Biodiversity refers to the variety and variability of all forms of life on Earth, encompassing the diversity within species (genetic diversity), between species (species diversity), and among ecosystems (ecosystem diversity). It includes microorganisms, plants, animals, and the ecological complexes they are part of. Biodiversity forms the foundation of the Earth’s life-support systems and is vital…
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Discuss the importance of community-led initiatives for sustainable development. Highlight the roles of Panchayati Raj Institutions and NGOs.
Community-led initiatives are grassroots-level efforts that involve local people in planning, implementing, and monitoring development activities. These initiatives are critical to sustainable development because they: Role of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs): The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act institutionalized PRIs as decentralized governance systems in India. Their role in sustainable development includes: Example: In Kerala, PRIs played…
Goals and Activities of the Asian Development Bank (ADB)
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is a regional development bank that aims to promote social and economic development in Asia through various programs and projects. ADB’s work focuses on reducing poverty, promoting sustainable development, and improving living standards. Three Goals of ADB: Two Activities Performed by ADB:
Sustainable Development of Hill Areas
Hill and mountain regions such as the Himalayas, the Western Ghats, and the Aravallis in India are ecologically fragile yet economically vital. These regions are sources of biodiversity, fresh water, and medicinal plants and play a vital role in maintaining climatic and hydrological balance. However, these areas face challenges like deforestation, soil erosion, landslides, overgrazing,…
Concept of Carrying Capacity and Ecological Footprint
Carrying Capacity: Meaning and Significance Carrying capacity refers to the maximum population size of a species that an environment can sustain indefinitely, given the availability of food, habitat, water, and other necessary resources. In the context of human societies, it is the ability of Earth to support human life without degrading natural resources and ecosystems….
Sustainable Development and Its Objectives
Definition of Sustainable Development Sustainable development is a holistic approach to growth that aims to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The most widely accepted definition was provided in the 1987 report of the World Commission on Environment and Development (commonly known…
Discuss the strategies adopted for achieving sustainable development in mountain ecosystems. Give suitable examples.
Strategies for Achieving Sustainable Development in Mountain Ecosystems Mountain ecosystems are highly diverse, fragile, and critical for the sustenance of both local and downstream populations. They provide essential resources such as water, biodiversity, medicinal plants, and minerals. However, these regions are also vulnerable to climate change, deforestation, unsustainable agriculture, and socio-economic marginalization. Sustainable development in…
What is the Importance of Stakeholder Participation in Sustainable Development?
Definition of Stakeholders A stakeholder is any individual, group, or organization that has an interest in or is affected by the outcomes of a decision, policy, or project. In the context of sustainable development, stakeholders include: Importance of Stakeholder Participation: Stakeholder participation is the process of involving these diverse groups in planning, decision-making, and implementation…
What are the Key Indicators of Sustainable Development?
Definition of Indicators: Indicators are quantifiable variables used to assess, compare, and track the progress of sustainable development. They provide evidence-based data to inform policy decisions, monitor outcomes, and promote accountability. The United Nations Framework: Under the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are broken down into 169 targets and…
What is Meant by Sustainable Development?
Definition and Origin: Sustainable development is a multifaceted concept that refers to a model of progress which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This widely accepted definition comes from the Brundtland Report (1987) titled Our Common Future, issued by the World Commission on…
Differentiate Between Anthropocentric and Eco-centric Worldview
A worldview is a philosophical or cultural lens through which individuals or societies perceive and interpret their relationship with the natural world. Environmental worldviews guide how people interact with ecosystems and natural resources. Let us examine two major worldviews in environmental ethics: Anthropocentric and Ecocentric. 1. Anthropocentric Worldview (Human-Centered) Definition:The anthropocentric worldview places humans at…
Define Sustainable Development and list any four objectives.
Definition of Sustainable Development: Sustainable Development refers to a model of progress that seeks to balance economic growth, environmental protection, and social well-being in such a manner that the needs of the present are met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This concept was famously defined in the Brundtland…