Which of the following statements with regard to Biosphere Reserve is/are correct? 1. The idea of Biosphere Reserve was initiated by UNESCO in 1973-74 2. There are 18 designated Biosphere Reserves in India 3. All Biosphere Reserves in India have been included in world network of Biosphere Reserves of UNESCO Select the correct answer using the code given below:
2 only
Understanding Biosphere Reserves and Related Statements
Biosphere Reserves are special protected areas that aim to conserve biodiversity and promote sustainable development. They are designated under UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme.
Let's carefully examine each statement provided in the question regarding Biosphere Reserves.
Analysis of Statement 1: Initiation by UNESCO in 1973-74
Statement 1 claims that the idea of Biosphere Reserve was initiated by UNESCO in 1973-74. UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, which launched the concept of Biosphere Reserves, was actually initiated earlier, in 1970. The first list of Biosphere Reserves was established in 1976. While 1973-74 falls within the early development phase of the MAB programme and the Biosphere Reserve concept, the precise initiation year of the programme is 1970. Based on this information and the correct answer provided, the statement claiming initiation specifically in 1973-74 is considered inaccurate.
- The Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme by UNESCO started in 1970.
- The concept of Biosphere Reserves was developed under this programme.
- The first sites were designated in 1976.
- The specific timeframe 1973-74 for initiation might be considered incorrect compared to the 1970 start of the MAB programme.
Therefore, Statement 1 is incorrect.
Analysis of Statement 2: Number of Designated Biosphere Reserves in India
Statement 2 says there are 18 designated Biosphere Reserves in India. As per the official records and data from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, and UNESCO, there are currently 18 designated Biosphere Reserves in India.
- India has designated 18 specific areas as Biosphere Reserves.
- This number reflects the current official count.
Therefore, Statement 2 is correct.
Analysis of Statement 3: Inclusion in UNESCO World Network
Statement 3 asserts that all Biosphere Reserves in India have been included in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) of UNESCO. The World Network is a dynamic network that includes nationally designated Biosphere Reserves that meet the criteria of the MAB Programme and are nominated by national governments for inclusion. While many of India's Biosphere Reserves are part of the WNBR, not all 18 have been included. As of recent data, several, but not all, Indian Biosphere Reserves are part of the WNBR.
- Inclusion in the UNESCO World Network requires meeting specific criteria and nomination.
- Not all nationally designated Biosphere Reserves are automatically part of the World Network.
- Only a subset of India's 18 Biosphere Reserves are currently included in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
Therefore, Statement 3 is incorrect.
Summary of Statement Analysis
| Statement | Content | Correctness |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Idea initiated by UNESCO in 1973-74 | Incorrect (MAB Programme started in 1970) |
| 2 | 18 designated Biosphere Reserves in India | Correct |
| 3 | All Indian Biosphere Reserves in UNESCO World Network | Incorrect (Only some are in the World Network) |
Conclusion on Correct Statements
Based on the analysis, only Statement 2 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect regarding the specific initiation date of the MAB programme, and Statement 3 is incorrect as not all Indian Biosphere Reserves are in the UNESCO World Network.
Revision Table: Key Facts on Biosphere Reserves
| Concept | Detail |
|---|---|
| Initiated by | UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme |
| MAB Programme Start | 1970 |
| First Biosphere Reserves Designated | 1976 |
| Number of Biosphere Reserves in India | 18 (as of recent data) |
| UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) | Global network of exemplary sites; includes only nominated sites that meet MAB criteria |
| Indian Biosphere Reserves in WNBR | A significant number, but not all 18, are in the WNBR |
Additional Information on Biosphere Reserves
Biosphere Reserves are designed to promote solutions reconciling the conservation of biodiversity with its sustainable use. They are seen as 'living laboratories' for sustainable development.
Structure of Biosphere Reserves
Most Biosphere Reserves are organized into three interconnected zones:
- Core Area: This zone is strictly protected for conserving landscapes, ecosystems, species, and genetic variation. Only research and monitoring activities are permitted here.
- Buffer Zone: Surrounds or adjoins the core area. Activities here are compatible with sound ecological practices that can reinforce scientific research, monitoring, training, and education. Examples include limited tourism, fishing, or forestry.
- Transition Area: The outermost part of the reserve where local communities live and work. Sustainable resource management practices are promoted here, involving local people in conservation efforts. This is an area of active cooperation between conservation and development.
UNESCO's Role
UNESCO does not legally enforce the management of Biosphere Reserves. Instead, it facilitates cooperation and information exchange among the sites through the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Each country manages its own Biosphere Reserves according to its national laws, while adhering to the general principles and guidelines of the MAB Programme.
Similar Questions
Which set of the following biosphere reserves in India is included in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves?
Which one of the following statements about biodiversity is not correct ?
Which one of the following is NOT a reason of decrease in biodiversity?
Consider the following Wildlife Sanctuaries of India:
1. Shikari Devi
2. Bhadra
3. Simlipal
4. Pachmarhi
Which one of the following is the correct order of the above Wildlife Sanctuaries in terms of their location from south to north?Which one among the following is the largest tiger reserve of India in terms of area of the core/critical tiger habitat
Which one among the following is the correct order of tiger reserves situated from North to South in India?
Which of the following are the major coral reef areas of India?
1. Gulf of Kachchh
2. Gulf of Mannar
3. Lakshadweep
4. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Select the correct answer using the code given below:Which of the following pairs is/are correctly matched?
National Park
Famous for
1.
Ranthambhore
Tiger
2.
Periyar
Elephant
3.
Manas
Lion
4.
Gir
Rhinoceros
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
The Manas National Park is situated in the State of:
Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists:
List I
(Forest Conservation
Type)
List II
(Place)
A. National Park 1. Dudhwa B. Sanctuary 2. Bhitarkanika C. Biosphere Reserve 3. Chilka D. Tiger Reserve 4. Nokrek
Important Questions from Biodiversity
Out of the following, which is the smallest Wild Life Sanctuary?
Which set of the following biosphere reserves in India is included in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves?
Which biosphere reserve among the following has the largest area?
India initiated its Biosphere Reserve program to conserve unique ecosystems and their biodiversity. Which of the following reserves, established in $1986$ and encompassing parts of the Western Ghats across the tri-junction of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, was the first to be designated in the country?
Bhaisadarha Sanctuary is not related to
