UPSC Prelims 2023 Q13: Geography – Economic & Mineral Geography
- (a) The International Union for Conservation of Nature
- (b) The United Nations Environment Programme
- (c) The United Nations World Commission for Environment and Development
- (d) The World Wide Fund for Nature
Answer: (a) The International Union for Conservation of Nature
Explanation
Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG)
The Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) is a global network of scientific and policy experts on invasive species.
| Organisation | Body | Role |
|---|---|---|
| IUCN | International Union for Conservation of Nature | Parent body of ISSG |
| ISSG | Invasive Species Specialist Group | Sub-group of IUCN's Species Survival Commission (SSC) |
| Global Invasive Species Database | Developed by ISSG | Lists 100 worst invasive species globally |
IUCN → Species Survival Commission (SSC) → Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) → Global Invasive Species Database
Other options:
- UNEP (UN Environment Programme): hosts CITES secretariat, CBD, Ramsar; does NOT run ISSG
- UN WCED (Brundtland Commission): authored 'Our Common Future' 1987; dissolved after its report
- WWF: conservation NGO; does not host ISSG
Answer: (a) The International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. ISSG is a specialist group under IUCN's Species Survival Commission (SSC). IUCN maintains the Global Invasive Species Database through ISSG.
- (b) Incorrect. UNEP hosts secretariats of CBD, CITES, and UNFCCC — but ISSG is an IUCN body, not UNEP.
- (c) Incorrect. UN WCED (World Commission on Environment and Development / Brundtland Commission) produced the 'Our Common Future' report in 1987 and does not maintain any invasive species database.
- (d) Incorrect. WWF is a conservation NGO that works with IUCN but does not host or develop the ISSG or its database.
Key point
ISSG = Invasive Species Specialist Group under IUCN's Species Survival Commission (SSC). Develops the Global Invasive Species Database. IUCN → SSC → ISSG. Not UNEP, not WWF.
Remember
The Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) belongs to the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), under its Species Survival Commission. ISSG develops the Global Invasive Species Database.
Common mistakes
- Confusing IUCN and UNEP — UNEP handles environmental governance and conventions; IUCN handles species-level conservation and databases.
- Mixing up WWF and IUCN — WWF is a funding/advocacy NGO; IUCN is the scientific body with red lists, SSC, and specialist groups.
- Not knowing the IUCN's internal structure: Species Survival Commission contains dozens of Specialist Groups including ISSG.
Exam tip
IUCN = Red List + SSC + Specialist Groups (including ISSG). Rule: Any database about species status, invasive species, or threatened species = IUCN. UNEP = environmental governance conventions.
Sources
- IUCN — Species Survival Commission: Invasive Species Specialist Group
- IUCN Global Invasive Species Database