Current Affairs - Environment

India’s first butterfly sanctuary was established in the state of Kerala by renaming the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary to the Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary. Located in the Western Ghats’ Kannur district, the sanctuary spans 55 square kilometres and shelters more than 266 butterfly species—over 80% of Kerala’s total butterfly diversity. This transformation followed decades of surveys, conservation efforts, and advocacy aimed at protecting butterfly habitats and migration corridors. The sanctuary now serves as a hub for eco-tourism, scientific research, and community-based conservation, highlighting Kerala’s commitment to protecting pollinators vital to the ecosystem.

The Kerala High Court has taken a significant environmental step by imposing a ban on single-use plastic items, specifically targeting hilly tourist destinations. Additionally, the use of plastic bottles is now regulated at large public gatherings, including weddings and official government functions. This move aims to reduce plastic pollution in ecologically sensitive and highly visited areas. However, the court made it clear that the ban does not extend to non-woven polypropylene bags that meet the minimum thickness requirement of 60 grams per square metre, indicating a balanced approach to sustainability and practicality.

AviList is the first unified global checklist of bird species, launched to harmonize bird taxonomy for global conservation, biodiversity monitoring, and research efforts. Developed by the Working Group on Avian Checklists under the International Ornithologists’ Union, AviList represents the culmination of four years of collaborative research, analysis, and expert consensus. Its goal is to provide a single authoritative reference for bird species worldwide, ensuring consistent classification and data use across international platforms. This initiative marks a significant advancement in ornithology and global biodiversity management by streamlining how species are recognized and reported globally.

The Greater Flamingo is the focal species of conservation in Tamil Nadu's newly declared Dhanushkodi Sanctuary (524.7 hectares). Announced on World Environment Day 2025, this sanctuary safeguards critical habitats for these migratory birds within the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve. The area hosts over 10,700 wetland birds along the Central Asian Flyway, emphasizing India’s commitment to international biodiversity agreements. The move also aims to balance ecotourism and local livelihoods while preserving mangroves, mudflats, and sand dunes that sustain flamingo populations.

Mount Etna is located in Sicily, a region in southern Italy. It is renowned as Europe’s most active volcano and has been erupting for thousands of years. With a history of eruptions documented over at least 2,700 years, it holds one of the world’s longest records of volcanic activity. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Mount Etna is not only a geological landmark but also a cultural and historical symbol for the region. The frequent eruptions and continuous volcanic activity make it a notable feature of Italy’s natural landscape.