CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -On January 28, the MoEFCC published a draft notification to declare an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) of 118.59 sq km around the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala.

Detailed explanation-2: -The new ESZ guidelines, declared by the ministry on February 9, 2011 would also ensure that these areas act as “shock absorbers” to the protected areas by regulating and managing the activities around such areas. The guidelines were updated on the ministry website today.

Detailed explanation-3: -Ecologically sensitive zones (ESZ) are intended to protect ‘protected areas’ – national parks and wildlife sanctuaries – by transitioning from an area of lower protection to an area of higher protection. ESZs are effectively insulating layers where humans and nature can be at peace with each other.

Detailed explanation-4: -such areas within 10 Kms of the boundaries of National Parks and Sanctuaries and furnish detailed proposals for their notification as eco-sensitive areas under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.