Tirthan sanctuary, Great Himalayan National Park best performers among protected areas

According to the Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE), Tirthan Wildlife Sanctuary and Great Himalayan National Park in Himachal Pradesh have performed the best among the surveyed protected areas.

Context

• According to the Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE), Tirthan Wildlife Sanctuary and Great Himalayan National Park in Himachal Pradesh have performed the best among the surveyed protected areas.

Key-findings of the survey

• Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) was done for the 146 national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in the country.
• According to the survey, Tirthan Wildlife Sanctuary and Great Himalayan National Park in Himachal Pradesh have performed the best among the surveyed protected areas.
• The Turtle Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh was the worst performer in the survey.

What is Management Effectiveness Evaluation?

• Management Effectiveness Evaluationof Protected Areas has emerged as a key tool that is increasingly being used by governments and international bodies.
• It is used to understand strengths and weaknesses of the protected area management systems.

Protected Areas in India

• India has systematically designated its Protected Areas in four legal categories — National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
• Under this Act, India has 903 formally designated Protected Areas which is 5% of the total area.