Introduction Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a critical process in the field of environmental management…
MCQs on “The Role of Local Communities in Biodiversity Conservation”
1. What is the main role of local communities in biodiversity conservation?
A) Hunting and poaching B) Sustainable use of natural resources
C) Deforestation
D) Urbanization
Answer: B) Sustainable use of natural resources
2. Which of the following is an example of community-based biodiversity conservation?
A) Project Tiger
B) Joint Forest Management (JFM)
C) National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP)
D) Indian Forest Act
Answer: B) Joint Forest Management (JFM)
3. What does the concept of “sustainable harvesting” refer to?
A) Over-exploitation of resources
B) Using natural resources in a way that meets current needs without compromising future generations
C) Complete prohibition of resource use
D) Encouraging industrial development
Answer: B) Using natural resources in a way that meets current needs without compromising future generations
4. Which act empowers local communities in India to manage forests for biodiversity conservation?
A) Forest Rights Act, 2006
B) Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
C) National Green Tribunal Act, 2010
D) Environment Protection Act, 1986
Answer: A) Forest Rights Act, 2006
5. Which of the following is an example of a community-managed protected area in India?
A) Sunderbans Tiger Reserve
B) Nokrek National Park
C) Great Himalayan National Park
D) Community Conserved Areas (CCAs)
Answer: D) Community Conserved Areas (CCAs)
6. In which of the following ways do local communities contribute to the protection of endangered species?
A) By hunting endangered species for trade
B) By participating in wildlife protection programs and awareness campaigns
C) By developing tourist resorts
D) By converting forests into agricultural land
Answer: B) By participating in wildlife protection programs and awareness campaigns
7. Which of the following is an example of traditional knowledge that aids biodiversity conservation?
A) Industrial farming techniques
B) Local conservation practices and sacred groves
C) Chemical pesticides and fertilizers
D) Introduction of non-native species
Answer: B) Local conservation practices and sacred groves
8. The concept of “community-based natural resource management” (CBNRM) emphasizes:
A) Privatization of resources
B) Government control over natural resources
C) The active involvement of local communities in conservation efforts
D) Mining and industrialization of resources
Answer: C) The active involvement of local communities in conservation efforts
9. Which of the following is a benefit of involving local communities in biodiversity conservation?
A) Increased deforestation
B) Reduced awareness of conservation issues
C) Sustainable resource use and improved livelihoods
D) Loss of traditional knowledge
Answer: C) Sustainable resource use and improved livelihoods
10. In the context of biodiversity conservation, what does the term “eco-development” mean?
A) Development that focuses only on economic growth
B) A process of managing environmental resources for the benefit of local communities
C) Conversion of forests to agricultural lands
D) Urbanization and industrial development
Answer: B) A process of managing environmental resources for the benefit of local communities
11. What role do local communities play in the management of wetlands?
A) Draining wetlands for agricultural expansion
B) Protecting wetland ecosystems through sustainable practices
C) Introducing pollutants into water bodies
D) Destroying wetland habitats for construction
Answer: B) Protecting wetland ecosystems through sustainable practices
12. Which government initiative recognizes the role of local communities in biodiversity conservation?
A) National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP)
B) Green India Mission
C) National Mission for Clean Ganga
D) Wildlife Protection Act
Answer: A) National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP)
13. The “Chipko Movement,” initiated in India, is an example of:
A) Industrial pollution control
B) Community-led forest conservation efforts
C) Urban development projects
D) Corporate exploitation of natural resources
Answer: B) Community-led forest conservation efforts
14. The Forest Rights Act (FRA) provides local communities with:
A) Access to free timber for personal use
B) Rights to manage, conserve, and protect forests
C) Complete ownership of forest land
D) Rights to convert forest areas into urban developments
Answer: B) Rights to manage, conserve, and protect forests
15. Sacred groves are:
A) Commercial timber plantations
B) Areas of traditional religious significance that are protected by local communities
C) Forests used for mining activities
D) Agricultural fields
Answer: B) Areas of traditional religious significance that are protected by local communities
16. How can community-managed protected areas benefit biodiversity?
A) By reducing human interference and encouraging sustainable practices
B) By increasing poaching and deforestation
C) By facilitating illegal logging activities
D) By destroying natural habitats
Answer: A) By reducing human interference and encouraging sustainable practices
17. Which of the following is a primary challenge faced by local communities in biodiversity conservation?
A) Access to modern technology
B) Conflict with commercial interests and external exploitation
C) Lack of traditional knowledge
D) Overuse of eco-friendly products
Answer: B) Conflict with commercial interests and external exploitation
18. The concept of “ecosystem services” is crucial for:
A) Disregarding community contributions to conservation
B) Demonstrating the benefits of nature to local communities and encouraging their involvement
C) Restricting local communities’ access to natural resources
D) Promoting industrialization
Answer: B) Demonstrating the benefits of nature to local communities and encouraging their involvement
19. Which of the following is a method through which local communities help in conserving biodiversity?
A) Logging and deforestation
B) Using traditional practices like agroforestry and sustainable farming
C) Poaching endangered species
D) Over-exploiting natural resources for commercial gains
Answer: B) Using traditional practices like agroforestry and sustainable farming
20. The National Biodiversity Act (2002) of India emphasizes:
A) Restricting public participation in biodiversity management
B) Community involvement in the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity
C) Encouraging deforestation for industrial use
D) Privatization of biodiversity resources
Answer: B) Community involvement in the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity
21. What is a primary advantage of the community-based forest management approach?
A) Promoting illegal logging
B) Enhanced local control over forest resources and improved conservation outcomes
C) Reducing local community participation in forest management
D) Over-exploitation of forest resources
Answer: B) Enhanced local control over forest resources and improved conservation outcomes
22. The role of indigenous knowledge in biodiversity conservation includes:
A) Ignoring traditional conservation practices
B) Providing insights into local species management and sustainable practices
C) Encouraging destructive fishing methods
D) Promoting monoculture farming
Answer: B) Providing insights into local species management and sustainable practices
23. Which of the following is a key principle in community-led conservation programs?
A) Restricting access to resources for local communities
B) Sustainable use and resource sharing for the benefit of both humans and biodiversity
C) Encouraging the destruction of ecosystems for economic growth
D) Promoting resource hoarding and monopolies
Answer: B) Sustainable use and resource sharing for the benefit of both humans and biodiversity
24. Which local community-based initiative has been successful in conserving the Himalayan ecosystem?
A) Green India Mission
B) Van Panchayats (Forest Councils)
C) Clean Ganga Mission
D) National Afforestation Programme
Answer: B) Van Panchayats (Forest Councils)
25. How do local communities contribute to reducing biodiversity loss?
A) By promoting deforestation for development projects
B) By supporting illegal wildlife trade
C) By practicing sustainable agricultural practices and habitat restoration
D) By avoiding participation in biodiversity policies
Answer: C) By practicing sustainable agricultural practices and habitat restoration
26. The local community’s role in preserving sacred groves reflects:
A) A disregard for environmental protection
B) The spiritual and cultural importance of nature conservation
C) The destruction of natural habitats
D) Complete control over forest resources by the government
Answer: B) The spiritual and cultural importance of nature conservation
27. The involvement of local communities in biodiversity conservation primarily aims to:
A) Maximize short-term economic gains
B) Promote unsustainable land use practices
C) Ensure long-term sustainability and the well-being of both nature and local people
D) Reduce conservation efforts
Answer: C) Ensure long-term sustainability and the well-being of both nature and local people
28. Which of the following is an example of community involvement in marine biodiversity conservation?
A) Destructive fishing practices
B) Community-managed marine protected areas
C) Industrial pollution of coastal areas
D) Overfishing without regulation
Answer: B) Community-managed marine protected areas
29. In the context of biodiversity conservation, what does the term “participatory management” mean?
A) The community plays no role in decision-making processes
B) The community is actively involved in managing natural resources
C) Government makes all decisions without involving the community
D) Biodiversity is exploited without regulation
Answer: B) The community is actively involved in managing natural resources
30. Which of the following is a potential outcome of effective community-based biodiversity conservation?
A) Decreased biodiversity and ecosystem degradation
B) Increased conflict between local communities and government authorities
C) Improved conservation outcomes, sustainable resource use, and enhanced livelihoods for local communities
D) Complete removal of local communities from conservation efforts
Answer: C) Improved conservation outcomes, sustainable resource use, and enhanced livelihoods for local communities
