The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) is an apex statutory body established under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, following a significant amendment in 2002 that replaced the erstwhile Indian Board for Wildlife. 

It serves as the highest advisory authority for the Central and State governments on framing policies and measures to conserve wildlife and combat illegal trade. Its role is particularly critical as a regulatory gatekeeper.

Composition of National Board for wildlife

The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) consists of 47 members and is chaired by the Prime Minister; it also constitutes a Standing Committee to exercise powers and perform duties delegated by the Board, which is chaired by the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

Functions of NBWL: 

• Policy Formulation: Acts as the apex body to frame and review the National Wildlife Action Plan and advise Central/State governments on wildlife conservation policies.
• Project Approval: Evaluates and grants clearances for all developmental activities (like roads, dams, or mining) located within or in the Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZ) of National Parks and Sanctuaries.
• Boundary Alteration: Holds the exclusive statutory power to recommend changes to the boundaries of National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries; no state can alter these boundaries without NBWL’s nod.
• Tiger Conservation: NBWL must approve any proposal to reduce or change the boundaries of a Tiger Reserve. Its Standing Committee grants wildlife clearance for projects inside Tiger Reserves; it acts on the advice of the NTCA.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      
• Impact Assessment: Empowered to carry out or commission Impact Assessments to study how proposed projects will affect wildlife habitats and endangered species.
• Wildlife Crime Control: Recommends measures to effectively control poaching, illegal trade in wildlife, and the management of wildlife products.