UPSC Prelims 2016 Question:

With reference to an initiative called ‘The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB)’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. It is an initiative hosted by UNEP, IMF and World Economic Forum. 
2. It is a global initiative that focuses on drawing attention to the economic benefits of biodiversity. 
3. It presents an approach that can help decision makers recognize, demonstrate and capture the value of ecosystems and biodiversity.
   
   

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Explanation: 

• The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) was a study led by Pavan Sukhdev from 2007 to 2011. The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) is a global initiative focused on “making nature’s values visible”. Its principal objective is to mainstream the values of biodiversity and ecosystem services into decision-making at all levels. 

• TEEB was launched by Germany and the European Commission in 2007. It is managed by the United Nations Environment Programme as part of its Green Economy Initiative (GEI). So, statement 1 is not correct.
• This initiative helps decision-makers recognize the wide range of benefits provided by ecosystems and biodiversity, demonstrate their values in economic terms and, where appropriate, capture those values in decision-making (Recognising - Demonstrating - Capturing). So, statement 2 and statement 3 are correct.
• Teeb-India Initiative (TII) was unveiled during the Brazil-India-Germany TEEB Dialogue, which India hosted in September 2015. It has been implemented as a technical collaboration under the Indo-German Biodiversity Programme.
  
  

Therefore, option (3) is the correct answer.

Relevance: In July 2015, Environment Ministry Launched Teeb-India Initiative (TII) to Highlight Economic Consequences of the Loss of Biological Diversity

Subject: Environment | Environmental Organisations and Conventions