VOICES FOR THE EARTH: LAW, SOCIETY, AND ENVIROMENT: DEVELOPMENT VS. CONSERVATION: THE DILEMMA OF MODERN STATES

AUTHOR – RIYA KUMARI, STUDENT AT KES SHRI JAYANTILAL H PATEL LAW COLLEGE

BEST CITATION – RIYA KUMARI, VOICES FOR THE EARTH: LAW, SOCIETY, AND ENVIROMENT: DEVELOPMENT VS. CONSERVATION: THE DILEMMA OF MODERN STATES, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 6 (6) OF 2026, PG. 435-442, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.

ABSTRACT

The paper primarily focuses on the challenges faced by modern states or developing nations in the form of conflicts between economic development and conservation. We will be discussing both the aspects and their need. Also citing the reports of some credible institutions, such as IPCC, over issues such as climate change. While discussing the reasons for conflicts, this paper focuses on certain relevant laws, International Treaties and policies affecting both. The paper also recommends some steps, as well as citing some proven methods used by different countries, to reduce the conflict and achieve the target of a sustainably developed economy.

The states that are still in their developing phase of economy have to face another challenge of conservation during the process, raising various issues such as environmental damage, social instability, political and legal challenges, along with international treaties and laws. The economic development for the states is a need of the hour, but should be achieved only through sustainable development. In this paper, we will also be focusing on the recent developments and judgments within the country in terms of policy and law, such as the Supreme Court of India’s adoption of a new definition of the Aravali Hills, which sparked a lot of controversy, leading the Honourable Court to make a temporary stay on its own judgment.

The paper emphasises a sustainable model of development that helps such states achieve their target of economic development but without any compromise on conservation of forests, environment, natural resources and tribes. The paper considers a stronger legal framework, transparent decision-making and incorporating the common people in an open dialogue with the concerned authorities as a remedy. This methodology will not just reduce the conflict, but also help the state to achieve sustainable development along with economic prosperity.

While maintaining a holistic approach, this paper introspects the challenges of both aspects, the economic development and conservation. Both these are two facets of the same coin for any developing nation; ignoring either cannot be affordable. While in the course of economic development, the conservation of lands, rivers, minerals, tribes and other natural resources should also be considered.

Keywords: Conservation, Economic Development, Sustainable development, climate change, legal framework.