The Chipko Movement, which began in the 1970s in India, was a non-violent protest aimed at stopping the widespread deforestation in the Himalayan region. The term “Chipko” means “to hug” in Hindi, and the movement’s central tactic involved villagers, primarily women, hugging trees to prevent loggers from cutting them down. Led by prominent figures like Sunderlal Bahuguna and Chandi Prasad Bhatt, the movement successfully raised awareness about the importance of forests for local ecosystems, livelihoods, and the climate. The Chipko Movement is a powerful example of grassroots environmental activism and played a crucial role in influencing forestry policies in India.
(b) Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES):
CITES, established in 1973, is an international agreement aimed at ensuring that international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. CITES provides a framework for regulating and monitoring the trade of endangered species and their derivatives, such as ivory, skins, and medicinal plants. The convention categorizes species into three appendices based on their conservation status, with stricter trade restrictions applied to species in Appendices I and II. CITES has been instrumental in conserving many endangered species by curbing illegal wildlife trade and promoting sustainable trade practices.
Certainly! Here’s an expanded version of the short notes:
(a) Chipko Movement:
The Chipko Movement, initiated in the 1970s, is one of India’s most famous environmental movements, known for its direct action to prevent deforestation. The word “Chipko” means “to hug” in Hindi, which reflects the core strategy of the movement — villagers, especially women, would physically embrace trees to prevent loggers from felling them. This movement began in the village of Reni in the Garhwal region of Uttar Pradesh (now part of Uttarakhand) in 1973.
The Chipko Movement was largely driven by local communities that depended on forests for fuelwood, fodder, and other resources. These communities were witnessing rapid deforestation, which was affecting their livelihoods and the health of the environment. The initial protests were led by Sunderlal Bahuguna, a prominent environmentalist, and Chandi Prasad Bhatt, a social activist. They recognized that deforestation was not just a local issue but had broader environmental implications, including soil erosion, water scarcity, and the destruction of biodiversity.
The movement gained significant momentum and attracted attention not only within India but also globally. It played an important role in highlighting the importance of forests in maintaining ecological balance, climate regulation, and the livelihoods of rural communities. In 1980, the Indian government responded to the movement by imposing a 15-year ban on the felling of trees in the Himalayas, marking a major success for the Chipko Movement.
The Chipko Movement is often considered a precursor to modern environmental activism in India and remains a symbol of grassroots environmental resistance. It has influenced other environmental movements and policies in India and the world, particularly in terms of the importance of community participation in environmental conservation. The movement emphasized that forests are not merely resources to be exploited but are integral to the survival of the environment and local communities.