The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change recently reconstituted the Central Zoo Authority (CZA), an occurrence gaining significant media attention. This crucial body is now expanded to include an expert from the School of Planning and Architecture in Delhi and a molecular biologist.
Understanding the Central Zoo Authority
The CZA is a statutory body formed under the stewardship of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Its establishment traces back to 1992 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The Environment Minister chairs the CZA, which comprises ten members and a member-secretary.
Objective Behind the CZA
The CZA’s principal objective is to bolster national efforts designed to conserve the country’s rich biodiversity. Its role is integral to the broader mission of preserving India’s diverse plant and animal life, reinforcing the significance of environmental conservation at the national level.
Roles and Functions of the CZA
The authority plays several key roles in managing India’s zoo and wildlife populations. One of its primary duties is accrediting zoos, ensuring they meet specific standards and practices before being formally recognized.
In addition to this key function, the CZA also imposes regulations governing the operation of zoos across the country. It formulates guidelines dictating the conditions under which animals can be transferred among national and international zoos, ensuring animal welfare is prioritized during these exchanges.
Capacity Building and Research Coordination
Implementing capacity building for zoo personnel is a fundamental part of the CZA’s work. By providing training and education, the authority equips staff with the necessary skills to effectively manage and care for the varied species within their facilities.
The CZA also facilitates planned breeding programs, carefully coordinating these initiatives to maintain healthy and genetically diverse animal populations. Another key role involves ex-situ research, conducting studies outside of the natural habitats of the animals.
Introducing New Expertise into the CZA
In its most recent development, the CZA has expanded to include an expert from the School of Planning and Architecture, Delhi, and a molecular biologist. This move seeks to augment an already robust team with more specialized knowledge, indicative of the CZA’s commitment to continually evolving and improving its conservation efforts.
While the addition of these professionals marks a significant milestone for the CZA, it is just one piece of the larger wildlife conservation puzzle. The ongoing work of this body, coupled with the collective effort of numerous other environmental organizations, is critical in ensuring the preservation of India’s rich biodiversity.
