What is/are the importance/importances of the 'United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification'? 1. It aims to promote effective action through innovative national programmes and supportive international partnerships. 2. It has a special/particular focus on South Asia and North Africa regions, and its Secretariat facilitates the allocation of major portion of financial resources to these regions. 3. It is committed to bottom-up approach, encouraging the participation of local people in combating the desertification. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

The correct option is (c). Explanation The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), established in 1994, is the sole legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management. It is one of the three "Rio Conventions" resulting from the 1992 Earth Summit. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Correct. The core objective of the UNCCD is to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought in countries experiencing serious drought and/or desertification. It seeks to achieve this through effective action at all levels, supported by international cooperation and partnership arrangements, including innovative national programmes. - Statement 2 is Incorrect. The Convention has five regional implementation annexes, but Article 7 explicitly states that Parties shall accord priority to Africa, not specifically to a combined "South Asia and North Africa" region. Additionally, the Secretariat does not directly allocate a major portion of financial resources; instead, the Global Mechanism facilitates resource mobilization, and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) serves as the financial mechanism. - Statement 3 is Correct. A defining characteristic of the UNCCD is its commitment to a bottom-up approach. Unlike many other international treaties that are top-down, the UNCCD emphasizes the participation of local people, communities, and non-governmental organizations in the design and implementation of programmes to combat desertification. Key Takeaway: The UNCCD is unique among the Rio Conventions for its bottom-up approach involving local community participation and its statutory priority given to the Africa region.

IAS 2016 — Environment & Ecology Environment & Ecology

2016mcqmedium

What is/are the importance/importances of the 'United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification'?

It aims to promote effective action through innovative national programmes and supportive international partnerships.
It has a special/particular focus on South Asia and North Africa regions, and its Secretariat facilitates the allocation of major portion of financial resources to these regions.
It is committed to bottom-up approach, encouraging the participation of local people in combating the desertification.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Official previous-year question

Verified 2 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 only
B2 and 3 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), established in 1994, is the sole legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management. It is one of the three "Rio Conventions" resulting from the 1992 Earth Summit.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct. The core objective of the UNCCD is to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought in countries experiencing serious drought and/or desertification. It seeks to achieve this through effective action at all levels, supported by international cooperation and partnership arrangements, including innovative national programmes.
Statement 2 is Incorrect. The Convention has five regional implementation annexes, but Article 7 explicitly states that Parties shall accord priority to Africa, not specifically to a combined "South Asia and North Africa" region. Additionally, the Secretariat does not directly allocate a major portion of financial resources; instead, the Global Mechanism facilitates resource mobilization, and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) serves as the financial mechanism.
Statement 3 is Correct. A defining characteristic of the UNCCD is its commitment to a bottom-up approach. Unlike many other international treaties that are top-down, the UNCCD emphasizes the participation of local people, communities, and non-governmental organizations in the design and implementation of programmes to combat desertification.

Key Takeaway:
The UNCCD is unique among the Rio Conventions for its bottom-up approach involving local community participation and its statutory priority given to the Africa region.

Your note

IAS Environment & Ecology in other years

Environment & Ecology 2026 Environment & Ecology 2025 Environment & Ecology 2024 Environment & Ecology 2023 Environment & Ecology 2022 Environment & Ecology 2021 Environment & Ecology 2020 Environment & Ecology 2019 Environment & Ecology 2018 Environment & Ecology 2017 Environment & Ecology 2015 Environment & Ecology 2014

More IAS Environment & Ecology questions

Consider the following statements about Rhynchostylis retusa (Foxtail orchid): 1. It is an epiphytic orchid. 2. The species is endemic to North-east India. 3. It is the State flower of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

2026medium

Which of the following best explain(s) the rationale for protecting mangrove ecosystems in the context of climate resilience? 1. Mangroves reduce tidal energy and store freshwater, making them ideal sites for paddy cultivation in saline estuarine belts. 2. Their salt-sensitive roots filter seawater, making mangroves key to converting coastal land into freshwater aquaculture zones. 3. By withstanding tidal surges and offering biomass resources, mangroves function both as natural bio-shields and livelihood bases for rural communities. Select the answer using the code given below :

2026medium

Which of the following statements with regard to the arrival of Amur Falcons at Doyang Lake in Nagaland each year from Mongolia is/are correct? 1. It showcases how sustained local conservation efforts can contribute to the arrival and protection of international migratory birds. 2. It reflects the global success of advanced tracking technologies that guide migratory birds back to their stopover sites. 3. It confirms that Amur Falcons have adapted to permanent residency in India due to favourable habitat changes. Select the answer using the code given below :

2026medium

Which one of the following is the first Plan Vivo certified Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) project in India?

2026medium

With respect to the Western Hoolock Gibbons, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. A Sanctuary in North-east India is home to this ape species listed as Endangered in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. 2. They have specialized brachiation and can easily swing between trees. 3. They possess a strong and heavy build like gorillas, yet are remarkably agile tree climbers. Select the answer using the code given below :

2026medium

View all Environment & Ecology questions

Keep practicing Environment & Ecology

Work through every IAS Environment & Ecology PYQ, year by year.

Browse all Environment & Ecology topics

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct. The core objective of the UNCCD is to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought in countries experiencing serious drought and/or desertification. It seeks to achieve this through effective action at all levels, supported by international cooperation and partnership arrangements, including innovative national programmes.
Statement 2 is Incorrect. The Convention has five regional implementation annexes, but Article 7 explicitly states that Parties shall accord priority to Africa, not specifically to a combined "South Asia and North Africa" region. Additionally, the Secretariat does not directly allocate a major portion of financial resources; instead, the Global Mechanism facilitates resource mobilization, and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) serves as the financial mechanism.
Statement 3 is Correct. A defining characteristic of the UNCCD is its commitment to a bottom-up approach. Unlike many other international treaties that are top-down, the UNCCD emphasizes the participation of local people, communities, and non-governmental organizations in the design and implementation of programmes to combat desertification.

Key Takeaway:
The UNCCD is unique among the Rio Conventions for its bottom-up approach involving local community participation and its statutory priority given to the Africa region.