India Reaffirms Commitment to Whale Conservation at IWC-70
India calls for science-based conservation, international cooperation and practical measures to protect whales and other cetaceans
- India backs science-based whale conservation at IWC-70.
- IWC-70 is being held in Hobart from September 28 to October 2.
- India has been an IWC member since 1981.
- Project Dolphin supports conservation of cetaceans and aquatic ecosystems.
GG News Bureau
Hobart, 28th Sept: India has reaffirmed its commitment to the conservation of whales and other cetaceans at the 70th meeting of the International Whaling Commission (IWC-70) being held in Hobart, Australia, from September 28 to October 2.
In its opening statement at the meeting, India stressed the need for continued cooperation among range countries, scientific institutions and relevant international organisations to strengthen cetacean conservation.
India highlighted the importance of improving scientific information on population status, distribution, movements, breeding ecology and threats to whales and other cetaceans. According to India, stronger scientific knowledge is essential for developing effective conservation measures and supporting informed decision-making.
The country also reaffirmed its support for scientific studies and evidence-based approaches to ensure that conservation and management measures for cetaceans are based on sound scientific understanding.
Focus on International and Local Cooperation
India emphasised the need for greater cooperation among governments, researchers and local communities to develop practical and locally appropriate approaches for addressing threats faced by cetaceans.
The IWC-70 meeting carries additional significance as it coincides with the 80th anniversary of the signing of the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling.
The Convention was signed in Washington, DC, on December 2, 1946, and led to the establishment of the International Whaling Commission as the global body responsible for the management of whaling and conservation of whales.
The IWC currently has 89 member governments. India has been a member of the Commission since 1981 and has played an active role in whale conservation.
Legal Protection for Cetaceans in India
Cetacean species occurring in Indian waters receive the highest level of legal protection under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
India has also notified several Marine Protected Areas to safeguard marine biodiversity, including whales, dolphins, dugongs, sharks, rays, turtles and corals.
The Government has further undertaken Project Dolphin, which follows a holistic approach towards conserving dolphins, whales, porpoises and associated aquatic ecosystems.
India has also identified the Arabian Sea humpback whale among 25 species for focused conservation efforts.
At IWC-70, India reiterated that the future work of the International Whaling Commission should continue to be guided by science-based conservation priorities, international cooperation and practical measures to address the diverse threats faced by whales and other cetaceans.
