UPSC Prelims 2021 Question:

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.

Explanation:

• The New York Declaration on Forests (NYDF) was unveiled at the UN Secretary-Climate General's Summit in September 2014. It identifies ten audacious global goals to preserve and restore forests and stop natural forest loss by 2030. So, statements 1 and 2 are correct.
  
  
• The NYDF is a voluntary and non-binding international declaration to take action to halt global deforestation. So, statement 3 is not correct.
  
  
• It brings together governments, companies and civil society actors including indigenous people's organizations. So, statement 4 is correct.
  
  
• India is not a signatory of the declaration. So, statement 5 is not correct.
  
  

Therefore, option (1) is the correct answer.

Subject: Environment | Acts and Policies