Protecting Tigers: A Powerful Tool for Climate Change Mitigation in India

New Study Reveals Tiger Reserves in India Help Combat Climate Change

A recent study conducted by researchers at the Centre for Nature-based Climate Change Solutions at the National University of Singapore highlights the significant climate change mitigation benefits of tiger conservation efforts in India. The study, published in the renowned journal Nature Ecology & Evolution, demonstrates that declaring new tiger reserves and implementing protection measures can prevent the release of over one million tonnes of CO2 emissions into the atmosphere.

Previous studies conducted by the Indian Institute of Forest Management and the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) revealed the economic value of tiger reserves in India. However, this latest research sheds light on the additional benefits of tiger conservation in the fight against climate change. By safeguarding tiger habitats, the conservation policy effectively keeps carbon stored in the ground, preventing potential damages estimated to cost over Rs 769 crore to the Indian economy.

If these protection measures were traded as carbon offsets, they could generate more than 50 crore in potential revenue, which could be utilised for tiger conservation and climate change mitigation programs. The findings emphasise the symbiotic relationship between wildlife conservation and addressing climate change, stating that protecting tigers is a win-win scenario.

The study employed sophisticated modelling techniques to quantify the carbon storage co-benefits of the NTCA's tiger conservation policy. By comparing tiger reserves with other protected areas that lacked this designation, the researchers estimated the amount of carbon biomass that would have been lost without enhanced protection. Out of the 53 tiger reserves analysed, 45 were included in the study.

Over one-third of the reserves demonstrated mixed effects, with 24% successfully reducing the rate of deforestation and 9% experiencing higher-than-expected forest loss. Overall, the policy had a net positive benefit, averting forest loss in an area equivalent to 5,802 hectares and resulting in the avoidance of 1.08 million tonnes of CO2 emissions between 2007 and 2020.

The study's lead author, Aakash Lamba, emphasised the importance of maintaining or enhancing forest cover in tiger reserves. These forests act as carbon sinks, absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere and mitigating the impact of climate change. By protecting these habitats, the carbon stored in the trees remains locked in the ground, preventing its release into the atmosphere.

Lamba's research marks a significant contribution to the understanding of the climate co-benefits associated with wildlife conservation interventions. The study underscores the vital role of tiger reserves in preserving biodiversity and combating climate change, aligning the objectives of climate action and biodiversity conservation.

The study highlights one of the far-reaching positive impacts of tiger conservation efforts in India. By protecting tigers and their habitats, the country not only safeguards its rich biodiversity but also plays a crucial role in mitigating climate change by preventing CO2 emissions and preserving carbon stocks.

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