All questions of International Environmental Convention for UPSC CSE Exam

Role of the International Whaling Commission
The International Whaling Commission (IWC) is an intergovernmental organization established in 1946 with a primary focus on the conservation of whale populations. Its main responsibilities include:
Conserving Whales
- The IWC aims to ensure the sustainable management and conservation of whale species.
- It conducts scientific research to monitor whale populations and their health, contributing to informed decision-making.
Managing Whaling
- The IWC regulates whaling activities globally, primarily through the implementation of a moratorium on commercial whaling established in 1982.
- It allows for limited subsistence whaling by indigenous communities under specific conditions, emphasizing the balance between cultural practices and conservation.
Scientific Research
- The organization promotes scientific research about whale biology, ecology, and behavior, enhancing understanding of these marine mammals.
- Findings from research are used to formulate policies and regulations for whaling practices.
International Cooperation
- The IWC fosters collaboration among member nations to address threats to whale populations, including climate change and habitat degradation.
- It encourages the sharing of data and best practices in whale conservation efforts globally.
Conclusion
In summary, the correct answer is option 'B' because the IWC is specifically tasked with conserving whale populations and managing whaling activities, focusing on sustainability and protection of these marine mammals. The organization's efforts are crucial for the long-term survival of whale species and the health of marine ecosystems.

The correct answer is option A: Remarkable land use systems and landscapes rich in globally significant biological diversity.

Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) is a program initiated by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. It aims to identify, promote, and safeguard traditional agricultural systems and landscapes that provide significant benefits not only in terms of food production but also in terms of biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.

The GIAHS program recognizes remarkable land use systems and landscapes that possess globally significant biological diversity. These systems are often characterized by the integration of traditional agricultural practices with the natural environment, resulting in the conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources, ecosystems, and cultural diversity.

Here is a detailed explanation of why option A is the correct answer:

1. Remarkable land use systems:
- GIAHS recognizes agricultural systems that have demonstrated exceptional resilience and adaptability over time.
- These systems often involve unique land use practices, such as terracing, agroforestry, and water management techniques, that contribute to sustainable agriculture.

2. Landscapes rich in globally significant biological diversity:
- GIAHS focuses on areas that have a high level of biodiversity and are important for the conservation of genetic resources, including crop varieties, livestock breeds, and wild species.
- These landscapes often provide habitats for a wide range of plant and animal species, including endangered and endemic species.

3. Conservation and sustainable development:
- GIAHS aims to promote traditional agricultural practices that contribute to the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems.
- These practices often involve the use of traditional knowledge, local resources, and low-input farming techniques, which help maintain ecological balance and reduce the negative impacts of agriculture on the environment.

4. Cultural diversity:
- GIAHS recognizes the cultural significance of traditional agricultural systems and their role in maintaining cultural diversity.
- These systems often reflect the local knowledge, traditions, and identities of communities, fostering social cohesion and resilience.

In conclusion, the GIAHS program aims to recognize and promote remarkable land use systems and landscapes that are rich in globally significant biological diversity. By highlighting these systems, the program seeks to raise awareness, support their conservation, and promote sustainable agriculture for the benefit of both present and future generations.

The correct answer is option 'A', which states that the UNCCD is the sole legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management. Let's dive into the details to understand why this answer is correct.

Introduction to UNCCD:
The UNCCD stands for the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification. It is a global framework that aims to address the issues of desertification, land degradation, and drought. This convention was adopted in 1994 and has been ratified by 197 countries, making it one of the most widely supported international agreements.

Linking Environment and Development:
The UNCCD recognizes the interlinkages between environment and development. It acknowledges that sustainable land management is essential for achieving sustainable development goals, including poverty eradication, food security, and environmental sustainability. By promoting sustainable land management practices, the UNCCD aims to ensure the long-term productivity and resilience of ecosystems, thereby supporting both environmental and socio-economic objectives.

Key Objectives of UNCCD:
The UNCCD has several key objectives, which are closely aligned with the link between environment and development:

1. Combating Desertification: The convention aims to prevent and combat desertification, land degradation, and drought by promoting sustainable land management practices.

2. Enhancing Sustainable Development: The UNCCD recognizes that sustainable land management is crucial for achieving sustainable development. It promotes the integration of environmental and developmental considerations in land use planning and decision-making processes.

3. Promoting Participation and Cooperation: The convention emphasizes the importance of involving all stakeholders, including local communities, in the design and implementation of sustainable land management strategies. It encourages international cooperation and exchange of knowledge and best practices.

4. Mobilizing Financial and Technical Support: The UNCCD aims to mobilize resources to support developing countries in implementing sustainable land management practices. It promotes financial and technical assistance, capacity-building, and technology transfer to enhance the resilience of ecosystems and communities.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the UNCCD is the sole legally binding international agreement that links environment and development to sustainable land management. It recognizes the importance of sustainable land management for achieving sustainable development goals and addresses the issues of desertification, land degradation, and drought. By promoting participation, cooperation, and financial support, the UNCCD aims to combat desertification and enhance the resilience of ecosystems and communities worldwide.

The correct answer is option 'D': Promote the use of tiger parts in traditional medicine and other products.

Explanation:
The Global Tiger Initiative (GTI) is a partnership between governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector, which aims to protect and increase the population of tigers in the wild. Its primary goal is to promote the recovery of wild tiger populations and their habitats.

- Support capacity-building in governments for responding effectively to the transnational challenge of illegal wildlife trade:
One of the goals of the Global Tiger Initiative is to enhance the capacity of governments to combat the illegal wildlife trade. This includes strengthening law enforcement, improving border controls, and promoting international cooperation to curb the trafficking of tiger parts and other wildlife.

- Curtail international demand for tiger parts and other wildlife:
Another goal of the Global Tiger Initiative is to reduce the demand for tiger parts and other wildlife products. This involves raising awareness about the conservation value of tigers, promoting sustainable alternatives to the use of tiger parts, and implementing stricter regulations and penalties for illegal trade.

- Create innovative and sustainable financing mechanisms for tiger landscapes, including protected areas:
The Global Tiger Initiative aims to develop innovative and sustainable financing mechanisms to support the conservation of tiger habitats, including protected areas. This involves mobilizing resources from various sources, such as public funding, private investments, and international donors, to ensure the long-term protection of tiger landscapes.

- Promote the use of tiger parts in traditional medicine and other products:
Promoting the use of tiger parts in traditional medicine and other products goes against the goal of tiger conservation. The Global Tiger Initiative aims to reduce the demand for tiger parts and promote sustainable alternatives. Encouraging the use of tiger parts would only fuel the illegal wildlife trade and further endanger the survival of tigers in the wild.

In conclusion, the Global Tiger Initiative does not promote the use of tiger parts in traditional medicine and other products. Its goals include supporting capacity-building in governments to combat illegal wildlife trade, reducing international demand for tiger parts, and creating sustainable financing mechanisms for tiger landscapes.

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is an international treaty that aims to promote the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. It was adopted in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and has been ratified by almost all countries in the world. The CBD has three main objectives:

Conservation of Biological Diversity:
- The CBD seeks to conserve the Earth's biodiversity by promoting the conservation and management of ecosystems, species, and genetic resources. It recognizes the intrinsic value of biodiversity and the importance of maintaining healthy ecosystems for the well-being of present and future generations.
- The conservation objective includes the protection of ecosystems, habitats, and species, as well as the restoration of degraded ecosystems.
- It also emphasizes the need to address the causes of biodiversity loss, such as habitat destruction, pollution, overexploitation, and the introduction of invasive alien species.

Sustainable Use of Biodiversity:
- The CBD recognizes that biodiversity is a vital resource for human well-being and sustainable development. It aims to promote the sustainable use of biodiversity and its components, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms, including through the development and transfer of environmentally-friendly technologies.
- The sustainable use objective includes the conservation and sustainable management of biological resources, such as forests, fisheries, and agriculture, in order to meet the needs of present and future generations.
- It also encourages the equitable sharing of benefits derived from the utilization of genetic resources, such as the development of new medicines, crops, and other products.

Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits:
- The CBD recognizes the importance of ensuring the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources. This includes the sharing of monetary and non-monetary benefits, such as access to genetic resources, transfer of technology, and capacity-building.
- The fair and equitable sharing objective aims to promote the rights of indigenous and local communities, who have traditional knowledge and practices related to biodiversity, and to ensure that they receive a fair share of the benefits derived from the use of their knowledge and resources.
- It also seeks to promote cooperation among countries and the involvement of all stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and the private sector, in the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.

In summary, the objectives of the CBD are to conserve biological diversity, promote the sustainable use of its components, and ensure the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources. These objectives are aimed at addressing the urgent need to protect and sustainably manage the Earth's biodiversity for the benefit of both present and future generations.

Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity

The correct answer is option 'A', the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). This protocol is an international agreement that establishes procedures for regulating the import and export of Living Modified Organisms (LMOs) from one country to another.

Explanation:
The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety was adopted on January 29, 2000, and entered into force on September 11, 2003. It is an international treaty under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and aims to ensure the safe transfer, handling, and use of LMOs, also known as genetically modified organisms (GMOs). LMOs are organisms whose genetic material has been altered through modern biotechnology.

Key provisions of the Cartagena Protocol:

1. Advance Informed Agreement (AIA): The protocol establishes a procedure called the Advance Informed Agreement (AIA) to ensure that countries are provided with the necessary information about LMOs prior to their import. This allows countries to assess the potential risks associated with the LMOs and make informed decisions.

2. Biosafety Clearing-House (BCH): The protocol establishes a Biosafety Clearing-House (BCH) as a mechanism for the exchange of information on LMOs. The BCH serves as a central repository for information on LMOs, including their identification, handling, and potential risks.

3. Risk Assessment and Management: The protocol emphasizes the importance of conducting risk assessments of LMOs and implementing appropriate risk management measures. This includes assessing the potential adverse effects on biodiversity and human health.

4. Handling, Transport, Packaging, and Identification: The protocol requires parties to take appropriate measures to ensure the safe handling, transport, packaging, and identification of LMOs. This includes labeling requirements, documentation, and other measures to prevent unintentional release or accidental mixing of LMOs.

5. Capacity Building and Technology Transfer: The protocol recognizes the need for capacity building and technology transfer to assist developing countries in implementing the provisions of the protocol. This includes providing financial resources, training, and technical assistance.

The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety plays a crucial role in promoting the safe and responsible use of LMOs, minimizing potential risks to biodiversity and human health. By establishing procedures for regulating the import and export of LMOs, the protocol helps countries make informed decisions and ensures the effective management of these organisms.

The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

The correct answer to the question is option B, the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty that focuses specifically on the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands around the world. It is named after the city of Ramsar in Iran, where the convention was adopted in 1971.

Importance of Wetlands

Wetlands are areas where water is the primary factor that determines the environment and the associated plant and animal life. They include a wide range of habitats, such as marshes, swamps, bogs, and lakes. Wetlands are crucial ecosystems that provide numerous benefits to both humans and the environment. They act as natural water filters, helping to purify water and reduce pollution. Wetlands also serve as important habitats for a wide variety of plant and animal species, including many endangered and migratory species.

Aims and Objectives of the Ramsar Convention

The Ramsar Convention aims to promote the conservation and wise use of wetlands through international cooperation. Its objectives include:

1. The conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.
2. The designation of wetlands of international importance, known as Ramsar sites.
3. Cooperation between countries to ensure the conservation of shared wetland resources.
4. The promotion of research, education, and public awareness about wetlands.

Key Features of the Ramsar Convention

The Ramsar Convention is unique in several ways:

1. Wetland Focus: Unlike other conventions that have a broader scope, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), Ramsar Convention specifically targets the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.

2. Designation of Ramsar Sites: One of the key mechanisms of the convention is the designation of Ramsar sites, which are wetlands of international importance. These sites are identified by member countries based on specific criteria outlined by the convention. Currently, there are over 2,400 Ramsar sites worldwide.

3. International Cooperation: The convention emphasizes international cooperation and encourages member countries to work together to protect shared wetland resources. This includes sharing information and best practices, as well as coordinating conservation efforts.

Conclusion

In summary, the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands is an international treaty that focuses specifically on the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. It aims to promote the conservation of wetlands and their resources, designate Ramsar sites of international importance, and foster international cooperation among member countries. By focusing specifically on wetlands, the convention plays a crucial role in protecting these important ecosystems and the diverse plant and animal species that depend on them.