Protected Areas for the Biodiversity Conservation: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Environment and Ecology)

Explanation

Miyawaki method is a method of urban afforestation by turning backyards into mini-forests. It includes planting trees as close as possible in the same area which not only saves space, but the planted saplings also support each other in growth and block sunlight from reaching the ground, thereby preventing the growth of weeds. Thus the saplings become maintenance-free (self-sustainable) after the first three years. It helps to create a forest in just 20 to 30 years while through conventional methods it takes anywhere between 200 to 300 years. In the Miyawaki Process:

The native trees of the region are identified and divided into four layers -- shrub, sub-tree, tree, and canopy. The quality of soil is analysed and biomass which would help enhance the perforation capacity, water retention capacity, and nutrients in it, is mixed with it. The ground is covered with a thick layer of mulch. A mound is built with the soil and the seeds are planted at a very high density -- three to five sapling per square meter.

Explanation

Wetlands Location and Significance Hokera Wet-land Jammu and Kashmir. A perennial natural wetland that is part of the Jhelum basin. Renuka Wet-land Himachal Pradesh A naturally occurring wetland that receives freshwater springs and underground karst formations from the lower Himalayas and the Giri river. Rudrasagar lake Melaghar, Tripura A lowland sedimentation reservoir in the northeastern highlands that receives water from three enduring streams that empty into the River Gomti. Sasthamkotta lake Kollam district, Kerala Being Kerala’s largest freshwater lake, it has long been a popular destination for travellers.

Explanation

Natural wetlands are often called "earth’s kidneys" because they effectively filter pollutants from water, much like our kidneys filter waste and excess fluid from our bodies. Just as kidneys maintain a healthy balance of water, salts, and minerals, wetlands absorb and store excess nutrients, heavy metals, and chemicals from runoff. Aquatic plants and microorganisms help absorb heavy metals, excess nutrients, while sediment settles at the bottom in areas of slow-moving water, preventing it from reaching open water.