UPSC Prelims 2021 · Question 24 of 97

UPSC Prelims 2021 question on New York Declaration Forests

With reference to the 'New York Declaration on Forests', which of the following statements are correct?

1. It was first endorsed at the United Nations Climate Summit in 2014.

2. It endorses a global timeline to end the loss of forests.

3. It is a legally binding international declaration.

4. It is endorsed by governments, big companies and indigenous communities.

5. India was one of the signatories at its inception.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

  1. 1, 2 and 4
  2. 1, 3 and 5
  3. 3 and 4
  4. 2 and 5
Show answer

Answer: A. 1, 2 and 4

Verdict

Correct statements: 1, 2 and 4 → Option (a).

Analysis

The New York Declaration on Forests (NYDF) is a political declaration calling for global action to protect and restore forests. It offers a common, multi-stakeholder framework for forest action, consolidating various initiatives and objectives that drive forest protection, restoration, and sustainable use.

Statement by statement

Statement 1 – CORRECT: It is a voluntary and non-legally binding political declaration which grew out of dialogue among governments, companies and civil society, spurred by the United Nations Secretary-General's Climate Summit held in New York in 2014. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

Statement 2 – CORRECT: The declaration includes ambitious targets to end natural forest loss by 2030, with a 50% reduction by 2020 as a milestone toward its achievement. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Statement 3 – INCORRECT: It is a voluntary and non-legally binding political declaration. Hence statement 3 is not correct.

Statement 4 – CORRECT: The Declaration is currently endorsed by over 190 entities including more than 50 governments, more than 50 of the world's biggest companies, and more than 50 influential civil society and indigenous organizations. Hence statement 4 is correct.

Statement 5 – INCORRECT: It is not endorsed by India. Hence, statement 5 is not correct.

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