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Introduction
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are designated regions in marine ecosystems, legally safeguarded to conserve biodiversity, protect habitat, and maintain ecosystem functions. As defined by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), MPAs include areas of intertidal or subtidal terrain and associated flora, fauna, and cultural features, preserved to shield the environment from global threats like climate change, ocean acidification, and unsustainable resource extraction. Several countries, including India, have adopted MPAs as a tool for marine conservation.

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  • Significance of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs):
    • Protection of habitats:
      MPAs safeguard vital habitats, like the Olive Ridley turtles’ nesting sites in Odisha’s Ganjam district, which face threats from sea erosion.
    • Conservation of endemic species:
      MPAs play a critical role in managing invasive species, thereby protecting local biodiversity and reversing the decline of fish populations by conserving breeding, nursery, and feeding areas. They also offer opportunities for scientific research.
    • Regulation of human activities:
      MPAs help mitigate habitat destruction, overexploitation, and pollution by restricting damaging human activities, preserving vulnerable ecosystems.
    • Promotion of income generation:
      MPAs encourage marine tourism and nature-based recreation, fostering local economic development.
  • Challenges in Expanding the MPA Network in India:
    • Lack of consensus on criteria:
      There is no clear agreement on factors like area size and habitat heterogeneity when designating MPAs.
    • Financial constraints:
      India faces financial limitations in maintaining and managing MPAs, as resource allocation for long-term conservation is insufficient.
    • Paper parks criticism:
      Inadequate alignment between conservation efforts and local social conditions often leads to MPAs being dismissed as ineffective “paper parks.”
    • Socio-economic dependency:
      The economic reliance of coastal communities on marine resources complicates efforts to expand the MPA network.
    • Insufficient data:
      Incomplete data on marine species’ status and distribution hampers accurate assessment of conservation needs in India’s coastal and marine regions.

Conclusion
To effectively expand and manage the MPA network, India must develop a comprehensive climate change adaptation plan for coastal regions, ensure better coordination among conservation bodies, and improve data collection on marine species. Additionally, enhancing human resource capacity and fostering community participation are vital for sustainable management. Such initiatives will help India achieve international biodiversity goals, including the Aichi Biodiversity Targets and the Convention on Biological Diversity’s 30×30 Target.

Legacy Editor Changed status to publish April 15, 2025