Q. 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.
a) 1, 2 and 4
b) 1, 3 and 5
c) 3 and 4
d) 2 and 5
Correct Answer: a) 1, 2 and 4
Question from UPSC Prelims 2021 GS Paper
Explanation :
New York Declaration on Forests (NYDF)
The NYDF was first endorsed and announced at the United Nations Climate Summit in September 2014.
Global Timeline to End Forest Loss
The NYDF outlines ambitious targets for the protection and restoration of forests, including halving the rate of loss of natural forests by 2020 and striving to end natural forest loss by 2030.
Non-Binding Commitment
The NYDF is not a legally binding treaty or international declaration. It is a voluntary and non-binding action agenda that brings together a coalition of willing partners.
Diverse Endorsement
The NYDF has been endorsed by a wide range of stakeholders, including governments, multinational companies, civil society, and indigenous peoples’ organizations.
India’s Involvement
While India has engaged in various international efforts to combat deforestation and climate change, the NYDF is not a treaty with “signatories” in the traditional sense. Instead, it is endorsed by various entities, and it is not clear from public records whether India was among the initial endorsers in 2014. However, India has been involved in other international forest conservation efforts.
