Consider the following statements regarding ‘Agenda 21’:
It was adopted in the Earth Summit at Rio de Janeiro in the year 1992.
It is a plan to encourage sustainable development in the 21st century.
It emphasises on the role of ‘women’ and ‘indigenous people’ to achieve development related goals.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct Answer:
(D)
All of the above
"Agenda 21" was adopted at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. It is a comprehensive action plan for sustainable development, focusing on addressing social, economic, and environmental challenges globally, locally, and nationally. The plan emphasizes the importance of women and indigenous communities in achieving sustainable development goals.
Ques:
12
United Nations Organization has declared decade 2021-2030 as:
Correct Answer:
(A)
Decade on Ecosystem Restoration
The United Nations Organization has declared the decade 2021-2030 as the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. It also declared the same period as the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, . Additionally, the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing also falls within this period,
Ques:
13
Momentum for Change: Climate Neutral Now’ is an initiative launched by:
Correct Answer:
(C)
The UNFCCC Secretariat
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Secretariat launched "Momentum for Change: Climate Neutral Now." This initiative encourages businesses, organizations, and individuals to achieve climate neutrality by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable practices.
Ques:
14
Concerning an organization known as ‘Bird Life International’ which of the following statements is/ are correct?
It is a Global Partnership of Conservation Organizations.
The concept of ‘biodiversity hotspots’ originated from this organization.
It identifies the sites referred to as ‘Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas’.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Correct Answer:
(C)
1 and 3 only
Bird Life International is a global partnership of non- governmental conservation organizations that strives to conserve birds, their habitats and global biodiversity. It is the world’s largest partnership of conservation organizations, with 115 partner organizations. This organization identifies important bird and bio-diversity areas. It has so far identified more than 13000 such areas. Concept of biodiversity hot spots was propounded by British environmentalist Norman Myres. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect while statements 1 and 3 are correct.
Ques:
15
Which one of the following statements is correct?
Correct Answer:
(C)
The Biosafety Protocol deals with genetically modified organisms.
Ques:
16
Which one of the following Union Ministries implements the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety?
Correct Answer:
(C)
Ministry of Environment and Forests
The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety or the Convention on Biological Diversity is an international agreement which aims to ensure the safe handling, transport and use of Living Modified Organism (LMO) resulting from modern biotechnology that may have adverse effects on biological diversity, also taking into account risks to human health. It was adopted on 29 January, 2000 and entered into force on 11 September, 2003. India signed the Biosafety Protocol on 23rd January, 2001. In India, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change implements this protocol.
Ques:
17
The 16th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Conference on ‘Biological Diversity’ was held at:
Correct Answer:
(D)
Cali
The tenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 10) was held in Nagoya, Japan, from 18 to 29 October, 2010. Nagoya Biodiversity Summit concluded with the adoption of historical decisions that would permit the community of nations to meet the unprecedented challenges of the continued loss of biodiversity compounded by climate change. The eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP-11) was held in Hyderabad, India, from 8 to 19 October, 2012. The Twelfth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP-12) was held in Pyeongchang, the Republic of Korea from 6 - 17 October, 2014. Fifteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP-15) was held in Kunming, China from 11-15 October 2021 and 2nd phase will be held from 25 April - 8 May 2022. COP16 was held from October 21 to November 1, 2024 in Cali, Colombia.
Ques:
18
Proper design and effective implementation of UN- REDD+ Programme can significantly contribute to:
Protection of biodiversity
Resilience of forest ecosystems
Poverty reduction
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Correct Answer:
(D)
1, 2 and 3
UN-REDD (Reducing Emission from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) is an inter-institutional programme under the aegis of UNFCCC member countries. This programme was started in 2008. Institutions like UNDP, FAO and UNEP are associated with this programme. The objective of this programme is to mitigate climate change by reducing net emission of greenhouse gases through enhanced forest management in developing countries. UN-REDD + Programme focuses on conservation and sustainable management of forests. It plays a vital role in mitigating adverse effects of climate change. Proper design and effective implementation of UN-REDD + programme can significantly contribute to the protection of biodiversity and maintaining the resilience of forest ecosystem. It also provides technical and financial support to developing countries thus contributing to poverty alleviation.
Ques:
19
With reference to an initiative called ‘The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB)’, which of the following statements is/are correct?
It is an initiative hosted by UNEP, IMF and World Economic Forum.
It is a global initiative that focuses on drawing attention to the economic benefits of biodiversity.
It presents an approach that can help decision- makers recognize, demonstrate and capture the value of ecosystems and biodiversity.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Correct Answer:
(C)
2 and 3 only
The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) is a global initiative focused on “making values visible”. Its principal objective is to mainstream the values of biodiversity and ecosystem services into decision-making at all levels. It aims to achieve this goal by following a structured approach to valuation that helps decision makers recognize the wide range of benefits provided by ecosystems and biodiversity, demonstrates their values in economic terms and where appropriate, captures these values in decisions making. It was launched by Germany and European Union in March 2007 and the study was led by Pavan Sukhdev from 2007 to 2011.
Ques:
20
Concerning a conservation organization called 'Wetlands International’, which of the following statements is/are correct?
It is an inter-governmental organization formed by the countries which are signatories to Ramsar Convention.
It works at the ground level to develop and mobilize knowledge, and use the practical experience to advocate for better policies.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Correct Answer:
(B)
2 only
Wetlands International is a global organization 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 Government and NGO membership from around the world. Its head office is in the Netherlands. Wetlands International works in many thematic areas throughout the world. It is the leading scientific expert on peatlands and climate change as well as wetlands and waterbird migration based on extensive research as well as field projects. Wetlands International’s work ranges from research and community-based field projects to advocacy and engagement with Governments, corporate and international policy fora and conventions. Wetlands International works through partnerships and is supported by contributions from an extensive specialist expert network and tens of thousands of volunteers.