. Empowered Local Bodies: The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments empower Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to manage natural resources locally.
2. Gram Sabhas & Biodiversity Committees: Under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, local bodies prepare People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBRs) for documenting flora and fauna.
3. Contextual Decision-Making: Local governance ensures that policies are tailored to regional ecological conditions and social needs, enhancing sustainability.

Conclusion:

Strengthening environmental conservation in India requires empowering local stakeholders. A bottom-up approach involving community knowledge, participation, and local governance ensures ecological justice, sustainability, and resilience against emerging environmental threats.