UPSC Prelims 2015 Q12: Environment & Ecology – International Environmental Treaties & Summits
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
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only
Explanation
IUCN and CITES
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. IUCN is an organ of the United Nations and CITES is an international agreement between governments | Incorrect | IUCN is a membership union of governments and NGOs, not a UN organ; the CITES part is right |
| 2. IUCN runs thousands of field projects around the world to better manage natural environments | Correct | Field projects are a large part of its work |
| 3. CITES is legally binding on the States that have joined it, but this Convention does not take the place of national laws | Correct | Each Party must pass its own law to apply it |
The two bodies compared:
| Feature | IUCN | CITES |
|---|---|---|
| Year | 1948 | Signed 1973, in force 1975 |
| Headquarters | Gland, Switzerland | Secretariat in Geneva, run by UNEP |
| Known for | Red List of threatened species | Appendices I, II and III on trade |
Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false; IUCN is not an organ of the United Nations.
- (b) CORRECT. IUCN runs field projects, and CITES is legally binding on its Parties.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false, and statement 2 on field projects is true.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false; IUCN only has observer status at the UN.
Key point
IUCN (1948, Gland): union of governments and NGOs, Red List, not a UN organ. CITES (1975): binding treaty on wildlife trade, three Appendices.
Remember
IUCN = Red List, not UN. CITES = binding trade treaty.
Common mistakes
- Treating IUCN as a United Nations agency.
- Thinking CITES replaces national wildlife laws.
- Confusing the IUCN Red List categories with CITES Appendices.
Exam tip
IUCN lists; CITES regulates trade. Neither is a UN organ, though UNEP hosts the CITES Secretariat.
Sources
- IUCN — About the International Union for Conservation of Nature
- CITES — What is CITES?