Current Affairs

Jaipur WWF Global Conservation Conference and Biodiversity Focus

Source:srishtiias ↗

Why It Matters

Major international environmental conferences held in Rajasthan are crucial for RPSC RAS aspirants tracking state-level events of global significance, international organizations like WWF, and biodiversity conservation policies.

Summary

The WWF Global Conservation Conference held in Jaipur brought together international conservationists and environmental leaders to address critical global biodiversity and wildlife protection challenges, promoting strategic frameworks for ecological sustainability.

Key Points

  • Jaipur hosted the WWF Global Conservation Conference, highlighting international cooperation in biodiversity protection and ecological sustainability.
  • The event brought global conservationists, policymakers, and environmental experts to discuss challenges facing wildlife and habitat preservation.
  • Serves as an important platform for highlighting Rajasthan's ecological heritage and conservation initiatives on a global stage.

Important Terms

WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature)

An international non-governmental organization founded in 1961 working in the field of wilderness preservation and the reduction of human impact on the environment, which hosted its global conservation conference in Jaipur.

UPSC context

Important for RPSC Papers under Environment and Ecology, testing knowledge of major international conservation organizations and recent high-profile summits hosted in Rajasthan.

Source

Prelims Trap

India's tiger reserves have grown to 58 and Ramsar wetland sites have increased to 101.

Aspirants often confuse the total number of Ramsar sites or Tiger Reserves. Always verify current official figures cited at major national/international conventions (e.g., 101 Ramsar sites, 58 tiger reserves).

Static Concepts Connected

Environment and Polity

What are the constitutional provisions for wildlife and environment protection in India?

  • Article 48A: Article 48A directs the State to protect and improve the environment, forests, and wildlife of the country (DPSP).
  • Article 51A(g): Article 51A(g) imposes a fundamental duty on citizens to protect and improve the natural environment, including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife.
  • 7th Schedule: The 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976 transferred Forests and Protection of Wild Animals and Birds from the State List to the Concurrent List (Entry 17A).
Biodiversity and Species Conservation

What is the status and habitat of the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) in India?

  • Habitat Range: It is one of the heaviest flying birds, primarily found in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan, with small populations in Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka.
  • Conservation Status: It is categorized as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List and listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
  • Threats & Breeding: Major threats include overhead power transmission lines, habitat loss due to agriculture, and low reproductive rate (lays only 1 egg).

Cross-Topic Patterns

  • Rajasthan Tourism meets Global Biodiversity Framework

    International summits hosted in Rajasthan provide a dual platform to showcase regional wildlife protection alongside national biodiversity targets like Ramsar sites and tiger reserves.

WWF conference data (58 tiger reserves, 101 Ramsar sites, GIB breeding) will be tested in matching or data-statement questions.

Linked PYQs · 5

Linked PYQs · 5

  • 2023RPSC_PRELIMSGS1

    The National Tiger Conservation Authority has conferred the status of the fifth tiger sanctuary in Rajasthan, to which of the following sanctuaries?

  • 2025RPSC_PRELIMSGS1

    The IUCN Red List is called:

  • 2025RPSC_PRELIMSGS1

    Choose the correct statement for Guru Ghasi Das-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve.

  • 2025RPSC_PRELIMSGS1

    Choose the incorrect statement with respect to the Rajasthan Forestry and Biodiversity Project (Phase-2).

  • 2023RPSC_PRELIMSGS1

    The 9th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Conference was held in which city?