UPSC Prelims 2016 GS Paper I · Q54 of 100 Environment & Ecology medium

Which of the following statements is/are correct? Proper design and effective implementation of UN-REDD+ Programme can significantly contribute to 1. protection of biodiversity 2. resilience of forest ecosystems 3. poverty reduction Select the correct answer using the code given below.

  1. (a) 1 and 2 only
  2. (b) 3 only
  3. (c) 2 and 3 only
  4. (d) 1, 2 and 3 ✓ UPSC's answer

Why the answer is (d)

• REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation, plus conservation, sustainable management and enhancement of carbon stocks) pays developing countries to keep forests standing.

• Well-designed REDD+ protects forest biodiversity (1), strengthens the resilience of forest ecosystems (2) and, through payments and livelihoods for forest communities, contributes to poverty reduction (3) — the 'Cancun safeguards' require these co-benefits.

• Hence 1, 2 and 3, option (d).

Why the other options are wrong

(a) 1 and 2 only
Poverty reduction is also a REDD+ co-benefit.
(b) 3 only
Biodiversity and resilience are also outcomes.
(c) 2 and 3 only
Biodiversity protection is also an outcome.

Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2016, held on 7 August 2016. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.

Reading the answer is not the same as getting it right under a clock. Practise this question with UPSC's negative marking, and anything you miss goes into an error notebook until you get it right twice.

Practise this paper free