Environment and Ecology: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Prelims)

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

Statement 1 is incorrect: Animal Welfare Board of In-dia was established in 1962 under Section 4 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. It serves as a statutory advisory body on animal welfare laws and promotes animal welfare in the country.

Statement 2 is correct: The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is a statutory body. It was constituted under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended in 2006. It aims to strengthen tiger conservation initiatives by providing a statutory basis for the protection of tiger reserves and ensuring accountability in the management of these reserves.

Statement 3 is correct: The National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) was established in 2009 under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. It is chaired by the Prime Minister and includes Union Ministers and Chief Ministers of states through which the Ganga flows. It is in charge of overseeing the restoration of the River Ganga Basin, including Ganga and its tributaries, and the prevention of pollution.

Explanation

BNHS is one of the biggest non-governmental groups working on biodiversity and conservation. It was established in 1883. It has its headquarters in Mumbai’s Hornbill House. BNHS funds numerous research projects, and it also puts out the Bombay Natural History Society Journal. The Great Hornbill serves as the BNHS’s emblem.

Statement 1 is incorrect: BNHS is an independent non-gov-ernmental organization (NGO) and is not an autonomous body under the Ministry of Environment and Forests. While it collaborates with various governmental agencies, it operates independently.

Statement 2 is correct: BNHS’s mission focuses on the conservation of nature, primarily biological diversity, through action based on research, education, and public awareness. It has been instrumental in various conservation initiatives, including the protection of endangered species and habitats across India. Its research has significantly contributed to policy formulation and implementation in the field of wildlife conservation.

Statement 3 is correct: By organizing nature trails, camps, and workshops, BNHS provides platforms for individuals to experience and learn about biodiversity firsthand, fostering a community of informed and motivated conservationists.

Explanation

Eco-Sensitive Zones are defined "as areas/zones with identified environmental resources having incomparable values which require special attention for their conservation" because of its landscape, wildlife, biodiversity, historical and natural values.

Statement 1 is incorrect: The National Wildlife Action Plan (2002-2016) of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) stipulates that state governments should declare land falling within 10 km of the boundaries of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries as eco-fragile zones or Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) under the Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986 and not Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The basic aim is to regulate certain activities around National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries so as to minimise the negative impacts of such activities on the fragile ecosystem encompassing the protected area. In Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs), prohibited activities include commercial mining, polluting industries, and large hydropower projects. Regulated activities involve tree felling, hotel construction, and road widening. Permitted activities include ongoing farming, organic practices, rainwater harvesting, and use of renewable energy. Activities such as eco-tourism, education, and sustainable development can take place under the guidelines issued by MoEFCC

Explanation

A Protected Area is a clearly defined geographical space, recognized, dedicated and managed through legal or other effective means, to achieve the long-term conservation of nature with associated ecosystem services and cultural values. Biosphere reserves, Botanical gardens, National parks, Wildlife sanctuaries, Conseravation and Community reserve etc are examples of protected areas.

Option (a) is correct:

Biosphere reserves are legally protected regions where people and the environment can coexist while honouring each other’s needs. These areas might be terrestrial, coastal, or a combination of both. They are recognised under UNESCO’s MAB programme and nominated and established by the relevant nations. They consist of three zones: the core zone, buffer zone, and transition zone. The core zone is strictly protected, while the buffer and transition zones allow for sustainable human activities, ensuring a balance between conservation and livelihood. Unlike national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, which primarily focus on preserving wildlife, biosphere reserves encourage sustainable human activity and help integrate conservation with traditional practices. Therefore, they serve as a model for preserving biodiversity alongside the needs of local communities.

Explanation

Azadirachta indica, commonly known as the Indian neem tree, is a tropical evergreen belonging to the Meliaceae family, native to the Indian subcontinent, renowned for its medicinal and ecological significance. Neem is typically grown in tropical and subtropical regions.

Statement 1 is correct: Neem oil and neem barks are used as an insect repellent and can be used for controlling the spread of some insects and mites.

Statement 2 is incorrect: While neem seeds contain oil, which has potential as biofuel, the manufacturing of hospital detergents is not a common or widespread use of neem seeds. The primary application of neem oil in hospital settings is in disin-fectants or antiseptic creams, not detergents specifically.

Statement 3 is correct: Neem oil has multiple applications in the pharmaceutical industry. Neem is considered a weed and based on its antimicrobial resistance and other antifungal properties, they are also used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

Explanation

Gangetic dolphins live in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems of Nepal, In-dia, and Bangladesh. The Ganges river dolphin can only live in freshwater. They are essentially blind. They are also called ‘susu’.

Statement 1 is correct: Dams and barrages disrupt the natural flow of rivers, reducing the availability of suitable habitats for the dolphins. They also fragment populations and prevent dolphins from migrating to areas with adequate food resources. These structures can obstruct the dolphins’ access to breeding and feeding grounds.

Statement 2 is incorrect: While crocodiles may compete with dolphins for food yet an increase in the population of crocodiles in rivers is not considered a threat to Gangetic dolphins.

Statement 3 is correct: Dolphins die as a result of accidentally being caught in fishing nets, also known as bycatch.

Statement 4 is correct: The use of pesticides and fertilizers in agricultural practices leads to water pollution, which can degrade the dolphins’ habitat by reducing water quality and food availability (as it affects the aquatic food chain).