The most important strategy for the conservation of biodiversity together with traditional human life is the establishment of
- (a) biosphere reserves ✓ UPSC's answer
- (b) botanical gardens
- (c) national parks
- (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.
• 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.