Protected areas (PAs) in India are subject to pressures of population growth and rapid economic development. The Biodiversity Conservation Systems Group is involved in formulating strategic options for PA management. The key components of this Programme are, Eco-development, Corridor Management and Eco-tourism

• Eco-development
    
  The ecodevelopment component lays an emphasis on participation of local communities, living within or in the periphery of the PA, in PA conservation. Ecodevelopment Planning for a single or cluster of Pas is based on the potential of the natural resource base, socio-economic and infrastructural needs of the local communities and the capacity of local institutions to participate in conservation activities.
      
• Corridor Management
    
  The programme also examined the possibilities of creating geographical networks of PAs. These networks would be able to provide corridors for migratory species, prevent isolation of gene pools and allow for viable habitats. The group had been attempting to integrate landuse planning for corridor management systems through Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System applications
     
• Eco-tourism
     
  This component assesses the potential for ecotourism within PAs as a source of revenue to conserve and maintain the PA. Pressure on the PA is also reduced by income generating opportunities made available to the local communities.

This programme is based on the premise that local communities will conserve natural resources if their economic stake is clearly defined. This group initially identifies the economic potential and sustainable harvest thresholds of NTFP’s. Business plans and enterprise packages are then developed based on technology, marketing, finance and other inputs. The local communities are also provided support systems to establish these enterprises.