UPSC Prelims 2014 GS Paper I · Q50 of 100 Environment & Ecology easy

The most important strategy for the conservation of biodiversity together with traditional human life is the establishment of

  1. (a) biosphere reserves ✓ UPSC's answer
  2. (b) botanical gardens
  3. (c) national parks
  4. (d) wildlife sanctuaries

Why the answer is (a)

• Biosphere reserves, under UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere programme, have a core zone for strict conservation, a buffer zone for research and limited use, and a transition zone where local communities continue traditional livelihoods — integrating biodiversity conservation with traditional human life — option (a).

• National parks (c) and sanctuaries (d) restrict or exclude human use; botanical gardens (b) are ex-situ collections.

• India has 18 biosphere reserves, 12 in the UNESCO network.

• Hence option (a).

Why the other options are wrong

(b) botanical gardens
Botanical gardens are ex-situ conservation without human settlements.
(c) national parks
National parks exclude human habitation.
(d) wildlife sanctuaries
Sanctuaries restrict human activity.

Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2014, held on 24 August 2014. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.

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