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Q50 (IAS/2014) Environment & Ecology › Biodiversity & Protected Areas › Protected area categories Official Key

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

Result
Your answer:  ·  Correct: A
Explanation

Biosphere Reserves are designated by UNESCO and are rich in biological and cultural diversity, encompassing unique features of exceptionally pristine nature.[1] The main objectives for the delineation of biosphere reserves include conserving biological and cultural diversity and integrity of plants, animals, birds, reptiles, micro-organisms and unique features of pristine nature.[1]

Each Biosphere Reserve consists of protected areas of land and/or coastal environments wherein people are an integral component of the system.[2] This is the key distinguishing feature—biosphere reserves uniquely integrate human populations and their traditional lifestyles with biodiversity conservation, unlike national parks or wildlife sanctuaries which focus primarily on wildlife protection with restricted or no human activity. National Parks enjoy greater degree of protection than sanctuaries, while human interaction is allowed up to some extent in sanctuaries.[3] However, neither of these protected area categories is specifically designed to conserve traditional human life alongside biodiversity, making biosphere reserves the most appropriate strategy for this dual objective.

Sources
  1. [1] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 5: Natural Vegetation and National Parks > BIOSPHERE RESERVES > p. 47
  2. [2] Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 15: Protected Area Network > 15.9.2. Characteristics of Biosphere reserve > p. 218
  3. [3] Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 4: BIODIVERSITY > Table 4.6-B Distinction between National Parks and Sanctuaries > p. 32
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Q. The most important strategy for the conservation of biodiversity together with traditional human life is the establishment of [A] biosph…
At a glance
Origin: Books + Current Affairs Fairness: Moderate fairness Books / CA: 5/10 · 5/10

This is a textbook 'Definition & Philosophy' question. It tests if you understand the *purpose* of a designation rather than just memorizing the list of sites. The phrase 'together with traditional human life' is the direct mandate of the UNESCO MAB (Man and Biosphere) programme, making this a straightforward hit from standard sources like NCERT or Shankar IAS.

How this question is built

This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.

Statement 1
Are biosphere reserves established for the conservation of biodiversity together with traditional human life?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 5: Natural Vegetation and National Parks > BIOSPHERE RESERVES > p. 47
Presence: 5/5
“Biosphere Reserves designated by the UNESCO. These reserves are rich in biological and cultural diversity and encompass unique features of exceptionally pristine nature. The scheme is a pioneering effort at pursuing the increasing difficult yet urgent task of conserving ecological diversity under mounting pressures. The main objectives for the delineation of biosphere reserves are: • l. To conserve biological and cultural diversity and integrity of plants animals, birds, reptiles, micro-organisms and unique features of pristine nature.• 2. To promote research on ecological conservation and other environmental aspects, and• 3. To provide facilities for education, research, awareness and training. The Biosphere Reserves Programme was initiated in India in 1986 and till date, 18 sites have been designated as Biosphere Reserves (BR) in different parts of the country.”
Why this source?
  • Explicit objective: to conserve biological and cultural diversity, linking biodiversity conservation with cultural/human elements.
  • Describes BRs as representative natural and cultural landscapes, implying concurrent protection of people-associated values.
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 15: Protected Area Network > 15.9.2. Characteristics of Biosphere reserve > p. 218
Presence: 5/5
“• The characteristic features of Biosphere Reserves are: • (t) Each Biosphere Reserves are protected areas of land and/or coastal environments wherein people are an integral component of the system. • Together, they constitute a worldwide network linked by international understanding for exchange of scientific information. • (z) The network of BRs includes significant examples of biomes throughout the world. All rights reserved. No part of this material may be reproduced in any form or by any means, without permission in writing.”
Why this source?
  • States that people are an integral component of biosphere reserves, directly supporting the idea of human presence alongside conservation.
  • Frames BRs as protected areas where human communities form part of the system rather than being wholly excluded.
Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 4: BIODIVERSITY > zoning of Biosphere reserves > p. 34
Presence: 4/5
“'Conservation of Resources of the Biosphere' conference was organized by the Man and Biosphere (MAB) committee in 1968. One of the recommendations of this conference was related to the 'utilisation and preservation of genetic resources'. Te Man and Biosphere in 1976, proposed a simple zoning pattern for biosphere reserves which comprised the following three zones (Fig. 4.5-A): • 1. Core Zone: Te core zone should be kept absolutely undisturbed. Strictly protected, and no interference from man for economic or cultural activity. Each biosphere reserve includes one or several core areas, that are strictly protected according to well-defned conservation objectives. It is the least disturbed ecosystem of the biosphere reserve.”
Why this source?
  • Describes the three-zone zoning model with a strictly protected core, implying other zones allow regulated human activity and sustainable use.
  • Zoning framework explains how conservation coexists with permitted human/economic/cultural activities in BRs.
Statement 2
Are botanical gardens established for the conservation of biodiversity together with traditional human life?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs Fairness: CA heavy Web-answerable

Web source
Presence: 4/5
"Christian monastic gardens gave birth to botanical and pharmaceutical gardens in numerous post-medieval towns of Europe and the Middle East (MacDougall, 1986)."
Why this source?
  • Directly links the origin of botanical gardens to monastic (traditional) gardens, showing historical ties between botanical gardens and traditional human practices.
  • Describes traditional land-use mosaics that include vegetable and medicinal gardens, connecting conservation-oriented gardens with traditional livelihoods and practices.
Web source
Presence: 4/5
"respect, preserve and maintain knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and local communities [sic] embodying traditional lifestyles relevant for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity"
Why this source?
  • Cites the CBD obligation to respect and preserve indigenous and local knowledge and practices that are relevant to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.
  • Links conservation goals explicitly with maintaining traditional lifestyles and customary use of biological resources.
Web source
Presence: 3/5
"Although it is increasingly recognised that the conservation of biodiversity cannot be successful without providing alternative livelihood solutions to local communities dependent on forest resources (West et al., 2006)"
Why this source?
  • States that biodiversity conservation often requires providing alternative livelihood solutions to local communities dependent on natural resources.
  • Supports the idea that conservation initiatives (which can include gardens/areas) are tied to sustaining traditional human livelihoods.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 8: Biodiversity > 8.r.8. Botanical garden > p. 146
Strength: 5/5
“Botanical garden refers to the scientifically planned collection of living trees, shrubs, herbs, climbers and other plants from various parts of the world.”
Why relevant

Defines 'botanical garden' as a scientifically planned collection of living plants from various parts of the world, suggesting a role in plant holding/propagation (an ex-situ approach).

How to extend

A student could combine this with outside knowledge that ex-situ collections are often used for conservation and education to judge whether botanical gardens serve biodiversity conservation.

Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 4: BIODIVERSITY > In-situ Conservation > p. 30
Strength: 5/5
“In in-situ biodiversity conservation, the natural habitats of diferent species of plants and animals are protected. Te establishment of biosphere reserves, national parks and sanctuaries are some of the examples of in-situ conservation. In this type of biodiversity conservation, not only the endangered species and vulnerable species are beneftted, but also the constituent present in the ecosystem are protected. It is a cheap and natural way of conservation. Te species are allowed to grow in their own natural habitat. As the species grow in their natural habitat, they face inclement weather such as extremes of temperature, scorching heat, precipitation, rainfall, snowfall, sleet, hails, permafrost, foods and droughts, and thereby evolve into better adapted forms.”
Why relevant

Gives a clear pattern/definition of in-situ conservation (biosphere reserves, national parks, sanctuaries) as protecting species in natural habitats, implicitly contrasting with other conservation methods.

How to extend

A student could contrast in-situ examples here with the botanical garden definition to infer whether botanical gardens are an ex-situ complement to in-situ measures that might or might not integrate traditional human life.

Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 4: BIODIVERSITY > strAtegIes for conservAtIon of BIodIversIty. > p. 29
Strength: 4/5
“Te term biodiversity conservation is primarily associated with the judicious utilisation of natural resources with an approach of sustainable development. Biodiversity conservation is required for ecological, biological, scientifc, economic, cultural, and ethical necessities. Te main objectives of biodiversity conservation are the protection, preservation, management and restoration of natural resources, especially fauna, fora, water-bodies, natural sites, landforms and the culture and traditions of the respective societies. Biodiversity conservation is essential for the survival of mankind. Te experts of ecology and environment have formulated a World Conservation Strategy for a judicious and un-exploitative use of biodiversity and the sustenance of life on the Earth's surface.”
Why relevant

States biodiversity conservation objectives include protection of natural resources and 'the culture and traditions of the respective societies', linking biodiversity goals to human/traditional life.

How to extend

A student could use this to test whether botanical gardens' conservation activities also encompass cultural/traditional plant uses (ethnobotany) by checking if gardens maintain traditional crop/medicinal plant varieties.

CONTEMPORARY INDIA-I ,Geography, Class IX . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 5: Natural Vegetation and Wildlife > Eighteen Bio-reserves • Sundarbans • Simlipal • Gulf of Mannar • Dihang-Dibang • Nilgiri • Dibru Saikhowa • Nanda Devi • Agasthyamalai • Nokrek • Kangchendzonga • Great Nicobar • Pachmarhi • Manas • Achanakmar-Amarkantak • Kachchh • Cold Desert • Seshachalam • Panna > p. 46
Strength: 3/5
“• (ii) Financial and technical assistance is provided to many botanical gardens by the government since 1992.• (iii) Project Tiger, Project Rhino, Project Great Indian Bustard and many other eco-developmental projects have been introduced.• (iv) 106 National Parks, 573 Wildlife sanctuaries and Zoological gardens are set up to take care of natural heritage. All of us must realise the importance of the natural ecosystem for our own survival. It is possible if indiscriminate destruction of natural environment is put to an immediate end.”
Why relevant

Notes that financial and technical assistance is provided to many botanical gardens by the government, implying an institutional conservation role for such gardens.

How to extend

A student could infer that government-supported gardens likely have conservation mandates and then look (outside these snippets) for whether those mandates include traditional human life aspects.

FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 14: Biodiversity and Conservation > Economic Role of Biodiversity > p. 116
Strength: 4/5
“For all humans, biodiversity is an important resource in their day-to-day life. One important part of biodiversity is 'crop diversity', which is also called agro-biodiversity. Biodiversity is seen as a reservoir of resources to be drawn upon for the manufacture of food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic products. This concept of biological resources is responsible for the deterioration of biodiversity. At the same time, it is also the origin of new conflicts dealing with rules of division and appropriation of natural resources. Some of the important economic commodities that biodiversity supplies to humankind are: food crops, livestock, forests, fish, medicinal resources, etc.”
Why relevant

Describes the economic role of biodiversity (food, medicinal resources, crop diversity), highlighting links between biodiversity and day-to-day human needs/traditional varieties.

How to extend

A student could extend this by asking whether botanical gardens conserve crop/medicinal diversity (agro-biodiversity) that sustains traditional human life.

Statement 3
Are national parks established for the conservation of biodiversity together with traditional human life?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs Fairness: CA heavy Web-answerable

Web source
Presence: 5/5
"respect, preserve and maintain knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and local communities embodying traditional lifestyles relevant for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity"
Why this source?
  • Cites the CBD requirement to respect and maintain indigenous and local communities' traditional lifestyles as relevant to conservation.
  • Explicitly links traditional cultural practices and customary use of biological resources with conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.
Web source
Presence: 4/5
"the conservation of biodiversity cannot be successful without providing alternative livelihood solutions to local communities dependent on forest resources"
Why this source?
  • States that biodiversity conservation often requires providing alternative livelihood solutions for local communities dependent on resources.
  • Indicates integration of conservation and local livelihoods (traditional human life) is recognized as necessary though challenging.
Web source
Presence: 3/5
"Natural Sites (SNS): areas of land and/or water having special spiritual significance to peoples and communities."
Why this source?
  • Identifies 'Natural Sites' as areas with special spiritual significance to peoples and communities, showing cultural values are included in area-based conservation types.
  • Suggests protected-area typologies recognize human cultural and spiritual connections alongside biodiversity priorities.

Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 4: BIODIVERSITY > nAtIonAl pArKs. > p. 37
Strength: 5/5
“Te National Parks in India are created by the respective State Governments under the provisions of Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972. National Parks are declared in areas that are considered to have adequate ecological, geomorphological, edephic, cultural and natural signifcance. A national park is a relatively large area of one or several ecosystems that are not being materially altered by human exploitation and occupation. Here, plant and animal species, geomorphic sites and habitats are reserved for education and research.”
Why relevant

Defines national parks as areas 'not being materially altered by human exploitation and occupation' reserved for plants, animals and research.

How to extend

A student could combine this with basic knowledge of 'traditional human life' (settlement, grazing, cultivation) to suspect parks are intended to limit such activities rather than accommodate them.

Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 4: BIODIVERSITY > nAtIonAl pArKs. > p. 38
Strength: 5/5
“Te National Parks are gateway to conservation ethics. National Parks are the areas that have been reserved strictly for the welfare of wildlife, plants, and where such activities as forestry, grazing, cultivation, etc. are banned. Te following activities are strictly prohibited in the National parks: • (i) Hunting, killing or capturing of animals.• (ii) Deprivation of any wild animal of its habitat.• (iii) Destruction and collection of plants.• (iv) Use of weapons• (v) Grazing by any livestock other than wild animals of the national park.• (vi) Alteration of boundaries of national parks. Te total number of national parks in India in 2012 was 100.”
Why relevant

Lists activities strictly prohibited in national parks, including grazing, cultivation and other human uses.

How to extend

Using this prohibition list plus knowledge of typical traditional livelihoods (grazing, farming), one can infer parks often exclude those traditional practices.

Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 4: BIODIVERSITY > Table 4.6-B Distinction between National Parks and Sanctuaries > p. 32
Strength: 5/5
“• National Parks: 1. National Parks enjoy greater degree of protection than sanctuaries; Sanctuaries: 1. Human interaction is allowed up to some extent in sanctuaries. • National Parks: 2. National parks have more than one ecosystem; Sanctuaries: 2. Sanctuaries generally have one ecosystem. • National Parks: 3. Grazing of livestock is prohibited; Sanctuaries: 3. Grazing of livestock and limited hunting of birds etc. is allowed in sanctuaries after taking permission from the competent authority. • National Parks: 4. National Parks are not focused on a particular species.; Sanctuaries: 4. Wildlife Sanctuaries may be created for a particular species like the turtles sanctuary at Bhitarkanika (Odi sha) • National Parks: 5.”
Why relevant

Explicit comparison: national parks enjoy greater protection and 'grazing of livestock is prohibited', whereas sanctuaries allow some human interaction.

How to extend

By contrasting parks with sanctuaries, a student can extend that areas allowing traditional human life are more likely to be sanctuaries than national parks.

Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 4: BIODIVERSITY > In-situ Conservation > p. 30
Strength: 4/5
“In in-situ biodiversity conservation, the natural habitats of diferent species of plants and animals are protected. Te establishment of biosphere reserves, national parks and sanctuaries are some of the examples of in-situ conservation. In this type of biodiversity conservation, not only the endangered species and vulnerable species are beneftted, but also the constituent present in the ecosystem are protected. It is a cheap and natural way of conservation. Te species are allowed to grow in their own natural habitat. As the species grow in their natural habitat, they face inclement weather such as extremes of temperature, scorching heat, precipitation, rainfall, snowfall, sleet, hails, permafrost, foods and droughts, and thereby evolve into better adapted forms.”
Why relevant

States national parks are examples of in-situ conservation where species grow in their natural habitat, implying preservation of ecological processes.

How to extend

A student could combine this with the idea that maintaining ecological integrity often requires limiting human alteration, suggesting parks prioritize biodiversity over ongoing traditional uses.

Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 4: BIODIVERSITY > strAtegIes for conservAtIon of BIodIversIty. > p. 29
Strength: 3/5
“Te term biodiversity conservation is primarily associated with the judicious utilisation of natural resources with an approach of sustainable development. Biodiversity conservation is required for ecological, biological, scientifc, economic, cultural, and ethical necessities. Te main objectives of biodiversity conservation are the protection, preservation, management and restoration of natural resources, especially fauna, fora, water-bodies, natural sites, landforms and the culture and traditions of the respective societies. Biodiversity conservation is essential for the survival of mankind. Te experts of ecology and environment have formulated a World Conservation Strategy for a judicious and un-exploitative use of biodiversity and the sustenance of life on the Earth's surface.”
Why relevant

Lists 'culture and traditions of the respective societies' among objectives of biodiversity conservation.

How to extend

A student might infer that some conservation frameworks aim to include cultural aspects, and could investigate whether this objective is implemented within national parks specifically or via other protected-area categories.

Statement 4
Are wildlife sanctuaries established for the conservation of biodiversity together with traditional human life?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 4: BIODIVERSITY > Table 4.6-B Distinction between National Parks and Sanctuaries > p. 32
Presence: 5/5
“• National Parks: 1. National Parks enjoy greater degree of protection than sanctuaries; Sanctuaries: 1. Human interaction is allowed up to some extent in sanctuaries. • National Parks: 2. National parks have more than one ecosystem; Sanctuaries: 2. Sanctuaries generally have one ecosystem. • National Parks: 3. Grazing of livestock is prohibited; Sanctuaries: 3. Grazing of livestock and limited hunting of birds etc. is allowed in sanctuaries after taking permission from the competent authority. • National Parks: 4. National Parks are not focused on a particular species.; Sanctuaries: 4. Wildlife Sanctuaries may be created for a particular species like the turtles sanctuary at Bhitarkanika (Odi sha) • National Parks: 5.”
Why this source?
  • Directly contrasts national parks and sanctuaries, stating human interaction is allowed in sanctuaries to some extent.
  • Specifies activities like grazing are permitted in sanctuaries (with permission), indicating coexistence with traditional livelihoods.
FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 14: Biodiversity and Conservation > CONSERVATION OF BIODIVERSITY > p. 118
Presence: 4/5
“The world conservation strategy has suggested the following steps for biodiversity conservation: • (i) Efforts should be made to preserve the species that are endangered.• (ii) Prevention of extinction requires proper planning and management.• (iii) Varieties of food crops, forage plants, timber trees, livestock, animals and their wild relatives should be preserved; • (iv) Each country should identify habitats of wild relatives and ensure their protection.• (v) Habitats where species feed, breed, rest and nurse their young should be safeguarded and protected.• (vi) International trade in wild plants and animals be regulated. To protect, preserve and propagate the variety of species within natural boundaries, the Government of India passed the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, under which national parks and sanctuaries were established and biosphere reserves declared.”
Why this source?
  • States that national parks and sanctuaries were established under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 to protect biodiversity.
  • Shows sanctuaries are part of the legal framework for in-situ conservation of species and habitats.
Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 4: BIODIVERSITY > In-situ Conservation > p. 30
Presence: 3/5
“For this reason, the wild species are more sturdy and resistant to the prevailing environmental conditions than the domesticated and hybrid species. Te main advantage of in-situ conservation is that it requires a large area for the complete protection and conservation of biodiversity. Tis implies the restriction of human activity and a greater overlap or interaction of wildlife with local residents near a reserved area. At present, there are more than 7000 protected areas, parks, sanctuaries and natural reserves in the world. It has been stressed that species cannot be protected individually as they are interdependent on each other and therefore, the whole ecosystem is to be protected.”
Why this source?
  • Explains in-situ conservation requires large areas and implies restriction of some human activity while noting greater overlap/interaction of wildlife with local residents near reserved areas.
  • Supports the idea that sanctuaries/in-situ areas involve management of both biodiversity and resident human communities.
Pattern takeaway: UPSC loves 'Comparative Definitions'. They rarely ask for a simple definition; they ask for the feature that distinguishes X from Y. In Environment, the differentiator is almost always the 'Degree of Human Interference' allowed.
How you should have studied
  1. [THE VERDICT]: Sitter. Directly solvable from the introductory chapter on Protected Area Networks in any standard Environment book (Shankar/NCERT Class 12 Biology).
  2. [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: The 'Protected Area Network' syllabus line. Specifically, the comparative study of In-situ conservation methods (NP vs WLS vs BR).
  3. [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize the Hierarchy of Rights: National Park (No rights) < Wildlife Sanctuary (Some rights allowed) < Biosphere Reserve (Zoned for human coexistence). Also, map the 3 Zones of a BR: Core (Legal NP/WLS), Buffer (Research/Tourism), Transition (Settlements/Agriculture).
  4. [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: Don't just memorize the *names* of the 18 Biosphere Reserves. Ask *why* they exist. The moment you read 'Man and Biosphere' (MAB) programme, the link to 'traditional human life' becomes obvious. Always study the *legal/functional difference* between similar terms.
Concept hooks from this question
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Objectives of Biosphere Reserves (biological + cultural conservation)
💡 The insight

References state BR objectives include conserving both biological and cultural diversity, directly addressing the statement's dual focus.

High-yield for UPSC environment questions: BR objectives are repeatedly tested and connect to biodiversity policy and UNESCO MAB programme. Master by memorising stated objectives and linking them to examples of BRs and policy implications.

📚 Reading List :
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 5: Natural Vegetation and National Parks > BIOSPHERE RESERVES > p. 47
  • Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 4: BIODIVERSITY > Biosphere reserves > p. 31
🔗 Anchor: "Are biosphere reserves established for the conservation of biodiversity together..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Zoning in Biosphere Reserves: core, buffer, transition
💡 The insight

Zoning explains how strict conservation (core) coexists with areas permitting human use, underpinning the 'together with traditional human life' claim.

Frequently asked concept in conservation questions; explains management regimes and conflict-resolution between conservation and livelihoods. Learn the functions of each zone and typical permitted activities.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 4: BIODIVERSITY > zoning of Biosphere reserves > p. 34
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 15: Protected Area Network > 15.9.6. Structure and Design of Biosphere Reserves > p. 220
🔗 Anchor: "Are biosphere reserves established for the conservation of biodiversity together..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 People as integral component / sustainable management
💡 The insight

Evidence explicitly notes people are integral to BRs and BRs aim at sustainable management alongside conservation.

Important for questions on human-environment interaction and policy (e.g., community conservation, rights vs protection). Study examples and policy instruments promoting sustainable livelihoods within protected areas.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 15: Protected Area Network > 15.9.2. Characteristics of Biosphere reserve > p. 218
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 15: Protected Area Network > 15.9.6. Structure and Design of Biosphere Reserves > p. 220
🔗 Anchor: "Are biosphere reserves established for the conservation of biodiversity together..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Definition and role of botanical gardens
💡 The insight

The statement centres on botanical gardens; the evidence gives a formal definition and notes government support to such gardens.

Understanding what botanical gardens are (a scientifically planned living plant collection) and that they receive government assistance is high-yield for questions on conservation infrastructure and policy. This helps distinguish types of institutions (gardens, parks, reserves) and frames questions about their objectives and funding. Prepare by memorising definitions and real-world institutional roles from syllabus texts.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 8: Biodiversity > 8.r.8. Botanical garden > p. 146
  • CONTEMPORARY INDIA-I ,Geography, Class IX . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 5: Natural Vegetation and Wildlife > Eighteen Bio-reserves • Sundarbans • Simlipal • Gulf of Mannar • Dihang-Dibang • Nilgiri • Dibru Saikhowa • Nanda Devi • Agasthyamalai • Nokrek • Kangchendzonga • Great Nicobar • Pachmarhi • Manas • Achanakmar-Amarkantak • Kachchh • Cold Desert • Seshachalam • Panna > p. 46
🔗 Anchor: "Are botanical gardens established for the conservation of biodiversity together ..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Objectives of biodiversity conservation (including cultural/traditional values)
💡 The insight

The evidence lists the aims of biodiversity conservation, explicitly including protection of culture and traditions alongside ecological and economic goals.

Mastering the multiple objectives of biodiversity conservation (ecological, biological, economic, cultural, ethical) is frequently tested in UPSC environment papers and essay-type questions. It links to policy measures and rationale behind conservation projects. Study by mapping each objective to examples (policies, projects, institutions) and practising application-based answers.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 4: BIODIVERSITY > strAtegIes for conservAtIon of BIodIversIty. > p. 29
  • FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 14: Biodiversity and Conservation > CONSERVATION OF BIODIVERSITY > p. 118
  • NCERT. (2022). Contemporary India II: Textbook in Geography for Class X (Revised ed.). NCERT. > Chapter 2: Nationalism in India > Conservation of Forest and Wildlife in India > p. 29
🔗 Anchor: "Are botanical gardens established for the conservation of biodiversity together ..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 In-situ conservation: examples and purpose
💡 The insight

The references describe in-situ conservation and list examples (biosphere reserves, national parks, sanctuaries), which is directly relevant when assessing where botanical gardens fit among conservation strategies.

Differentiating in-situ from other conservation approaches is a common UPSC question theme. It allows candidates to classify conservation measures and critique suitability of institutions (e.g., parks vs gardens). Prepare by learning definitions, examples, and pros/cons from NCERT and standard texts.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 4: BIODIVERSITY > In-situ Conservation > p. 30
  • FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 14: Biodiversity and Conservation > CONSERVATION OF BIODIVERSITY > p. 118
  • CONTEMPORARY INDIA-I ,Geography, Class IX . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 5: Natural Vegetation and Wildlife > Eighteen Bio-reserves • Sundarbans • Simlipal • Gulf of Mannar • Dihang-Dibang • Nilgiri • Dibru Saikhowa • Nanda Devi • Agasthyamalai • Nokrek • Kangchendzonga • Great Nicobar • Pachmarhi • Manas • Achanakmar-Amarkantak • Kachchh • Cold Desert • Seshachalam • Panna > p. 46
🔗 Anchor: "Are botanical gardens established for the conservation of biodiversity together ..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S3
👉 In-situ conservation (national parks, sanctuaries, biosphere reserves)
💡 The insight

References explicitly list national parks, sanctuaries and biosphere reserves as forms of in‑situ biodiversity conservation.

High-yield for UPSC because questions often ask types and methods of conservation; connects ecology, environmental law and policy. Master by memorising definitions, examples and purposes of in‑situ measures and practising application-based questions.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 4: BIODIVERSITY > In-situ Conservation > p. 30
  • FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 14: Biodiversity and Conservation > CONSERVATION OF BIODIVERSITY > p. 118
🔗 Anchor: "Are national parks established for the conservation of biodiversity together wit..."
🌑 The Hidden Trap

The 'Transition Zone'. Since UPSC asked about the general concept here, the next logical question is about the specific zones. Prediction: 'In which zone of a Biosphere Reserve are human settlements and cropping patterns explicitly allowed?' (Answer: Transition Zone).

⚡ Elimination Cheat Code

The 'Acronym Hack': The international programme governing this is UNESCO's **MAB** (Man and Biosphere). The question literally asks for 'Biodiversity + Human Life' (Man + Biosphere). National Parks and Sanctuaries are under the Wildlife Protection Act, which historically focused on *exclusion* of humans. Only BRs have 'Man' in their founding title.

🔗 Mains Connection

Link this to Polity & Governance: The Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006. While BRs are a conservation concept, the legal rights of 'traditional human life' (tribals) are secured via FRA. A Mains answer on biodiversity must mention how FRA empowers the 'Transition Zone' communities.

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SIMILAR QUESTIONS

CDS-I · 2009 · Q104 Relevance score: -1.79

Consider the following statements 1. National Parks are a special category of protected areas of land and sea coasts where people are an integral part of the system. 2. Sanctuaries are concerned with conservation of particular species. 3. Biosphere Reserves are connected with the habitat of a particular wild animal. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

CDS-I · 2010 · Q95 Relevance score: -2.07

Which one of the following statements on biosphere reserves is not correct ?

CAPF · 2009 · Q40 Relevance score: -2.32

Which one of the following statements is not correct about Biosphere Reserves ?

IAS · 2010 · Q21 Relevance score: -2.62

Consider the following statements: 1. The boundaries of a National Park are defined by legislation. 2. A Biosphere Reserve is declared to conserve a few specific species of flora and fauna. 3. In a Wildlife Sanctuary, limited ' biotic interference is permitted. Which of the statements given above is /are correct ?

IAS · 2011 · Q71 Relevance score: -3.30

Which one of the following is not a site for in-situ method of conversion of flora ?