What is the primary objective of the 'Global Mechanism' (GM) established under Article 21 of the UNCCD?
- To increase the effectiveness and efficiency of existing financial resources to combat desertification.
- To establish a unified global carbon market for trading dryland afforestation credits.
- To enforce legally binding trade sanctions on countries failing to meet their LDN targets.
- To physically dispatch scientific teams to monitor desertification in sub-Saharan Africa.
Explanation: The Global Mechanism (GM) was established to advise countries on innovative finance and help them mobilize adequate and substantial financial resources from various sources to implement the Convention.
The application of 'Biochar' is increasingly advocated to combat land degradation. What is biochar?
- A type of charcoal produced from plant matter and stored in the soil to improve fertility.
- A genetically modified, drought-resistant strain of cyanobacteria.
- A synthetic hydrogel injected into roots to artificially store water.
- A highly toxic chemical defoliant used to clear invasive weed species.
Explanation: Biochar is a stable, carbon-rich form of charcoal created by burning organic matter in a low-oxygen environment (pyrolysis). Adding it to degraded soils improves water retention, increases agricultural productivity, and sequesters carbon.
Consider the following statements regarding the 'Group of Latin America and the Caribbean' (GRULAC) within the UNCCD:
1. It forms one of the five recognized Regional Implementation Annexes of the Convention.
2. Desertification in this region is entirely negligible due to the presence of the Amazon rainforest.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct: The UNCCD has five Regional Implementation Annexes, including Latin America and the Caribbean. Statement 2 is incorrect: Large parts of Latin America (e.g., the dry corridor in Central America, the Gran Chaco, parts of Chile and Argentina) face severe desertification and drought.
Which of the following is a direct, widespread consequence of severe overgrazing by livestock in semi-arid ecosystems?
- It significantly increases the soil's organic carbon content due to manure deposition.
- It actively promotes the rapid growth of highly nutritious native perennial grasses.
- It heavily compacts the soil, drastically reducing its water infiltration capacity.
- It increases the regional groundwater table by reducing plant transpiration.
Explanation: Overgrazing removes protective vegetation cover and the constant trampling by heavy livestock severely compacts the soil. Compacted soil cannot absorb rainwater effectively, leading to increased runoff, soil erosion, and eventual desertification.
To raise global awareness, the United Nations General Assembly declared which specific year as the 'International Year of Deserts and Desertification'?
Explanation: The United Nations General Assembly declared 2006 the International Year of Deserts and Desertification (IYDD) to raise public awareness of the issue and to protect the biological diversity and traditional knowledge of those affected.
Consider the following statements regarding the 'Middle East Green Initiative':
1. It aims to plant 50 billion trees across the Middle East to restore degraded land.
2. It was spearheaded and launched by the United Arab Emirates.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 2 only
- 1 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect; the initiative was spearheaded and launched by Saudi Arabia, not the UAE, to combat climate change and desertification in the region.
The 'Land for Life Award' is a prestigious international prize granted periodically by which of the following organizations to recognize outstanding efforts in achieving LDN?
- The World Economic Forum
- The United Nations Environment Programme
- The UNCCD Secretariat
- The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
Explanation: The UNCCD launched the Land for Life Award in 2011 to recognize individuals, organizations, or governments that have made outstanding contributions to sustainable land management and combating desertification.
Which prominent space agency is responsible for periodically publishing the 'Desertification and Land Degradation Atlas of India' on behalf of the MoEFCC?
- Space Applications Centre (SAC), ISRO
- Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS)
- National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC)
- Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
Explanation: The Space Applications Centre (SAC) of ISRO, Ahmedabad, publishes the Desertification and Land Degradation Atlas of India, providing crucial satellite-based data on the extent and types of land degradation across the country.
In the context of the UNCCD, what does the term 'Desertification' specifically refer to?
- The conversion of agricultural land into urban concrete infrastructure.
- The natural, geological expansion of existing deserts into neighboring biomes.
- Land degradation in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas due to various factors.
- The total loss of all freshwater reservoirs in tropical rainforest ecosystems.
Explanation: UNCCD defines desertification not as the physical expansion of existing deserts, but as the degradation of land in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas resulting from factors including climatic variations and human activities.
Which of the following is a prominent anthropogenic cause of soil 'Salinization', leading to desertification in arid agricultural regions?
- Over-irrigation combined with poor soil drainage
- Planting deep-rooted perennial tree species
- Complete cessation of all livestock grazing
- Heavy reliance on organic compost fertilizers
Explanation: In arid regions, over-irrigation raises the water table. If drainage is poor, intense evaporation pulls water to the surface via capillary action, leaving dissolved salts behind in the topsoil (salinization), degrading the land.
Consider the following statements regarding the 'Committee on Science and Technology' (CST) under the UNCCD:
1. It is a subsidiary body of the COP designed to provide information on technological and scientific matters.
2. It is composed of government representatives competent in the relevant fields of expertise.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 2 only
- 1 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation: Both statements are correct. The CST is an integral subsidiary body of the UNCCD that advises the Conference of the Parties on scientific and technological matters relating to combating desertification.
Under the definitions provided by the UNCCD, 'Drought' is specifically defined as:
- The rapid draining of a major freshwater lake due to excessive anthropogenic groundwater pumping.
- A complete failure of all agricultural crops due to invasive pest species in a dryland region.
- A permanent, irreversible climatic shift characterized by the total absence of rainfall over a decade.
- The naturally occurring phenomenon that exists when precipitation has been significantly below normal recorded levels.
Explanation: Article 1 of the UNCCD defines drought as "the naturally occurring phenomenon that exists when precipitation has been significantly below normal recorded levels, causing serious hydrological imbalances that adversely affect land resource production systems."
India has revised its national target for restoring degraded land. What is the current target for land restoration to be achieved by the year 2030?
- 33 million hectares
- 15 million hectares
- 26 million hectares
- 21 million hectares
Explanation: At the UNCCD COP14 in 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India would raise its ambition of the total area that would be restored from its land degradation status, from 21 million hectares to 26 million hectares by 2030.
Consider the following statements regarding the climatic feedback loop of desertification:
1. Desertification generally decreases the surface albedo of the affected land.
2. An increase in surface albedo in degraded drylands typically leads to reduced localized convective rainfall.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 2 only
- 1 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect: Desertification removes dark vegetation and exposes light-colored sandy soils, which *increases* surface albedo (reflectivity). Statement 2 is correct: Higher albedo reflects more solar energy, cooling the lower atmosphere, suppressing convection, and thus reducing rainfall, worsening the drought.
The 'Abidjan Call', issued at the conclusion of UNCCD COP 15, strongly urged the global community to prioritize which of the following?
- The transition to drought-resilient economies and securing land tenure for vulnerable populations.
- The rapid implementation of a mandatory global carbon tax on agriculture.
- The immediate and total cessation of all deep-sea mining operations.
- The physical relocation of all populations living within 50 miles of the Sahara desert.
Explanation: The Abidjan Call (from COP15 in Côte d'Ivoire) stressed the urgency of boosting drought resilience, accelerating the restoration of 1 billion hectares of degraded land, and addressing the impacts of desertification on gender and land tenure.
Which specific Ministry acts as the nodal agency for the implementation of the UNCCD in India?
- Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
- Ministry of Earth Sciences
- Ministry of Rural Development
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Explanation: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is the nodal ministry for the UNCCD in India, responsible for national reporting and policy alignment.
Consider the following statements regarding the role of 'Vegetation Cover' in preventing desertification:
1. Plant roots physically bind the soil particles together, reducing vulnerability to erosion.
2. Vegetation canopies increase the direct impact of raindrops on the soil surface, preventing crusting.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect; vegetation canopies *intercept* rainfall, thereby *reducing* the kinetic energy and direct impact of raindrops, which prevents soil crusting and surface runoff.
Which of the following bodies under the UNCCD is specifically mandated to assist the Conference of the Parties in regularly assessing the implementation of the Convention?
- The Committee on Science and Technology
- The Global Environment Facility
- The Joint Liaison Group
- The Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the Convention
Explanation: The Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the Convention (CRIC) is a subsidiary body of the COP that assists in regularly reviewing the implementation of the Convention across different parties.
Consider the following statements regarding the 'Sahel' region, a focal point for UNCCD interventions:
1. It is a vast tropical rainforest region in Central Africa experiencing rapid deforestation.
2. It acts as an ecoclimatic and biogeographic transition zone between the Sahara to the north and the Sudanian savanna to the south.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Neither 1 nor 2
- Both 1 and 2
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is correct. The Sahel is a semi-arid belt stretching across Africa just south of the Sahara Desert. It is highly vulnerable to desertification and is the primary focus area of the Great Green Wall initiative.
The United Nations officially declared the period from 2021 to 2030 as the UN Decade on:
- Water for Sustainable Development
- Biodiversity
- Deserts and the Fight Against Desertification
- Ecosystem Restoration
Explanation: The UN General Assembly proclaimed 2021–2030 as the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration to massively scale up the restoration of degraded and destroyed ecosystems as a proven measure to fight the climate crisis.
Which of the following practices is considered a 'Silvopastoral' system, highly effective in combating land degradation?
- Integrating trees and forage crops with livestock grazing.
- Cultivating exclusively single-species timber plantations.
- Practicing intense monoculture agriculture without animal inputs.
- Completely enclosing land to prevent all forms of herbivory.
Explanation: Silvopasture is an agroforestry practice that intentionally integrates trees and forage crops with livestock grazing. It improves soil health, prevents erosion, and provides economic resilience against drought.
Which of the following acts as the primary financial mechanism to assist developing countries in implementing the UNCCD?
- International Monetary Fund
- Asian Development Bank
- Global Environment Facility (GEF)
- World Bank
Explanation: The Global Environment Facility (GEF) serves as a financial mechanism for several environmental conventions, including the UNCCD, providing grants for projects related to land degradation.
The United Nations General Assembly declared which specific date as the 'World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought'?
- June 17
- September 16
- March 22
- April 22
Explanation: June 17 is observed annually as the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought to promote public awareness of international efforts to combat desertification.
Consider the following statements about 'Shelterbelts' (Windbreaks):
1. They are rows of trees or shrubs planted to provide shelter from the wind and protect soil from erosion.
2. They are generally considered ineffective in combating desertification in arid regions.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 2 only
- 1 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect; shelterbelts are highly effective and widely used in arid and semi-arid regions to reduce wind velocity, trap moisture, and halt the movement of desert sand dunes.
Consider the following statements regarding the Secretariat of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD):
1. It was originally established in Geneva before being relocated.
2. The permanent headquarters of the UNCCD Secretariat is currently located in Nairobi, Kenya.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct: The secretariat was originally in Geneva, Switzerland. Statement 2 is incorrect: The permanent Secretariat of the UNCCD has been located in Bonn, Germany, since 1999.
The global campaign 'Desertification Decade' was officially designated by the UN for which of the following periods?
- 2000 - 2010
- 2010 - 2020
- 2021 - 2030
- 1990 - 2000
Explanation: The United Nations General Assembly declared the period 2010-2020 as the United Nations Decade for Deserts and the Fight Against Desertification to promote global action. (Note: 2021-2030 is the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration).
Consider the following statements regarding Sand and Dust Storms (SDS):
1. SDS are entirely natural phenomena and have not been exacerbated by anthropogenic land degradation.
2. The UNCCD has established a global coalition to proactively combat and mitigate the impacts of SDS.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect: While naturally occurring in deserts, SDS frequency and intensity have been massively exacerbated by human-induced poor land management, deforestation, and water diversion. Statement 2 is correct: The UNCCD launched the SDS Coalition to address this transboundary issue.
Which international financial institution acts as the official trustee for the Global Environment Facility (GEF) trust fund?
- The Asian Development Bank (ADB)
- The International Finance Corporation (IFC)
- The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
- The World Bank
Explanation: The World Bank serves as the Trustee of the GEF Trust Fund and provides administrative services to the GEF, which in turn acts as a financial mechanism for several conventions, including the UNCCD.
In the context of the UNCCD's Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) targets, which three sub-indicators are used to measure the SDG indicator 15.3.1 ('Proportion of land that is degraded over total land area')?
- Annual rainfall, surface albedo, and soil salinity
- Land cover, land productivity, and carbon stocks
- Soil moisture, groundwater depletion, and vegetative index
- Forest density, agricultural yield, and population density
Explanation: The UNCCD recommends three sub-indicators to assess land degradation for SDG 15.3.1: changes in land cover, changes in land productivity (metrics of above-ground biomass), and changes in carbon stocks (specifically Soil Organic Carbon).
Consider the following statements regarding the 'Gender Action Plan' (GAP) of the UNCCD:
1. It recognizes that women and girls in drylands bear a disproportionate burden of the impacts of desertification.
2. It actively promotes women's land rights and access to finance as a core strategy for sustainable land management.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Neither 1 nor 2
- Both 1 and 2
Explanation: Both statements are correct. The UNCCD was the first Rio convention to adopt a Gender Action Plan. It highlights that secure land rights for women are fundamental to successfully combating desertification and ensuring food security in drylands.
Consider the following statements regarding 'Drylands':
1. They are defined mathematically by an aridity index where annual precipitation is less than potential evapotranspiration.
2. Drylands currently cover approximately 10% of the Earth's total land surface.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 2 only
- 1 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct: Drylands have a low ratio of precipitation to potential evapotranspiration. Statement 2 is incorrect: Drylands cover a massive portion of the Earth's land surface, approximately 40%, not 10%.
Consider the following statements regarding the evolution of the 'Great Green Wall' initiative:
1. It was originally envisioned as a literal, narrow band of trees planted continuously from Senegal to Djibouti.
2. The modern initiative has evolved into a mosaic of sustainable land use and agroforestry practices rather than a single line of trees.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation: Both statements are correct. The initial 2007 vision was a strict 15km wide, 8,000km long wall of trees. Scientists realized this was ecologically unviable, so it evolved into a broader programmatic approach promoting water harvesting, agroforestry, and community-based land management across the region.
In arid ecosystems, the process of 'Deflation' contributes significantly to desertification. What does deflation describe?
- The loss of atmospheric moisture due to high-pressure anti-cyclones.
- The chemical breakdown of rocky substrate into alkaline dust.
- The rapid sinking of the land surface due to excessive groundwater extraction.
- The removal of loose, fine-grained particles by the turbulent action of the wind.
Explanation: Deflation is a type of wind erosion in arid and semi-arid regions where the wind blows away the loose, fine, fertile topsoil particles, leaving behind coarser, less fertile materials like pebbles and bare rock (desert pavement).
According to standard ecological indicators, the significant loss of which of the following soil components is the primary early warning sign of desertification?
- Soil Organic Carbon
- Soil Salinity Levels
- Soil Trace Metals
- Inorganic Silica Sand
Explanation: Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) is critical for soil structure, moisture retention, and fertility. The loss of SOC due to poor land management is a primary indicator and precursor of severe land degradation and desertification.
The 'Changwon Initiative', which complements the UNCCD's efforts by supporting national target setting for LDN, was launched by which country?
- Japan
- India
- South Korea
- China
Explanation: The Changwon Initiative was launched by the Republic of Korea at UNCCD COP10 (held in Changwon) to support the implementation of the Convention and the LDN target.
Consider the following statements regarding the impact of desertification on public health:
1. Desertification increases the risk of zoonotic disease outbreaks by forcing wildlife into closer contact with human settlements.
2. Sand and dust storms originating from desertified areas can transport respiratory pathogens across international borders.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation: Both statements are correct. Habitat loss and land degradation push wildlife toward human areas, increasing zoonotic spillover risks. Dust storms can carry fine particulate matter (PM2.5/PM10), heavy metals, and airborne pathogens over vast distances, causing severe respiratory issues.
According to the 'Desertification and Land Degradation Atlas of India' published by ISRO, which process is responsible for the maximum extent of land degradation in India?
- Vegetation degradation
- Wind erosion
- Salinization
- Water erosion
Explanation: According to the ISRO Atlas, water erosion is the most significant driver of land degradation in India, accounting for roughly 11% of the total geographical area's degradation.
Consider the following statements regarding 'Secure Land Tenure' in the context of desertification:
1. It discourages farmers from investing in long-term soil conservation methods like terracing or tree planting.
2. The UNCCD heavily advocates for secure land tenure to incentivize sustainable land management practices.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Neither 1 nor 2
- Both 1 and 2
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect: If farmers lack legal ownership (insecure tenure), they will not invest time and money into long-term conservation because the land could be taken from them. Statement 2 is correct: Secure tenure guarantees that farmers will benefit from their long-term investments in soil health.
The concept of 'Zero Net Land Degradation' (ZNLD), which later evolved into Land Degradation Neutrality, was first prominently proposed at which major international summit?
- The 2015 COP 21 in Paris
- The 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro
- The 2012 UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20)
- The 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg
Explanation: The concept of Zero Net Land Degradation was a key proposal introduced at the Rio+20 summit in 2012, which eventually formed the basis for the SDG target 15.3 on Land Degradation Neutrality.
Consider the following statements regarding the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD):
1. It is the only internationally legally binding framework set up to address the problem of desertification.
2. It was adopted directly during the 1972 Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 2 only
- 1 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. UNCCD is the sole legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management. Statement 2 is incorrect; it was drafted as a direct recommendation of the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, not the 1972 Stockholm Conference.
The 'Delhi Declaration' adopted during the 14th Conference of Parties (COP 14) to the UNCCD primarily focused on which of the following themes?
- Banning international trade in timber
- Eliminating single-use plastics
- Establishing marine protected areas
- Investing in land and unlocking opportunities
Explanation: The Delhi Declaration at COP14 in 2019 focused on 'Investing in Land and Unlocking Opportunities', emphasizing the transition to Land Degradation Neutrality, drought preparedness, and engaging the private sector.
Which of the following agricultural techniques involves plowing and planting crops along the natural elevation lines of a slope to reduce soil erosion and water runoff?
- Hydroponics
- Contour Farming
- Monocropping
- Slash and Burn Agriculture
Explanation: Contour farming (or contour plowing) involves plowing across a slope following its elevation contour lines. The furrows act as tiny dams, slowing downward water flow, reducing erosion, and increasing water infiltration.
Which of the following Indian states possesses the highest percentage of its total geographical area under desertification/land degradation, primarily due to wind erosion?
- Gujarat
- Jharkhand
- Rajasthan
- Maharashtra
Explanation: According to the ISRO Desertification Atlas, Rajasthan has the highest proportion of its area under desertification among Indian states, predominantly driven by severe wind erosion in the Thar desert region.
Which of the following international initiatives, supported by the UNCCD, aims to restore 100 million hectares of currently degraded land across the Sahel region of Africa?
- The Changwon Initiative
- The Great Green Wall
- The Bonn Challenge
- The Peace Forest Initiative
Explanation: The Great Green Wall is an African-led movement with an epic ambition to grow an 8,000 km natural wonder across the entire width of Africa (the Sahel region) to combat land degradation and desertification.
Consider the following statements regarding the 'Joint Liaison Group' (JLG):
1. It was established to enhance coordination among the three Rio Conventions (UNFCCC, CBD, UNCCD).
2. It has the authority to issue legally binding financial penalties on non-compliant nations.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Neither 1 nor 2
- Both 1 and 2
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct: The JLG fosters synergy between the UNFCCC, CBD, and UNCCD. Statement 2 is incorrect: It is an advisory and coordinating body; it holds no punitive or legal enforcement powers.
Consider the following statements regarding Regional Implementation Annexes of the UNCCD:
1. The Convention contains five regional implementation annexes to address specific geographic challenges.
2. India is a member of the Regional Implementation Annex for Asia.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation: Both statements are correct. The UNCCD has 5 regional implementation annexes: Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, Northern Mediterranean, and Central and Eastern Europe.
In the context of land degradation, what does the term 'Waterlogging' primarily result in, which ultimately harms plant growth?
- Anaerobic conditions in the soil root zone.
- Immediate combustion of dry topsoil organic matter.
- Rapid leaching of toxic heavy metals to the surface.
- Excessive oxygenation of the root zone.
Explanation: Waterlogging occurs when the water table rises into the root zone. This displaces air in the soil pores, creating an anaerobic (oxygen-free) environment that suffocates plant roots and stunts or kills the crops.
Consider the following statements regarding 'Land Degradation Neutrality' (LDN):
1. It is a state where the amount and quality of land resources remain stable or increase within specified temporal and spatial scales.
2. Achieving LDN is explicitly mentioned as a target under Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Neither 1 nor 2
- Both 1 and 2
Explanation: Both statements are correct. LDN aims to balance anticipated losses in land-based natural capital with interventions that yield alternative gains. It is the specific target of SDG 15.3.
Consider the following statements regarding 'Biological Soil Crusts' (Biocrusts) in dryland ecosystems:
1. They are primarily composed of cyanobacteria, lichens, and mosses.
2. They accelerate wind erosion by creating a smooth, frictionless surface.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct: Biocrusts are living communities of cyanobacteria, fungi, lichens, and mosses on the soil surface. Statement 2 is incorrect: Biocrusts are crucial for *preventing* wind and water erosion by binding soil particles together.
The 'Drought Initiative' was launched under the UNCCD framework during which COP to help countries prepare national drought plans?
- COP 11
- COP 14
- COP 13
- COP 15
Explanation: The UNCCD Drought Initiative was launched at COP13 (Ordos, China, 2017) to help countries shift from reactive approaches to proactive, risk-based national drought management policies.
The 'Global Initiative on Reducing Land Degradation and Enhancing Conservation of Terrestrial Habitats' was launched in 2020 under the presidency of which global forum?
Explanation: During the Saudi Arabian Presidency in 2020, the G20 launched the Global Initiative on Reducing Land Degradation and Enhancing Conservation of Terrestrial Habitats to support the UNCCD's LDN goals.
Which of the following is considered a 'Demand-side' intervention to combat global land degradation and desertification?
- Constructing massive desalination plants on coastlines.
- Applying massive quantities of synthetic urea to degraded soils.
- Planting drought-resistant genetically modified crop seeds.
- Shifting global dietary preferences towards less land-intensive foods.
Explanation: Demand-side interventions address the underlying drivers of land degradation (human consumption patterns). Shifting diets away from resource-intensive foods (like beef) reduces the pressure to clear forests and overgraze drylands, directly combating desertification.
Which prominent scientific body released the landmark 2018 'Assessment Report on Land Degradation and Restoration'?
- The World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
- The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES)
- The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
- The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
Explanation: IPBES released this comprehensive global assessment in 2018, highlighting that land degradation is a pervasive, systemic phenomenon occurring in all parts of the terrestrial world, threatening the well-being of over 3.2 billion people.
The 'Bonn Challenge' is a global effort closely aligned with UNCCD goals. What is its primary objective?
- Reducing global greenhouse gas emissions to zero
- Bringing deforested and degraded landscapes into restoration
- Phasing out all ozone-depleting substances
- Eradicating illegal wildlife trafficking
Explanation: The Bonn Challenge is a global goal to bring 150 million hectares of degraded and deforested landscapes into restoration by 2020 and 350 million hectares by 2030.
The disastrous drying up of which prominent global water body is frequently cited as one of the worst examples of man-made desertification due to river diversion?
- Lake Victoria
- Lake Baikal
- The Aral Sea
- The Caspian Sea
Explanation: The Aral Sea in Central Asia shrank drastically after the rivers that fed it were diverted for Soviet irrigation projects. The exposed seabed became a salty desert, causing severe ecological and health crises.
The ancient, traditional underground aqueduct system known as 'Qanat' or 'Karez' was historically developed to combat arid conditions and prevent evaporation. It originated in which region?
- The Andean Mountains of South America
- The Sub-Saharan Sahel
- The Persian Plateau
- The Central Plains of North America
Explanation: A Qanat is an ancient, gently sloping underground channel used to transport water from an aquifer to the surface for irrigation and drinking in hot, arid regions. Originating in ancient Iran, it prevents massive evaporative water loss.
Consider the following statements regarding the UNCCD's 'Drought Toolbox':
1. It provides countries with actionable tools to design comprehensive national drought plans.
2. It focuses exclusively on emergency relief distribution during catastrophic famine events.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. The Drought Toolbox is designed to shift drought management from a reactive, crisis-led approach (emergency relief) to a proactive, risk-management approach focusing on preparedness, early warning, and mitigation.
UNCCD COP 15, which heavily emphasized drought resilience and the empowerment of women in land management, was held in 2022 in which of the following cities?
- Thiruvananthaouram, India (Kerala)
- Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
- Ankara, Turkey
- Ordos, China
Explanation: The 15th Conference of Parties (COP15) of the UNCCD was held in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, in May 2022, focusing on drought, land restoration, and gender equality.
Under the UNCCD framework, what defines the 'Aridity Index' (AI) used to classify drylands?
- The ratio of mean annual precipitation to mean annual potential evapotranspiration.
- The ratio of total vegetative cover to bare soil exposed during the dry season.
- The difference between the highest summer temperature and the lowest winter temperature.
- The percentage of soil organic carbon divided by the average annual temperature.
Explanation: The Aridity Index (AI) is a numerical indicator of the degree of dryness of the climate at a given location. It is calculated as the ratio of annual precipitation (P) to potential evapotranspiration (PET). Drylands have an AI between 0.05 and 0.65.
Consider the following statements about the 'Peace Forest Initiative' (PFI):
1. It was launched during UNCCD COP 14 held in New Delhi.
2. It promotes cooperation on environmental restoration in fragile and conflict-affected regions.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation: Both statements are correct. The Peace Forest Initiative was launched by South Korea at COP14 in New Delhi to promote joint environmental restoration projects in border areas and conflict zones to build peace.