Protected Areas for the Biodiversity Conservation: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Environment and Ecology)
2 previous year UPSC Prelims questions on Protected Areas for the Biodiversity Conservation (Environment and Ecology). Choose an option to see the answer and explanation.
Explanations state facts as of the year each question was asked; words like “recently” refer to that year.
Showing 1–2 of 2 questions
UPSC 2014Environment and Ecology · Protected Areas for the Biodiversity Conservation
Q1. With reference to ‘Eco-Sensitive Zones’, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Eco-Sensitive Zones are the areas that are declared under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. 2. The purpose of the declaration of Eco-Sensitive Zones is to prohibit all kinds of human activities in those zones except agriculture. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
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
UPSC 2014Environment and Ecology · Protected Areas for the Biodiversity Conservation
Q2. The most important strategy for the conservation of biodiversity together with traditional human life is the establishment of:
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.
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
1
2014
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
2
2014
(a) Biosphere reserves
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on Protected Areas for the Biodiversity Conservation?
This page covers 2 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on Protected Areas for the Biodiversity Conservation (Environment and Ecology), asked from 2010 to 2023. Each has the correct answer and an explanation.
How should I use previous year UPSC questions for Prelims?
Attempt each question first, then open the answer and read the explanation for every option. Repeat by chapter, and track which statements UPSC reuses across years. Previous year questions show the exam pattern and difficulty level.
Which years are covered for Protected Areas for the Biodiversity Conservation?
Questions on Protected Areas for the Biodiversity Conservation (Environment and Ecology) are available for 10 years, from 2010 to 2023. Use the Year filter to practise a single paper.
