Strengthening Marine Biodiversity: India’s Strategic Stance at IWC-70
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At the 70th International Whaling Commission meeting, India reaffirmed its commitment to evidence-based cetacean conservation, highlighting its robust domestic legal framework under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
At the 70th meeting of the International Whaling Commission (IWC-70) held in Hobart, Australia, India reiterated its steadfast commitment to the conservation of cetaceans—a group of marine mammals including whales, dolphins, and porpoises. As a nation with an extensive coastline and a significant Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), India’s participation underscores its proactive role in global marine biodiversity governance.
India’s intervention at the forum emphasized the necessity of shifting toward evidence-based conservation strategies. By advocating for scientific rigor in policy formulation, India aims to address the multifaceted threats facing marine mammals, such as habitat degradation, entanglement in fishing gear, and the impacts of climate change on oceanic ecosystems. Central to India’s position is the robust legal architecture provided by the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, which offers stringent safeguards for endangered marine species within Indian waters. This domestic framework serves as a model for integrating national legislative mandates with international conservation obligations.
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