Question 28 from UPSC CSE 2014 - environme nt

Question

With reference to Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), consider the following statements:
1. It is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
2. It strives to conserve nature through action-based research, education, and public awareness.
3. It organizes and conducts nature trails and camps for the general public.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. 2 and 3 only

Strategy: - Verify BNHS's non-governmental status to eliminate statements claiming it is under a ministry.
- Confirm its core activities are research, education, conservation, and outreach.
- Select the option containing only the correct statements about its status and activities.

Key Info: The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), established in 1883, is among India's oldest and most renowned non-governmental organizations dedicated to the study and conservation of nature. It operates independently and does not fall under the administrative control of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) or any government department.

**Key Activities and Objectives**
- BNHS's primary aim is the conservation of nature, achieved through action-oriented research, robust environmental education, and spreading public awareness.
- The organization is well-known for its scientific publications, research in biodiversity (notably ornithology and botany), and significant ecological projects such as vulture conservation, wetland studies, and bird surveys.
- Outreach and education are central: BNHS regularly organizes nature trails, wildlife camps, biodiversity workshops, and citizen science initiatives for the public, students, and educators.
- Its research findings have informed environmental policy, species protection measures, and biodiversity conservation efforts across the country.

BNHS maintains collaborations with national and international conservation agencies and is involved in developing field guides, conservation handbooks, and environmental awareness materials. Headquartered in Mumbai, with field stations across India, the society has played a substantial role in mentoring naturalists, conservationists, and researchers.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: 1 and 3 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: 2 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: 1, 2, and 3