Q1. Which of the following items is prohibited for export under the flora and fauna category?
- Finished handicraft products of sandalwood
- Wood charcoal
- Sea shells
- Both 2 and 3
Correct Option: 4. Both 2 and 3
Explanation: The flora and fauna export restrictions differentiate between raw natural materials and finished products. Finished handicraft products made from sandalwood are allowed to be exported because they are considered value-added, processed goods rather than raw materials. On the other hand, wood charcoal and sea shells are raw natural materials that are often collected from the environment without sustainable measures, leading to resource depletion. Hence, their export is prohibited to protect biodiversity and ensure sustainable use of natural resources.
Q2. The Man and the Biosphere (MAB) programme was launched to:
- Promote industrial development in protected areas
- Improve relationships between people and the environment globally
- Create national parks only
- Focus solely on the conservation of endangered species
Correct Option: 2. Improve relationships between people and the environment globally
Explanation: The MAB programme by UNESCO is a pioneering initiative that recognizes the interconnectedness of human societies and natural ecosystems. Unlike traditional conservation efforts that focus only on protecting nature from humans, MAB emphasizes a balance where humans and nature coexist sustainably. It integrates natural and social sciences to promote conservation alongside sustainable development, aiming to improve human well-being while preserving biodiversity and ecosystems on a global scale.
Q3. What is the main governing body of the MAB programme?
- International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
- International Coordinating Council (ICC)
- World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
- Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
Correct Option: 2. International Coordinating Council (ICC)
Explanation: The International Coordinating Council (ICC) is the decision-making body of the MAB programme. It consists of representatives from member countries and is responsible for setting policies, defining research agendas, and overseeing the implementation of biosphere reserves worldwide. This governance ensures a coordinated global approach while respecting national sovereignty over the reserves.
Q4. A Biosphere Reserve typically includes the following zones except:
- Core Zone
- Buffer Zone
- Development Zone
- Transition Zone
Correct Option: 3. Development Zone
Explanation: Biosphere reserves are designed as zoned landscapes to balance conservation and human use. The three official zones are:
• Core Zone: Strictly protected, no human interference.
• Buffer Zone: Surrounds the core, allows limited research and education.
• Transition Zone: Outermost area where sustainable development occurs.
There is no designated “Development Zone” in the standard zoning system of biosphere reserves.
Q5. What is the primary function of the Core Zone in a Biosphere Reserve?
- Intensive recreation and tourism
- Strict protection with minimal human interference
- Agricultural development
- Industrial activity
Correct Option: 2. Strict protection with minimal human interference
Explanation: The Core Zone represents the heart of a biosphere reserve, containing undisturbed ecosystems vital for conserving biodiversity. Human activities are highly restricted or prohibited to maintain natural processes. This allows for long-term scientific monitoring and preservation of genetic resources, wildlife habitats, and rare species without the pressure of human exploitation.