Forests and Wildlife as Strategic Assets in National Biosecurity, ETGovernment

Forest Sanctuary: Nature’s SecurityIndia’s vast forests and incredible wildlife are often celebrated for their beauty and biodiversity. But beyond their ecological value, these natural treasures are quietly becoming a vital part of the nation’s future defence against new and emerging threats.

In a world grappling with complex dangers like biological attacks and hybrid warfare, the link between our green cover, animal life, and national security is far more critical than we realize, demanding a proactive approach to safeguard our future. Experts are now highlighting a crucial, yet overlooked, connection: our forests and wildlife are on the frontline of India’s biodefense. They are both vulnerable to new threats and hold potential keys to our protection.

The Invisible Frontline: Vulnerabilities and Hidden Dangers of Forests and Wildlife
India’s forests and diverse wildlife are increasingly vulnerable to biological threats, exacerbated by global trade and climate change. The rapid spread of invasive alien species, pests, and pathogens threatens indigenous flora and fauna.

The potential misuse of biological agents could lead to food security destabilization, rural economies being crippled, and ecological resilience being undermined. India’s abundant wildlife also serves as natural reservoirs for viruses, bacteria, and parasites, and increased human-wildlife interaction increases the risk of zoonotic spillover. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the severe implications of pathogens jumping from animals to humans.

A 2021 review, “Forest Biosecurity Systems and Processes: An Indian Perspective,” critically pointed out that India’s existing plant biosecurity legislation, such as the Destructive Insects and Pests Act (1914) and the Plant Quarantine Order (2003), is predominantly agriculture-centric and inadequately applied to forestry or wildlife.

The review strongly recommended the establishment of a dedicated forest biosecurity policy, the creation of a National Sanitary and Phytosanitary Database Centre, and the deployment of advanced technologies for effective early detection and rapid response.

The illicit trafficking of live animals across borders creates dangerous pathways for the introduction of novel pathogens. India’s biodefense framework must pivot towards comprehensive technological deployment for effective early detection and rapid response. Technologies like e-pest surveillance, biocontrol, and remote sensing offer speed, precision, and broad coverage to identify emerging pathogens early, minimizing damage to food security, public health, and ecological balance.

Systemic Weaknesses: Mapping the Disconnect Between Institutions and Policy
Despite its commitment as a signatory to the Biological Weapons Convention, India currently operates without a single, unified national biosecurity strategy. Efforts are fragmented, dispersed across numerous ministries including Health, Environment, Agriculture, Defence, and Biotechnology, resulting in uncoordinated responses and critical vulnerabilities.

This fragmentation is compounded by a persistent confusion between “biosafety” (focused on laboratory containment) and “biosecurity” (pertaining to broader national strategic threats), further complicating effective governance.

The absence of a central biosecurity agency leaves India exposed to a range of dangers, from bioterrorism to widespread animal-borne diseases. Compounding this, a dedicated National Wildlife Biosecurity Policy remains conspicuously absent, creating a significant blind spot in the nation’s defences.

Even pivotal legal precedents like the T.N. Godavarman v. Union of India case, which profoundly shaped India’s environmental and forest governance by expanding forest protection and mandating inter-agency coordination, have predominantly focused on conservation and land-use.

These crucial rulings, however, have not directly addressed the strategic vulnerability of forests and wildlife to biosafety and biosecurity related issues, again emphasizing the urgent need for robust legal frameworks to specifically tackle such bio-threats within these vital ecosystems.

Building a Stronger, Greener Defence
India needs to adopt a proactive approach to bridge the gap between environmental protection and national security. This includes making forest and wildlife biosecurity a formal part of national defence, integrating them into a comprehensive National Biosecurity Strategy, and strengthening international cooperation.

A dedicated National Forest and Wildlife Biosecurity Authority under the MoEF&CC can ensure unified action and streamlined response. Furthermore, adopting a “One Health” approach, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, is vital for effectively monitoring and responding to zoonotic diseases.

Drawing on the precedent set in the Godavarman case, the Supreme Court could mandate comprehensive bio-risk assessments—specifically evaluating the risk of pathogen emergence, spread of invasive species, and other ecological disruptions—for all projects involving the diversion of forest land.

Such assessments would ensure that potential biological threats to ecosystems and human health are rigorously identified and addressed. Given the growing intersection between environmental degradation, zoonotic diseases, and food insecurity, the Court should also consider recognizing biosecurity as a fundamental constitutional right.

India stands at a pivotal moment. Our ecological stewardship must now seamlessly merge with our strategic foresight. Forests and their diverse wildlife are far more than just carbon sinks or biodiversity hotspots; they are indispensable biosecurity buffers and potential strategic assets in an era increasingly defined by invisible and evolving threats.

By intelligently weaving our natural heritage into a comprehensive national biodefense strategy, India has the chance to lead the way in crafting a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready security paradigm, protecting both its natural wealth and national interests against the full spectrum of biological challenges.

(The writer is a retired member of the Indian Forest Service, now serving as an international member of the Forest Stewardship Council; Views expressed are personal.)

• Published On Jul 19, 2025 at 02:30 PM IST

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