UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 2
With reference to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which of the following statements is/are correct?
- IUCN is an organ of the United Nations and CITES is an international agreement between governments.
- IUCN runs thousands of field projects around the world to better manage natural environments.
- CITES is legally binding on the States that have joined it, but this Convention does not take the place of national laws.
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: B
Correct Option: B
Explanation: IUCN is an independent membership union, whereas CITES is a binding multilateral treaty implemented through national laws. IUCN also works with partners on field conservation projects.
Statement/Pair-wise Analysis:
Statement/Item 1: Incorrect - IUCN is not a UN organ; it is a union of governments and civil-society organisations, although it cooperates with the UN.
Statement/Item 2: Correct - IUCN’s members, commissions and partners conduct extensive conservation activities and field projects globally.
Statement/Item 3: Correct - CITES binds parties internationally but domestic legislation is required for enforcement.
Option-wise Analysis:
A: Incorrect - includes incorrect statement/item 1; omits correct statement/items 2, 3.
B: Correct - includes all and only the correct items.
C: Incorrect - includes incorrect statement/item 1; omits correct statement/item 2.
D: Incorrect - includes incorrect statement/item 1.