2010 General Studies, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2010 · General Studies

Question 59: Environment and Ecology

India is a party to the Ramsar Convention and has declared many areas as Ramsar Sites. Which of the following statements best describes as to how we should maintain these sites in the context of this Convention ?

aKeep all the sites completely inaccessible to man so that they will not be exploited
bConserve all the sites through ecosystem approach and permit tourism and recreation only
cConserve all the sites through ecosystem approach for a period without any exploitation, with specific criteria and specific period for each site, and then allow sustainable use of them by future generations
dConserve all the sites through ecosystem approach and allow their simultaneous sustainable use

AnswerThe answer is (d).

The Ramsar Convention (1971) on wetlands asks its parties to promote the 'wise use' of wetlands, which means keeping their ecological character through an ecosystem approach while allowing sustainable use by people. It does not require wetlands to be sealed off from people, nor to be limited to tourism and recreation only, nor to be closed to all use for a period. Remember: Ramsar = conservation together with wise (sustainable) use.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Total exclusion of people is not required; wise use is allowed.
  • (b) Use is not limited to tourism and recreation; other sustainable uses, such as fishing, are allowed.
  • (c) The Convention does not require a closed period followed by use.
  • (d) Right: conserve through the ecosystem approach while allowing sustainable use.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2010, General Studies, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.