name any two steps that government has taken to conserve plants and animals
Name any two steps that government has taken to conserve plants and animals
Answer:
Governments around the world implement various strategies to conserve flora and fauna, ensuring biodiversity is maintained for future generations. Here are two important steps that many governments have taken:
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Establishment of Protected Areas:
- National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and Biosphere Reserves: Governments designate specific geographic regions as protected areas where human activity is restricted to conserve the natural habitat of plant and animal species. National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and Biosphere Reserves are examples of such protected areas.
- Regulation and Management: These areas are managed and regulated through various laws and policies that prohibit activities such as hunting, logging, and commercial development. Forest departments and other relevant authorities oversee these regions to ensure compliance and protection.
For example, in India, national parks such as Jim Corbett National Park and Kaziranga National Park are established to protect endangered species like tigers and rhinoceroses. These parks provide a safe habitat for these species, thereby contributing to their conservation.
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Legislation and Policy Implementation:
- Endangered Species Act (ESA): Many countries have enacted legislation such as the Endangered Species Act in the United States that affords protection to species that are at risk of extinction. This law prohibits the hunting, capturing, or trading of endangered species and mandates the creation of recovery plans to help increase their populations.
- Conservation Programs and Agreements: Governments participate in international agreements like the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) to regulate and monitor the trade of wildlife and plants. Such agreements help ensure that the international trade of species does not threaten their survival.
For instance, the European Union’s Habitats Directive aims to promote the maintenance of biodiversity, taking into account economic, social, cultural, and regional requirements, through the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora.
Final Answer: Two significant steps that governments have taken to conserve plants and animals include the establishment of protected areas and the implementation of legislation and policy measures to safeguard endangered species. These efforts are critical in maintaining biodiversity and ensuring the survival of various species for future generations.