Schedule III of the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022: a new legal shield for India’s threatened plant species

Authors

  • Monalisa Dey Sikkim Himalayan Regional Centre, Botanical Survey of India, Rajbhawan, Gangtok, Sikkim 737103, India. https://orcid.org/0009-0007-0455-1941
  • Avishek Bhattacharjee Central National Herbarium, Botanical Survey of India, B. Garden, Howrah, West Bengal 711103, India. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4574-3804

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.10533.18.9.29751-29758

Keywords:

Biodiversity conservation, CITES, community participation, illegal trade, IUCN, legislation, livelihood, permit, rare flora, sustainable cultivation

Abstract

India’s Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022 marks a pivotal step in plant conservation by introducing Schedule III for specified plant species. This schedule regulates the cultivation, possession, trade, and transport of threatened and high-value plants through a permit-based system, aligning domestic law with CITES obligations. It shifts focus from outright collection bans to a balanced approach that encourages sustainable cultivation while preventing illegal wild extraction. The amendment enhances biodiversity conservation, supports livelihoods, and strengthens global compliance. Effective implementation can achieve long-term conservation outcomes with streamlined permits, better awareness, scientific support, and community participation.

References

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Published

26-09-2026

Issue

Vol. 18 No. 9 (2026)

Section

Viewpoint

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Copyright (c) 2026 Monalisa Dey, Avishek Bhattacharjee

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