UPSC Prelims 2008 Q90: Environment & Ecology – Protected Areas & Wildlife
Out of all the Biosphere Reserves in India, four have been recognized on the World Network
by UNESCO.
Which one of the following is not one of them?
- (a) Gulf of Mannar
- (b) Kanchenjunga
- (c) Nanda Devi
- (d) Sunderbans
Answer: (b) Kanchenjunga
Explanation
Which Indian Biosphere Reserve is NOT on UNESCO's World Network
Among India's many Biosphere Reserves, only a select few (at the time) had been recognized on UNESCO's global list.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Gulf of Mannar | Is on the list | Recognized on UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves |
| (b) Kanchenjunga | NOT on the list | Kanchenjunga was not among the four Indian Biosphere Reserves recognized on UNESCO's World Network at the time |
| (c) Nanda Devi | Is on the list | Recognized on UNESCO's World Network |
| (d) Sunderbans | Is on the list | Recognized on UNESCO's World Network |
UNESCO-recognized Indian Biosphere Reserves (at the time):
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Recognized | Gulf of Mannar, Nanda Devi, Sunderbans, and one more |
| NOT recognized | Kanchenjunga |
Answer: (b) Kanchenjunga.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Gulf of Mannar is indeed on UNESCO's World Network list.
- (b) CORRECT. Kanchenjunga was NOT among the four recognized Indian Biosphere Reserves at the time.
- (c) Incorrect. Nanda Devi is indeed on the list.
- (d) Incorrect. Sunderbans is also indeed on the list.
Key point
Among India's Biosphere Reserves, Gulf of Mannar, Nanda Devi, and Sunderbans were recognized on UNESCO's World Network at the time — Kanchenjunga was NOT one of them.
Remember
Kanchenjunga was NOT one of the four Indian Biosphere Reserves recognized on UNESCO's World Network at the time.
Common mistakes
- Assuming a famous, well-known Biosphere Reserve (Kanchenjunga) must automatically be on the UNESCO list.
- Not knowing the specific four Indian reserves recognized at that time.
- Confusing general ecological fame with the specific UNESCO World Network recognition status.
Exam tip
Not every famous Indian Biosphere Reserve was on UNESCO's World Network at the time — Kanchenjunga was the notable exclusion among these four options.
Sources
- UNESCO — Man and the Biosphere Programme: World Network of Biosphere Reserves (India: Nilgiri, Gulf of Mannar, Sundarbans, Nanda Devi)
- Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India — Annual Report 2007–08 (Biosphere Reserve Programme)