Biodiversity Conservation & Protected Areas

In 1972, the Wild Life (Protection) Act (WPA) was enacted for the protection of wild animals, birds and plants. It was made to prevent hunting and also to control trade in wildlife products.
Wildlife laws divide species into schedules ranked from I to V. Section 9 of WPA prohibits hunting of any wild animal specified in Schedules 1, 2, 3, and 4. Tiger is listed in Schedule I of the act. So if a species is listed in Schedule I of the act, It enjoys the same level of protection as the tiger. Note: The Wildlife (Protection) Act, of 1972 underwent amendments in 2022 which impacted the scheduling of wild animals. Previously, there were six schedules. The amendment streamlined them into four schedules.

The best place to see Gharials in their natural habitat is the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary. The National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary is a tri-state protected area in northern India spread across the states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the dedicated sanctuaries for Gharials, the critically endangered fish-eating crocodiles.

An environment ministry's expert committee approved Kuno Palpur in Madhya Pradesh as the second home for Asiatic lions found only in Gir National Park. However, the Gujarat government will not share lions unless 33 studies as mandated by the International Wildlife Watchdog IUCN is completed.

Statement 1 is correct: Kharai camels can swim up to three kilometers in seawater. This rare trait allows them to reach offshore mangrove islands, where they forage for food. Statement 2 is correct: Their name "Kharai" comes from the Gujarati word for "salty" because they primarily graze on saline plants and mangroves. This dietary adaptation allows them to thrive in the harsh coastal environment. Statement 3 is incorrect: Kharai camels are herded by local communities (Maldhari) in the Kutch region of Gujarat. Their milk is consumed, and male calves are sometimes sold.
Hence, the correct answer is option A.

The Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) initiative was launched by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 2002 to identify, safeguard, and promote traditional agricultural systems that have historical, cultural, environmental, and social significance. These systems demonstrate sustainable agricultural practices, rich biodiversity, and resilient rural livelihoods while maintaining a harmonious relationship with nature. Statement 1 is incorrect: The GIAHS program is not primarily aimed at increasing agricultural productivity through modern methods. Instead, it focuses on preserving traditional farming practices, indigenous knowledge, and sustainable land-use systems that have evolved over centuries. While some modern improvements might be integrated to support local livelihoods, the core emphasis is conservation, not productivity enhancement. Statement 2 is correct: The primary goal of GIAHS is to identify and protect unique agricultural systems that are vital for global biodiversity, cultural heritage, and food security. This includes preserving traditional landscapes, indigenous crops, and local community knowledge, ensuring their sustainability for future generations. Statement 3 is incorrect: While some GIAHS products might qualify for Geographical Indication status, it's not an automatic benefit. GI status is granted based on specific criteria related to a product's origin, traditional production techniques, and unique qualities, which require a separate legal recognition process.
Hence, the correct answer is option B. 2 only.

The first state in India to declare a state butterfly was Maharashtra. Maharashtra designated the Blue Mormon (Papilio polymnestor) as its state butterfly in 2015. It's a large, black colored butterfly with velvet wings and bright blue spots.

The National Mission for Green India (GIM) is one of the eight Missions outlined under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). Mission Goals:
- To increase forest/tree cover to the extent of 5 million hectares (mha) and improve quality of forest/tree cover on another 5 mha of forest/non-forest lands;
- To improve/enhance ecosystem services like carbon sequestration and storage (in forests and other ecosystems), hydrological services and biodiversity; along with provisioning services like fuel, fodder, and timber and non-timber forest produces (NTFPs); and
- To increase forest-based livelihood income of about 3 million households.

The Gadgil Committee Report and the Kasturirangan Committee Report both focus on the conservation of the Western Ghats, one of the world's eight "hottest" biodiversity hotspots. Gadgil Committee Report (2011) Formally known as the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP) Report, this report advocated for strict environmental protection measures across the entire Western Ghats. It recommended designating the entire region as an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA), divided into three zones with graded levels of regulation on development activities such as mining, construction, and deforestation. The report emphasized grassroots participation and sustainable development, but its stringent recommendations faced resistance from state governments and industries. Kasturirangan Committee Report (2012) To review the Gadgil Committee’s recommendations, the High-Level Working Group (HLWG), led by Dr. Kasturirangan, was formed. This report sought a balance between conservation and development by proposing that only 37% of the Western Ghats be designated as ESA, focusing primarily on forest and uninhabited regions while allowing regulated development in other areas. It adopted a more lenient approach than the Gadgil Report, leading to criticism from environmentalists who argued that it diluted the conservation efforts. In summary, while the Gadgil Report advocated for comprehensive protection with stringent regulations, the Kasturirangan Report took a more moderate stance, allowing some developmental activities while still acknowledging the ecological importance of the Western Ghats.

Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD) attempts to create financial value for the carbon stored in forests, offering incentives for developing countries to reduce emissions from forested lands and invest in low-carbon paths to sustainable development. REDD goes beyond deforestation and forest degradation, and includes the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks. REDD has the potential to simultaneously contribute to climate change mitigation and poverty alleviation, whilst also conserving biodiversity and sustaining vital ecosystem services. Protection of biodiversity: Forests are incredibly diverse ecosystems, and protecting them through REDD initiatives helps safeguard countless species of plants and animals. Resilience of forest ecosystems: By reducing deforestation and degradation, REDD helps maintain healthy forests that can better withstand natural disturbances like droughts, floods, and pests. Poverty reduction: Many forest communities rely on forests for their livelihoods. REDD programs can provide financial incentives for sustainable forest management, creating income opportunities and alleviating poverty. Therefore, the correct answer is 1, 2 and 3.

Statement 1 is incorrect. While TEEB is a well-respected initiative, it's not directly hosted by UNEP, IMF, and the World Economic Forum. Germany and the European Commission launched it in response to a proposal by G85 Environment Ministers. Statement 2 is correct. TEEB's primary goal is to highlight the economic value of biodiversity and ecosystems. It aims to move beyond traditional economic models that often overlook the significant contributions that nature makes to human well-being. Statement 3 is correct. By providing tools and methodologies, TEEB empowers decision-makers to consider these values when making choices that impact the environment.