Navigating the Role of Alternative Dispute Resolution Within the National Green Tribunal in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals Amidst Rising Human–Wildlife Conflict: Insights From India

Abstract

Sustainable development goals (SDGs) are part of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development that aims to promote sustainable management of natural resources and protect the natural ecosystem of the earth. However, rising incidents of Human–Wildlife Conflict (HWC) globally pose a significant challenge as stated in a joint report by WWF (Worldwide Fund for Nature) and UNEP (UN Environment Program) that HWC is as much a development and humanitarian issue as it is a conservation concern and needs more attention to achieve SDG. In this regard, the role of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) by utilizing alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms becomes pertinent as it serves as a pivotal forum for addressing environmental disputes and securing environmental justice. Since India lacks appropriate legislation to cope with the HWC situations, this paper seeks to explore the potential of ADR within the NGT framework in managing HWC and its contributions to securing SDGs in India. Additionally, the study intends to examine the challenges faced by NGT in utilizing ADR and suggests reforms to enhance its functionality. The research is significant in light of the shifting dynamics of environmental protection and sustainability and aims to offer a legislative framework or appropriate adjustments to existing legislation upon the grounds of findings, which are crucial at this point due to the depletion of biodiversity and the detrimental effect on ecological balance. To achieve the stated objectives, the study employs a doctrinal methodology for comprehensive analysis of various secondary sources including reports, policy decisions, legislations, judicial decisions, and current practices. The study encounters certain limitations due to the scarcity of research carried out to explore the impact of ADR methods in managing HWC, which will serve as a foundation for further investigations.