What policies support resource conservation at the national level?

National policies that support resource conservation include laws, programs, and missions that cut pollution, reduce waste, and promote sustainable use of energy, water, and natural resources. Details differ by country, but common tools are pollution controls, incentives for green practices, and sector-specific missions.

United States policies

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA): Sets the rules for managing hazardous and non-hazardous solid waste. Goals include recycling and recovery, cutting waste, and cleaning up improper disposal.

Clean Water Act (CWA): Limits pollutant discharges into U.S. waters and sets wastewater standards. Aim is to protect the chemical, physical, and biological health of waterways.

Endangered Species Act (ESA): Safeguards threatened and endangered species and their habitats. Requires active conservation to protect biodiversity.

Lacey Act: Combats illegal trade in wildlife, fish, and plants. Targets trafficking and supports lawful sourcing.

Agricultural Conservation Programs (USDA):
Financial and technical help for farmers and ranchers to improve soil, water, and habitat.

• Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP): Funds on-farm conservation practices.
• Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP): Rewards ongoing conservation on working lands.
• Conservation Reserve Program (CRP): Pays landowners to retire sensitive lands from production.

Indian national policies

National Environment Policy (NEP), 2006: Guides integration of environmental concerns into development. Core idea: communities should benefit more from conserving resources than from degrading them.

National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), 2008: Eight national missions focused on resource conservation, efficiency, and sustainable habitats.

• National Mission for a Green India (GIM): Protects and expands forest cover to store carbon and sustain ecosystem services.
• National Water Mission: Promotes integrated water management and reduced wastage.
• National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency (NMEEE): Builds markets for energy-efficient products and services.

Environmental and Wildlife Acts: Provide the legal backbone for conservation.

• Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Creates protected areas and conserves biodiversity.
• Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980: Limits diversion of forest land for non-forest uses.
• Biological Diversity Act, 2002: Conserves biological resources and regulates access to genetic material.
• National Green Tribunal Act, 2010: Sets up a specialized tribunal for fast resolution of environmental cases.