With reference to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. IUCN is an organ of the United Nations and CITES is an international agreement between governments. 2. IUCN runs thousands of field projects around the world to better manage natural environments. 3. CITES is legally binding on the States that have joined it, but this Convention does not take the place of national laws. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only ✓ UPSC's answer
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Why the answer is (b)
• Statement 1 is wrong: IUCN (1948) is a membership union of governments and NGOs with UN observer status, not a UN organ; CITES (1973) is indeed an inter-governmental agreement.
• Statement 2 is correct: IUCN runs thousands of field projects and publishes the Red List.
• Statement 3 is correct: CITES binds its 184 parties but is implemented through national legislation (in India, the Wildlife (Protection) Act and Customs law), which it does not replace.
• Hence 2 and 3 only, option (b).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 only
- Statement 1 is wrong: IUCN is not a UN organ.
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- Statement 1 is wrong; statement 2 is correct.
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
- Statement 1 is wrong.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2015, held on 23 August 2015. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.