Environmental Laws, Conventions and Policies: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Environment and Ecology)

Explanation

The Sustainable Sugar Initiative (SSI) was launched jointly by International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). SSI aims at cultivating sugarcane mainly by changing the way the inputs and methods are used, such as less use of seeds, less use of water, optimum utilization of fertilizers and land, aims at reducing the input cost.

Statement 1 is correct: The Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative (SSI) is an innovative set of agronomic practices that involves using less seeds, raising seeds in a nursery, and following new planting methods. Statements 2 and 4 are correct: SSI provides ample scope for intercropping and the drip irrigation method as it incorporates wider seed spacing and better water and nutrient management to increase the cane yields significantly.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Application of both inorganic and organic fertilizers such as Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium (NPK) fertilizers are part of Sustainable Sugar Initiative (SSI).

Explanation

Option 1 is correct: The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, also known as the Seed Treaty, was adopted during the 31st session of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 2001. India is a signatory to this treaty, which directly impacts biodiversity, as seeds are crucial for the conservation of plant genetic resources.

Option 2 is correct: United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) was established in 1994. It is the sole legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management. Habitat loss to meet our demand for food, raw materials or buildings is the leading cause of species extinction. Conserving, restoring, and sustainably managing habitats and ecosystems is recognized as the most effective way to protect biodiversity. One powerful example is the Great Green Wall. The Wall is an African-led initiative to restore biodiversity.

Option 3 is correct: World Heritage Convention (1972) of UNESCO is concerned with the protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. It acknowledges how people interact with nature and the critical necessity to maintain their delicate equilibrium. World Heritage properties/sites are some of the most outstanding places on the planet and constitute a significant subset of the protected area system, critical for conservation of ecosystem integrity and biodiversity.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: Earth Hour is a global movement for environmental conservation, started by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) in 2007.

Statement 2 is correct: It is an annual event that takes place on the last Saturday of March. Millions of people in over 180 countries and territories participate in it by turning off their lights for 1 hour.

Statement 3 is correct: It showcases the urgent need to take action on the pressing issue of climate change. Further, it promotes awareness about environmental issues on a public platform.

Explanation

The ’Montreux Record’ is a register of wetlands listed under the Ramsar Convention that have experienced, are experiencing, or are expected to experience changes in their ecological character. These changes may be due to factors like technological development, pollution, or other human influences. The Ramsar Convention, established in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, is an international agreement aimed at the "conservation and sustainable use of wetlands." It is not a regulatory framework, but rather the only global treaty specifically focused on the preservation of wetlands. According to the Ramsar Convention, wetlands include all areas of marsh, fen, peatland, and water, whether natural or man-made, permanent or temporary, and with freshwater, brackish, or salt-water, whether flowing or static. This definition also includes marine areas with a depth of less than six meters at low tide. World Wetlands Day is celebrated on February 2nd each year.

Explanation

Wetlands International is a global organisation that works to sustain and restore wetlands and their resources for people and biodiversity. It is an independent, not-for-profit, global organization, supported by governments and NGO members from around the world.

Statement 1 is incorrect: Wetlands International is not an inter-governmental organization. Instead, it is an independent NGO that works in partnership with governments, international organizations, and local communities. While Wetlands Inter-national collaborates closely with the Ramsar Convention, it is not formed by the signatories. The Ramsar Convention recognizes Wetlands International as one of its International Organization Partners (IOPs), along with other bodies like WWF and BirdLife International.

Statement 2 is correct: Wetlands International conducts field projects that generate data on wetland management and conservation. These insights inform policies, guide sustainable practices, and raise awareness. Their work spans research, community projects, and advocacy with governments, corporations, and international policy forums.

Explanation

Wetlands connect land and water, offering crucial services for rivers. They absorb water during wet seasons, aiding flood protection and groundwater recharge, while filtering nutrients and sediments. Wetlands also support diverse ecosystems, serving as spawning grounds for fish and nesting sites for migratory birds.

Pair 1 is correctly matched: Harike Wetland is the largest wetland in northern India on the border of Tarn Taran Sahib district and Ferozepur district of Punjab. The wetland and the lake were formed by constructing the headworks across the Sutlej River in 1953, located downstream of the confluence of the Beas and Sutlej rivers just south of Harike village.

Pair 2 is incorrectly matched: The Keoladeo National Park or Keoladeo Ghana National Park is formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is in the Bharatpur District of Rajasthan. It is situated at the confluence of the Gambhira and the Banganga rivers.

Pair 3 is incorrectly matched: Kolleru lake is the largest fresh-water lake in Andhra Pradesh, India. It is located between Krishna and Godavari deltas. It is primarily fed by the Budameru and Tammileru rivers, not the Musi and Krishna.

Explanation

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) was established on the eve of the 1992 Rio Earth Summit to help tackle environmental issues. It is a multilateral family of funds dedicated to confronting biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution, and supporting land and ocean health. Its financing enables developing countries to address complex challenges and work towards international environmental goals. The partnership includes 186 member governments as well as civil society, Indigenous Peoples, women, and youth, with a focus on integration and inclusivity. The GEF serves as a "financial mechanism" to six conventions:

Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) Minamata Convention on Mercury Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement.

Explanation

National Green Tribunal (NGT) Act, 2010 aims at efficient & quick resolution of environmental disputes (within 6 months of appeal) in order to lessen the burden of litigation in the higher courts. The Act established National-Green Tribunal with jurisdiction over all civil cases involving substantial questions relating to the environment. Tribunal is guided by principles of natural justice & its order is executable as a decree of a civil court. Although the NGT’s orders are final, they may be contested in the SC within 90 days.

Statement 1 is correct: The NGT Act is grounded in the fundamental right to a clean and healthy environment, which is integral to the Right to Life under Article 21. Landmark judgments, such as Subhash Kumar v. State of Bihar (1991) and M.C. Mehta cases, have expanded the interpretation of Article 21 to include environmental protection. Statements 2 and 3 are incorrect: Provisions mentioned in statements 2 and 3 have no bearing upon National-Green Tribunal:

Article 275(1) of the Constitution of India guarantees grants-in-aid from the Consolidated Fund of India each year for promoting the welfare of Scheduled Tribes. Infrastructure development schemes like protected drinking water, road connectivity, electricity and housing are provided under this scheme. 243A provides that a Gram Sabha may exercise such powers and perform such functions at the village level as the Legislature of a State may, by law, provide.

Explanation

The Indian Forest Act, 1927 This Act provides the legal framework for the management and protection of forests in In-dia. By regulating the use of forest resources, it directly contributes to the conservation of biodiversity within forest ecosystems. In order to increase accountability for forest protection, this act lays out the steps that must be taken when designating a region as a Reserved Forest, Protected Forest, or Village Forest. Import and Ex-port (Control) Act, 1947 This Act regulates the import and export of goods, including wildlife and plant species. By controlling trade, it helps prevent the exploitation and illegal trafficking of endangered species, thereby contributing to biodiversity conservation. Mining and Mineral Development (Regulation) Act 1957 Mining activities, whether occurring within or near Protected Areas, cause a range of environmental consequences that can be severe and irreversible. Thus mining is restricted in reserved areas. Customs Act, 1962 Import and export of GMOs or exotic species are strictly regulated whereas certain medicinal plants are subjected to high customs duties to regulate their trade.