UPSC 2016 Environment and Ecology Questions with Answers

Explanation

Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) is a mechanism developed by Parties to the UNFCCC. In order to provide incentives for developing countries to cut emissions from forested lands and invest in low-carbon paths, it sets a financial value for the carbon contained in forests. For activities based on results, the developing countries will be compensated. The UN-REDD Programme has identified the following three topics for supporting national REDD+ governance structures:

Country-led multi-stakeholder governance assessments that contribute to the development and implementation of national REDD+ strategies (for tackling forest degradation and biodiversity loss) and nationally owned monitoring frameworks Social standards, including poverty and gender. Land and/or carbon tenure and the role of REDD+ within national land use strategies The REDD+ goes beyond simply deforestation and forest degradation by including the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks.

Explanation

Agenda 21 is a comprehensive action plan for sustainable development, adopted at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), commonly known as the Earth Summit, held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1992. The number "21" refers to an agenda for the 21st century. It’s objective is to achieve Global sustainable development.

Statement 1 is correct: Agenda 21 serves as a comprehensive plan of action for sustainbility to be taken globally, nationally, and locally by organizations of the United Nations System, governments, and major groups in every area where humans im-pact the environment.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Agenda 21 is a product of the Earth Summit (UN Conference on Environment and Development) held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1992. The World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD), held in Johannesburg in 2002, reaffirmed the commitment to Agenda 21 and aimed to assess progress and implement further actions

Explanation

The Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) initiative, led by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), aims to identify and safeguard traditional agricultural systems worldwide. These systems are recognized for their unique landscapes, rich biodiversity, and the traditional knowledge of local communities. Three sites recognised as GI-AHS in India:

Kuttanad Below Sea Level Farming System of Kerala.

Koraput Traditional Agriculture of Odisha.

Pampore Saffron Heritage of Kashmir.

Statement 1 is incorrect: The GIAHS initiative supports the sustainability and viability of traditional agricultural system. However its primary goal is not to introduce modern technology or farming methods to enhance productivity. Instead, it focuses on preserving and promoting traditional practices that have proven sustainable over time.

Statement 2 is correct: The main objective of the GIAHS initiative is to recognize and protect traditional agricultural practices, along with their associated landscapes, biodiversity, and the cultural knowledge of local communities. This approach ensures the conservation of these systems for future generations.

Statement 3 is incorrect: The GIAHS designation does not automatically confer Geographical Indication (GI) status to agricultural products. While both GIAHS and GI aim to recognize and protect unique agricultural practices and products, they are separate initiatives with different objectives and processes. GI is accorded to products from a certain origin (e.g. Hyderabadi Biryani) and not to all traditional agricultural systems.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Kharai camels have the remarkable ability to swim in seawater and feed on saline plants and mangroves. This adaptation gives them their name, "Kharai." They are considered the only domesticated camel breed that thrives in both marine and desert ecosystems. They were identified as a separate breed by the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR) in recent years.

Statement 2 is correct: Kharai camels are known to feed on mangroves and other salty marine plants found on offshore islands. To access this unique food source, they can swim for several hours in seawater.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Kharai camels are domesticated and play an essential role for local communities, often being used for transportation and various other purposes in the coastal and desert regions of Gujarat.

Explanation

‘Red Sanders’ are known for their rich hue and therapeutic properties. They are in high demand across Asia, particularly in China and Japan for use in cosmetics and medicinal products as well as for making furniture, woodcraft and musical instruments. The main threats that Red Sanders face are illicit felling for smuggling, forest fires, cattle grazing and other anthropogenic threats.

Statement 1 is correct: Red Sanders is an endemic tree species native to the Eastern Ghats, specifically found in the forests of Andhra Pradesh. It thrives in rocky, degraded, and fallow lands with red soil and a hot, dry climate.

Statement 2 is incorrect: It occurs in the forest formation which is classified as "Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests". The tree is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, due to over-exploitation of its timber and habitat loss. Efforts are being made to protect the tree’s habitats and to promote sustainable harvesting practices.

Explanation

India is home to nine hornbill species, about one-fifth of the 50+ species worldwide. While mainly frugivores, some also consume small mammals, reptiles, and birds. The Great Indian Hornbill primarily inhabits tropical evergreen forests and is found mostly in the Western Ghats and Nilgiris. It relies on large trees with cavities for nesting and roosting.