International Whaling Commission:
India has reaffirmed its commitment to the conservation of whales and other cetaceans at the 70th meeting of the International Whaling Commission (IWC-70) held in Hobart, Australia.
- India’s Stand: India emphasized that cetacean conservation requires science-based approaches, international cooperation and practical measures to address threats faced by whales, dolphins and other related species.
- India highlighted the need for improved scientific information on cetacean population status, distribution, movements, breeding ecology and threats to support informed conservation decisions.
- India stressed collaboration among range countries, scientific institutions, governments, researchers and local communities to develop effective and locally suitable conservation strategies.
- The IWC was established under the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling, signed in Washington, D.C., on 2nd December 1946, and serves as the global body for the management of whaling and the conservation of whales.
- The 70th meeting coincides with the 80th anniversary of the signing of the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling. The IWC currently has 89 member governments, and India has been a member since 1981.
- Cetaceans in Indian waters receive the highest legal protection under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. India has also established Marine Protected Areas and launched Project Dolphin for conservation of dolphins, whales, porpoises and aquatic ecosystems.
- India has given special importance to the conservation of the Arabian Sea humpback whale, identified among 25 species for focused conservation efforts, while supporting future IWC work based on science, cooperation and practical conservation action.
