UPSC Prelims 2014 Q50: Environment & Ecology – Protected Areas & Wildlife
The most important strategy for the conservation of biodiversity together with traditional
human life is the establishment of
- (a) biosphere reserves
- (b) botanical gardens
- (c) national parks
- (d) wildlife sanctuaries
Answer: (a) biosphere reserves
Explanation
Conserving biodiversity together with traditional human life
A biosphere reserve protects nature and the people who live there with their traditional ways.
| Zone of a biosphere reserve | What is allowed |
|---|---|
| Core | Strictly protected; no human activity |
| Buffer | Research, education, limited tourism |
| Transition | Human settlements, farming and traditional use of resources |
The options compared:
| Option | People living inside? |
|---|---|
| (a) Biosphere reserves | Yes, in the transition zone |
| (b) Botanical gardens | No; ex-situ collections of plants |
| (c) National parks | No; human activity is not allowed |
| (d) Wildlife sanctuaries | Limited rights only |
Key facts: the idea comes from UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Programme (1971); India has 18 biosphere reserves; the first was Nilgiri (1986).
Answer: (a) biosphere reserves.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Biosphere reserves conserve biodiversity along with traditional human life.
- (b) Incorrect. Botanical gardens keep plants outside their natural home.
- (c) Incorrect. National parks do not allow people to live or use resources inside.
- (d) Incorrect. Wildlife sanctuaries allow only limited human rights.
Key point
Biosphere reserve (UNESCO MAB, 1971): core, buffer and transition zones; conserves nature with local communities; India has 18, first was Nilgiri (1986).
Remember
Biosphere reserve = nature + people.
Common mistakes
- Choosing national parks, which exclude people.
- Forgetting the three zones: core, buffer, transition.
- Confusing a biosphere reserve with a biodiversity hotspot.
Exam tip
'Together with human life' = biosphere reserve. Parks and sanctuaries keep people out.
Sources
- UNESCO — Man and the Biosphere Programme
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change — Biosphere Reserves in India