Question

UPSC Prelims 2014 Question:

The most important strategy for the conservation of biodiversity together with traditional human life is the establishment of

1. biosphere reserves
2. botanical gardens
3. national parks
4. wildlife sanctuaries

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1: biosphere reserves

Detailed Solution

Explanation:

Biosphere Reserve (BR) is an international designation by UNESCO for representative parts of natural and cultural landscapes extending over a large area of terrestrial or coastal/marine ecosystems or a combination thereof.
BRs are designated to deal with one of the most important questions of reconciling the conservation of biodiversity, the quest for economic and social development, and maintenance of associated cultural values.
BRs are thus special environments for both people and nature and are living examples of how human beings and nature can co-exist while respecting each others’ needs.

Therefore, option (1) is the correct answer.

Knowledge Box

Criteria for designation of BR

A site that must contain an effectively protected and minimally disturbed core area of value of nature conservation.
The core area should be typical of a bio-geographical unit and large enough to sustain viable populations representing all trophic levels in the ecosystem.
The management authority to ensure the involvement/cooperation of local communities to bring a variety of knowledge and experiences to link biodiversity conservation and socio-economic development while managing and containing the conflicts.
Areas potential for preservation of traditional tribal or rural modes of living for harmonious use of the environment.

Subject: Environment | Biodiversity and Conservation

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Tags: Conceptual