Question

Given below are two statements :
Statement (I) : India ranks fifth in the world and fourth in Asia among the mega-diverse (biodiversity) countries in the world.
Statement (II) : One of the outcomes of the COP 15 is to reduce to near zero the loss of areas of high biodiversity importance.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below.

• A. Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are correct.
• B. Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are incorrect.
• C. Statement (I) is correct but Statement (II) is incorrect.
• D. Statement (I) is incorrect but Statement (II) is correct.

Hint:

At CBD COP 15, countries adopted the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which includes 4 global goals and 23 targets to be achieved by 20

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Biodiversity conservation is managed through both national policy frameworks and international environmental conventions, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us verify the facts behind both statements:
- Statement (I) asserts that "India ranks fifth in the world and fourth in Asia among the mega-diverse countries."
In reality, India is one of the 17 identified mega-diverse countries, but it ranks 10th in the world and 4th in Asia for species diversity.
Because the global ranking is incorrect, Statement (I) is incorrect.
- Statement (II) asserts that "One of the outcomes of the COP 15 is to reduce to near zero the loss of areas of high biodiversity importance."
This refers to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) adopted at the 15th Conference of Parties (COP 15) to the CBD in December 20
Target 1 of the GBF states that countries must ensure all areas are under participatory, integrated, and biodiversity-inclusive spatial planning, and specifically to bring the loss of areas of high biodiversity importance, including primary ecosystems, close to zero by 20
Therefore, Statement (II) is correct.
Thus, Statement (I) is incorrect, but Statement (II) is correct.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct option is (D).