UPSC Prelims 2016 · Question 77 of 98

UPSC Prelims 2016 question on Economics Ecosystems Biodiversity TEEB

With reference to an initiative called ‘The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity’ (TEEB), which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. It is initiated by UNEP, IMF and World Economic Forum.

2. It is a global initiative that focuses on drawing attention to the economic benefits of biodiversity.

3. It presents an approach that can help decision-makers recognize, demonstrate and capture the value of ecosystems and biodiversity.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

Answer: C. 2 and 3 only

Verdict

The answer is 2 and 3 only. TEEB draws attention to the economic benefits of biodiversity and helps decision makers value ecosystems, but it was not initiated by UNEP, the IMF and the World Economic Forum.

Analysis

Statement 2 is CORRECT. The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity initiative seeks to draw attention to the global economic benefits of biodiversity and the costs of its loss. Statement 3 is CORRECT. It presents an approach that helps decision makers recognise, demonstrate and capture the value of ecosystems and biodiversity. Statement 1 is INCORRECT. The initiative was funded by the European Commission and several European governments and is managed by the United Nations Environment Programme as part of its Green Economy Initiative, with no role for the International Monetary Fund or the World Economic Forum.

Source

Press commentary on ecology and growth, with TEEB and Convention on Biological Diversity material.

How to crack it

The founders claim is the tested element, and the reusable check is whether the listed bodies plausibly work together on the subject. The International Monetary Fund deals with macroeconomic stability and has no biodiversity mandate, so its presence in a list of initiators is a strong signal of a planted error. Ask of every institutional list whether each member has a mandate covering the subject, and misfits reveal themselves.

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