Indira Gandhi National Open University

PTS-05

A STUDY ON CONSERVATION OF LOCAL ENVIRONMENT

By RUPAM DEBSHARMA

ENROLMENT NO:2003821596

The School of Tourism and Hospitality Services Management, IGNOU

In partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of Bachelor’s Degree in

tourism studies year of submission 2022.
Programme code: BTS (Bachelors of Arts in Tourism Management
Course code: PTS-05
Enrolment no: 2003821596
Study centre code: 0713
Regional centre: 07
Topic of the Report: A STUDY ON CONSERVATION OF LOCAL ENVIRONMENT
Project Report submitted to the Indira Gandhi National Open University in partial fulfillment
of the requirements for the award of the diploma in tourism Studies/Bachelor’s Degree in
Tourism Studies. I hereby declare that this is my original work and has not been submitted
elsewhere
Name of the candidate: RUPAM DEBSHARMA
Institutional Address:B2/70, Near Badarpur Metro Station, Mohan Cooperative Industrial
Estate, Badarpur, New Delhi, 11004
Year:2020-2023
 Certificate
Certified that the project report entitled To Study on conservation of local environment
submitted by RUPAM DEBSHARMA is his own work and has been done under my
supervision.
It is recommended that this project be placed before the examiner for evaluation.

(Signature of the Supervisor)

Name: ___________________________________

Address: _________________________________

Study Centre: _____________________________

Regional Centre: ___________________________

Date: ____________________________________
 Acknowledgement
The possibility of this project report being what it is today is with due to thanks to all those
has helped me directly or in their own in directed way.
Last but not least, nothing would ever happen without the grace of god. The almighty that
showed his blessing to accomplish my task in time.

RUPAM DEBSHARMA
 SYNOPSIS
Conservation is a very broad concept and very important topic of all times. As
conservation refers to safeguard of resources and using them in limited
amount according to the requirements. Conservation is not just limited to one
specific thing but to all living and non-living things present on the earth such as
plants, animals and other species. Everything on earth is dependent on each
other in some or the other way. If anyone gets destroyed then it may harm the
ecological system of the world. As many ways we can adopt to conserve the
resources or living things we should adopt as it is considered to be as the most
important to have a good life as if the resources or things on earth get finished
then it may lead harm to the environment and an end to the world. Ways
through which one can contribute towards conservation is by planting trees as
it helps in proving oxygen. Planting of tress is important as the population is
increasing the area to live is also increasing which is resulting is cutting down of
tress to build buildings for livelihood. People should stop smoking as it is
harmful for the heath of that individual as well as for the surrounding people
and it even increases the level of pollution is air which is harmful for the
environment.
Conserving water can be done in many ways such as closing water tap when
not in use, taking short time showers, washing cloths when full load, etc. these
ways may help in saving of water which is the most important source for every
individual to live livelihood. Conservation of energy can be done in many ways
such as by switching off the switch or unplugging of things not in use. Avoid
using of plastic as it is considered to be harmful for the environment. Recycling
of resources can also help in conserving environmental resources. Making
people aware about conservation can be some of the steps which may help in
the conservation of resources and help in the betterment of the environment.
Security related to food and water may also act as issues related to
conservation. The ecological problem faced by us such as climate change,
flooding, drought, ice caps melting and many more are the effects of our water
and food security.
 Index

S.no. Topic
1. Introduction
2. Importance of environmental conservation
3. Legal actions by government
4. Steps taken by Central Government
5. Important wildlife projects
6. Kinds of conservation
7. Factors affecting environment
8. Ways to conserve natural resources
 Introduction

Conservation refers to the preservation and care of these resources so that they can be
passed on to future generations. It entails preserving species variety, DNA, and ecosystems,
as well as environmental services like nitrogen cycling.
Conservation and preservation are similar in that they both aim to safeguard the
environment, but they go about it in different ways. Conservation aims to allow humans to
utilise nature in a sustainable way, such as for hunting, logging, or mining, whereas
preservation aims to safeguard nature from human use.
The way the US handles its public lands exemplifies this distinction. National Parks, for
example, are dedicated to preservation with a focus on creating little disruption to the
scenery or ecosystem, but National Forests can be utilised for cattle grazing, timber,
hunting, and pleasure.
Continued human population increase has resulted in unsustainable rates of natural
resource use, leading in a loss of biodiversity on Earth. Habitat degradation, climate change,
invasive species, overexploitation, and pollution are the primary causes of biodiversity loss.
Species extinction and declining biodiversity are inextricably linked. While extinction is a
natural process, the rate at which it occurs now is alarming. Scientists believe that present
extinction rates are nearly a thousand times greater than what would be predicted based on
the fossil record, and that we may be in the midst of a major extinction event, defined as
the extinction of 75 percent or more of a species at once.
The passenger pigeon's extinction is a well-known example of an extinction induced by
human activities. When Europeans came, it was the most numerous land bird in North
America, with a population of three to five billion. Despite its large population, overhunting
caused this pigeon to go extinct in the wild by the 1900s. Martha, the last individual bird,
died in captivity at the Cincinnati Zoo in 1941.
To fight these extinction pressures, conservation methods and laws have been
implemented, ranging from the eradication of invasive species to the creation of protected
area for wildlife and plants, as well as the establishment of the United States Endangered
Species Act (ESA). Currently, more than 26,500 species are thought to be endangered,
however exact figures are difficult to come by.
The vaquita, a tiny porpoise, is one of these species. The vaquita is the world's most
endangered marine animal, with less than thirty individuals left in the wild. They exclusively
live in the Gulf of California's northern reaches, and their main danger is an illegal totoaba
fishing. The vaquita gets hooked up in the nets used to collect totoaba, which are
endangered in their own right.
Despite conservation efforts, the vaquita is expected to become extinct in the next years
due to its low population and ongoing threats. Other creatures, including as the grizzly bear,
bald eagle, and California condor, have come back from the brink of extinction because to
ESA conservation efforts.

Importance of environmental conservation

It has become inherently important to work towards environmental conservation in
contemporary times. The following pointers elucidate this crucial need to save the
environment from further degradation:
1. To reduce air, water and land pollution
2. To facilitate the conservation of natural resources for our future generations
3. To ensure the protection of biodiversity
4. To implement sustainable development
5. To restore the ecological balance
6. To save our planet from harmful repercussions of global warming

Legal action by government towards conservation

 The wildlife protection act, 1972: - The objective to pass this law was to provide
protection to the wild animals, birds and plants. Under this act sanctuaries and national
parks were built to conserve plants and animals. Even, punishment for violation against
wild animals was imposed.
 The water prevention and control of Pollution act, 1974: - The objective to pass this law
was to have a proper check on water pollution. For this comprehensive legislation
agencies were regulated to check on water pollution and ambit of pollution control
boards at both centre and state.
 The forest conservation act, 1980: - This act was passed by parliament of India for the
conservation of forests. It was passed to improve the standard of living of people living
nearby forest and conserve natural resources of forests. It helps in the prevention of
flora, fauna, and other diverse ecological system.
 The air prevention and control of pollution act, 1981: - This law was pass by Parliament
of India with an objective to prevent and control the harmful effects of air in India. This
was considered to be as the first act taken by Indian government against combat air
pollution. This act was taken to have an overlook on the measure to improve air quality
and to have a regular check on air quality index. So that the air quality can be
maintained to safeguard the environment and environment conditions.
 The environment protection act, 1986: - This act was pass by Parliament of India to
enable the central governments to take essential measures to protect and improve
environment and to prevent, control and abate environmental pollution. Under this law
if any individual tries to endanger the environment, safety and health would be given
punishment with some strict action.
 The motor vehicle act, 1938: - This act was passed by the Parliament of India which
regulates all the aspects of road transport vehicles. Under this act the vehicle needs to
have all the documentation which includes of vehicle permit, license, insurance, etc.
which is issued to the vehicles which are in good health that is the vehicle which is not
harmful for the environment.
 Biological diversity act, 2002: - This act aims at the conservation of biological resources,
managing its sustainable use and having its fair and equitable sharing benefits arising
from the use of these resources. From biological resource it means to safeguard the
plants, animals and other natural species which are important for the society.
 National green tribunal act, 2010: - This act was passed to provide effective and
expeditious disposal of causes related to environmental protection and conservation of
forests and other natural resources including enforcement of any legal right related to
environment.
 Fishers Act, 1897: - This act was pass with the motive of providing management and
control and fisheries, for the conservation and protection of fish habitat and pollution
prevention. This act allows fish movement freely and prohibition of harmful substances
into water frequently by fishes.
 Mining and mineral development regulation act, 1957: - This act was pass with interest
of regulation of mining and minerals development to safeguard the minerals of the
environment for current generation as well as for future generation. This act was
applicable to all mineral except minor minerals and atomic minerals.

Steps taken by Central Government

There was a time not long ago when there was little human meddling and nature thrived
without fear of extinction. With the passage of time and the rise of industry, agricultural
activity, livestock keeping, and other developmental initiatives, we have reached a point
where numerous animal species have been proclaimed extinct, with others on the edge of
extinction. Massive wildlife loss has resulted through habitat loss and destruction, habitat
fragmentation and degradation, and mass-scale kills of wild animals for their fur, bones,
teeth, hair, flesh, and meat all over the world. As a result, the government must take fast
action and take steps to protect animals. It necessitates adequate careful supervision and a
sensible approach to wildlife protection. a select few are as follows:

 The Central Government has introduced the Wildlife Protection Act (1972), which,
among other things, provides for the creation of protected areas for wildlife
protection and enumerates the punishments and penalties that will be imposed for
hunting of specified fauna listed in Schedules I to IV of the Wild Life (Protection) Act,
1972.
 A Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) has been formed to combat illicit wildlife
trading and exploitation, especially endangered animals. They also guarantee that
authorities and state governments work together to effectively implement the law.
 Wildlife Institute of India, Bombay Natural History Society, and Salim Ali Centre for
Ornithology and Natural History are among the institutions that have conducted
research on wildlife protection.
 Under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, the federal government also entrusted
the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) with apprehending and prosecuting wildlife
criminals, as well as identifying illegal hunters and persons involved.
 The government has outlawed the hunting of endangered animals and the use of
diclofenac in veterinary medicine, both of which have contributed to the Gyps
vulture's fast population reduction across the Indian subcontinent. The Bombay
Natural History Society has started conservation breeding programmes for these
 vulture species in places like Pinjore (Haryana), Buxa (West Bengal), and Rani,
Guwahati (Assam) (BNHS).
 In the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats, a federally funded programme, a
new component called "Recovery of Endangered Species" has been included. Snow
Leopard in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Arunachal
Pradesh, Bustard (including Floricans), Dolphin, Hangul, Nilgiri Tahr in Tamil Nadu,
Marine Turtles, Dugong, Edible Nest Swiftlet in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Asian
Wild Buffalo, Nicobar Megapode, Manipur Brow-antlered Deer, Vultures, Malabar
Civet, Indian Rhinoceros
 The Central Government has also established countrywide protected area networks,
such as National Parks, Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves, and Community
Reserves, to provide better protection to wildlife, including threatened flora and
fauna and their habitat, as per the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
There are 730 Protected Areas in the country, including 103 National Parks, 535
Wildlife Sanctuaries, 26 Community Reserves, and 66 Conservation Reserves.
 Various Centrally Sponsored Schemes, like as 'Integrated Development of Wildlife
Habitats,' 'Project Tiger,' and 'Project Elephant,' provide financial and technical help
to state governments and union territories for better wildlife protection and
conservation, as well as habitat enhancement. State governments have been asked
to beef up field formations and increase patrolling in and around Protected Areas.
 The National Biological Diversity Act (NBA) of 2002 was passed to safeguard the
conservation of endangered species and their habitats. Species on the verge of
extinction or likely to go extinct in the near future as endangered species are notified
under Section 38 of the NBA, 2002.
 Project Tiger, Project Elephant, Crocodile Conservation Project, UNDP Sea Turtle
Project, Project Rhino, the Great Indian Bustard, and many more eco-development
initiatives are among the numerous that the Indian government has undertaken.
Some of them have been discussed in more detail below.

Important Wildlife projects by Indian Government

 Project Tiger: - It is a government-sponsored programme that began in 1973 with
the goal of saving the endangered Indian Tiger. The tiger population has plummeted
in recent decades. The National Tiger Conservation Authority was established for this
purpose. The initiative began with nine Tiger reserves and now has over twenty.
Every four years, a tiger census is conducted..
 Project Elephant: - It, too, is a government-sponsored programme that began in
1992. It is in use in 13 different states. 88 Elephant corridors were built as a result of
this. In collaboration with the Wildlife Trust of India, the Ministry of Environment,
Forest and Climate Change created the Haathi Mere Saathi initiative..
 Sea Turtle Project: - It was founded in 1999 by the Ministry of Environment, Forests
and Climate Change in conjunction with the United Nations Development
Programme (UNDP). During the winter, the Olive Ridley Turtle travels to India. The
Wildlife Institute of India is the project's implementing agency. It is classified as
Vulnerable by the IUCN.
  Crocodile conservation Project: - The primary goal of this initiative is to safeguard
the surviving crocodile population in its natural environment. The IUCN lists
"Ghariyal" as Critically Endangered.
 Project Dolphine: - The Ganges River Dolphin has been designated as a National
Aquatic Animal by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The
Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 included it in Schedule I.
Pollution of river water, poaching, and siltation are all major threats.

Kinds of conservation
 Biodiversity conservation :- Biodiversity, often known as biological diversity, refers to
the wide range of living things on the planet. Animals, plants, and other living creatures
are an important part of nature and add to life's beauty and wonder. Scientists have
categorised between 1,400,000 and 1,700,000 species, despite the fact that biologists
cannot agree on the real number of species on the planet. However, most experts
estimate there are at least 4 million additional species that have yet to be investigated,
with some scientists speculating that the number may be as high as 30 million. Genetic
differences across populations of a same species are also possible. That is, they have
unique genes, which are biological components that pass along certain features from
generation to generation. Biodiversity is enhanced by genetic variances.
Human activities have led to the extinction of innumerable animal and plant species
throughout history. The passenger pigeon of North America and the Tasmanian tiger of
Australia are two examples of extinct species. Other animals and vegetation are now
threatened by human actions. More than 8,000 species are classified as endangered
(near extinction) by conservationists throughout the world, and many more species that
have been poorly investigated may be in risk as well.
 Water conservation: - People require clean, fresh water to consume. Bathing, cooking,
and cleaning are all done using water. Irrigating arid croplands necessitates the use of
water. Water is used in industries to generate electricity and to make a variety of goods.
Recreation and transportation are also reliant on water.
As a result of population increase and the rise of agriculture and industry, the need for
water is continually growing. The world has a plentiful quantity of water, yet it is spread
unevenly. Some locations receive insufficient rainfall, while others receive more than
they require. Many arid regions of the world, including the Middle East, North Africa,
and sections of western and central North America, are experiencing severe water
scarcity.
However, farmers in portions of the western and central United States have dug so
many wells to produce water for irrigation that ground water levels have plummeted.
Many cities have similarly depleted their groundwater supplies. Underground reservoirs
may be replenished in some situations by pumping water in during periods of high
rainfall.
Damming rivers to construct reservoirs is how some rural communities and towns get
their water. Engineers also construct dams to prevent floods. However, in many
situations, new dams are built to accommodate ever-increasing water needs or to
minimise floods, posing a harm to wildlife. Conservationists, for example, opposed the
construction of the Tellico Dam on the Little Tennessee River in the late 1970s because
 of the potential harm it would do to a rare fish called the snail darter. In 1979, the dam
was built, and several snail darters were relocated to Tennessee's Hiwassee River to
assure their survival.
Watershed management may help enhance water supply for towns and farmers (the
management of vegetation to prevent rapid runoff of rain and melting snow). Water is
prevented from rushing off the land by trees and other plants, allowing it to seep into
the earth. As a result, the water recharges subsurface supplies and flows into lakes and
streams via underground channels. This natural cycle is disrupted when plant cover is
destroyed. Instead of trickling into the earth, rainwater quickly rushes off the land.
Watershed management also aids in the prevention of flooding and erosion.
 Forest conservation: - Forests provide timber as well as habitat for a variety of animals
and plants. They also give camping, hiking, and hunting opportunities. Forests also play a
significant role as watersheds. They absorb a huge quantity of rainwater, minimising
erosion and floods caused by fast runoff. National governments hold a large number of
forests. The US Forest Service maintains these national forests in the United States
following the principle of multiple use, which means they give numerous advantages at
the same time. The Forest Service, for example, maintains woods to provide timber,
wildlife habitat, recreational space, and water conservation.
Timber harvesting, on the other hand, may conflict with the need to protect animals,
water, and other natural resources. Prescribed forest burning, which is commonly used
to protect native species that are accustomed to periodic fires, can also conflict with
concerns about smoke and fire hazard in nearby regions.
The conservation of timber-producing forests relies on the replacement of trees that are
chopped down in order for the forest to maintain a consistent supply. Sustained
production is a close approximation of the yearly harvest and annual wood growth.
 Architectural conservation: - Architectural conservationis a process that retains the
authentic built form of old buildings through restoration. Architectural conservation
serves as an aid in the preservation of old buildings. Architectural conservation is
particularly impacted by two main aspects that is, cultural and historical. The cultural
aspect involves the conservation of cultural heritage buildings. The cultural aspect
includes of cultural architectural buildings build in past which denotes some or the other
culture. And historical aspect involves of historical buildings built in past with some
importance. Also considering the changes which are made over time in building for its
conservation, changes include of technological advancements and new material which
are required for the maintenance of the building.
 Energy conservation: - Energy is required for all sectors to function. Transportation and
recreation both require energy. We also utilise energy to heat and cool our houses,
prepare meals, light our homes, and run a variety of gadgets. Oil, coal, and natural gas
account for nearly all of the energy utilised on the planet. Fossil fuels are chemicals that
formed from the petrified remnants of prehistoric plants and animals. It takes millions of
years for large quantities of fossil fuels to develop. Fossil fuels are in short supply on the
planet. However, since 1900, the global usage of fossil fuels has roughly quadrupled
every 20 years. The price of fossil fuels continues to rise as supply decreases. Energy
conservation may be accomplished in a variety of ways by both businesses and people.
Improved mining and manufacturing practises can improve the efficiency of industrial
fuel consumption. Individuals may save money on energy by putting insulation in their
 houses, which minimises the amount of energy consumed for heating and cooling. In the
winter, thermostats may be set at or below 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius),
and in the summer, they can be set at or above 78 degrees Fahrenheit (26 degrees
Celsius). The federal government mandates these thermostat settings in most public
buildings. People may save energy by using less hot water and shutting off lights that
aren't in use. Automobilists may save money on petrol by driving smaller vehicles and
joining carpools. More individuals using public transit would save a lot of gasoline.
Many environmental issues arise as a result of energy production and consumption.
Strip mining of coal, for example, kills plant life and exposes the soil to erosion. Oil spills
damage the waters due to blowouts of offshore oil wells and tanker breaches. The
combustion of fossil fuels pollutes the air, resulting in acid rain, rain, and other
precipitation that is mostly sulfuric and nitric acid contaminated. Acid rain has the
potential to destroy fish in lakes and rivers. Sound conservation techniques, such as
restoring strip-mined land to its former condition as closely as feasible, can assist to
mitigate environmental harm.
 Marine conservation: - Marine conservation is also known as marine resources
conservation, it involves prevention and protection of ecosystem in oceans and seas. It
basically focusses on the damages done to marine ecosystem, and dealing in how to
protect or overcome the marines from those damage. Marine conservation is
considered as Important as a healthy ocean regulates climate and reduce climate change
impacts. Marines even helps in absorption of the heat over 90% and around 30% of
cardon dioxide produced by humans. So, taking care of marine is important as if we
don’t take care of the marine by conserving it then it may also lead the harmful effect on
environment.
 Ocean conservation: Ocean conservation is an important issue. The seas cover more
than 70% of the earth's surface and are home to a diverse range of living organisms.
They also contribute to keeping the global climate from being too hot. Oceans achieve
this by storing carbon dioxide gas and preventing it from entering the atmosphere in
large quantities. Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere heats the world by absorbing heat
from the sun. Every year, people catch millions of tonnes of ocean fish and shellfish. In
many nations, this catch is an important supply of animal protein. People are
increasingly eating seaweed, sea urchins, and other marine animals from the ocean.
Chemicals derived from some marine species are used in medical research to combat
cancer and other disorders. Additionally, oceans and their beaches offer leisure
opportunities such as boating, fishing, and swimming. As the human population and
shipping expand, pollution levels in the seas continue to rise. Industrial pollutants
frequently end up in the ocean, either directly or indirectly via rivers. Large oil tanker
accidents may pollute a whole coastal region, killing thousands of people and animals.
Toxic elements such as heavy metals and pesticides are released into ocean waters as a
result of underwater mining and excavation. Millions of tonnes of garbage are also
thrown into the waters each year by ships. Every year, millions of seabirds, turtles, fish,
and marine mammals die as a result of being entangled in or swallowing littered plastic
objects. Pollution concentrations also make beaches dangerous for people to visit.

 Wetland conservation: - This covers the areas where water exists at or near the earth
surface such as swamps, marshes, etc. The wetlands cover diverse and heterogeneous
 assemblage of habitats ranging from lakes, estuaries, river flood and other related eco
systems. The wetlands are considered important as they help in removal of pollution,
recharge of ground water supply, controls flood and provide home for variety of plants
and animals. They are considered as most productive habitats on the plant as they
contain high number of plants and animal species including of mammals, birds, fishes
and invertebrates.
 Habitat conservation: - This refers to the process of effective land management and
small tracts of land to protect from the harmful actions of humans. This was started for
effective management of resource security and restore habitat. This applies equal to
individual plants and animal’s species or be general attempt to conserve the balance of
an eco-system.

Factors affecting environment

The environment is affected by the biotic and abiotic factors such as temperature,
pressure, humidity and organisms like human activity. Some factors that affect
environment are the following :
a) Greenhouse Effect - Green house gases like CO2, trap the heat from the sun that
increase the temperature of the earth.
b) Trees - They absorb large amount of CO2 and release oxygen and keep balance in
environment.
c) Population - Overpopulation affects the environment. It increases pollution and
diminishes natural resources.
Ways to conserve natural resources
 Use of cloth bags
 Avoid wastage of food
 Recycle of resources such as metal cans, plastic bottles, etc.
 Use of public vehicles
 Walking or cycling of short distances
 Conserve energy at homes
 Buy things made of recycle material
 Decomposing organic materials used in kitchen for making soil fertile rather than
fertilizers
 Use of electric vehicles rather than fuel ones
 Ban of plastic bags
 BIBLIOGRAPHY
 https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/conservation

 https://www.tutorialspoint.com/why-is-conservation-of-natural-
resources-important

 https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/methods-and-importance-of-
environmental-conservation.php