UPSC Prelims 2005 Q138: Environment & Ecology – International Environmental Treaties & Summits
Which one of the following statements is correct?
- (a) The First Meeting of the Parties (MOP - 1) to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety was held in the Philippines in 2004.
- (b) India is not a signatory to the Biosafety Protocol/Convention on Biological Diversity.
- (c) The Biosafety Protocol deals with genetically modified organisms.
- (d) The United States of America is a member of the Biosafety Protocol/Convention on Biological Diversity.
Answer: (c) The Biosafety Protocol deals with genetically modified organisms.
Explanation
Biosafety Protocol
| Statement | Verdict |
|---|---|
| a. MOP-1 held in the Philippines in 2004 | False: held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in February 2004 |
| b. India not a signatory | False: India is a party to the Protocol and the CBD |
| c. Protocol deals with genetically modified organisms | True — living modified organisms |
| d. USA is a member | False: the USA has not joined the CBD or the Protocol |
The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety regulates the transboundary movement of genetically modified (living modified) organisms.
Answer: (c) The Biosafety Protocol deals with genetically modified organisms.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. MOP-1 was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
- (b) Incorrect. India is a party to the Protocol.
- (c) CORRECT. The Protocol deals with genetically modified organisms.
- (d) Incorrect. The USA is not a party to the Protocol or the CBD.
Key point
Cartagena Protocol: adopted 2000, in force 2003; deals with LMOs; USA is not a party.
Remember
The Biosafety Protocol regulates genetically modified organisms.
Common mistakes
- Placing MOP-1 in the Philippines.
- Believing the USA ratified the CBD.
- Mixing Cartagena with the Kyoto Protocol.
Exam tip
Cartagena = biosafety, Nagoya = access and benefit sharing.
Sources
- CBD Secretariat — Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety
- Convention on Biological Diversity — Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity (2000)