Passage

The Himalayan ecosystem is highly vulnerable to damage, both due to geological reasons and on account of the stress caused by increased pressure of population, exploitation of natural resources and other related challenges. These aspects may be exacerbated due to the impact of climate change. It is possible that climate change may adversely impact the Himalayan ecosystem through increased temperature altered precipitation patterns, episodes of drought and biotic influences. This would not only impact the very sustenance of the indigenous communities in uplands but also the life of downstream dwellers across the country and beyond. Therefore, there is an urgent need for giving special attention to sustain the Himalayan ecosystem. This would require conscious efforts for conserving all the representative systems. Further, it needs to be emphasized that the endemics with restricted distribution, and most often with specialized habitat requirements, are among the most vulnerable elements. In this respect the Himalayan biodiversity hotspot, with rich endemic diversity, is vulnerable to climate change. The Threats include possible loss of genetic resources and species, habitats and concomitantly a decrease in ecosystem services. Therefore, conservation of endemic elements in representative ecosystems/habitats assumes a great significance while drawing conservation plans for the region. Towards achieving the above, we will have to shift towards contemporary conservation approaches, which include a paradigm of landscape level interconnectivity between protected area systems. The concept advocates a shift from the species-habitat focus to an inclusive focus on expanding the biogeographic range so that natural adjustments to climate change can proceed without being restrictive.

QUESTION

CSAT

Medium

Comprehension

Prelims 2014

Based on the above passage:

Which one of the following statements best implies the need to shift toward contemporary conservation approach?

Select an option to attempt

Explanation

Statement A is incorrect. While the passage mentions the exploitation of natural resources as a factor stressing the Himalayan ecosystem, it does not directly link this to the need for shifting conservation approaches.

Statement B is incorrect. The passage acknowledges that climate change causes altered precipitation, drought, and biotic influences, but this alone does not imply the need for a new conservation paradigm.

Statement C is incorrect. Although the Himalayan region is a biodiversity hotspot with rich endemic diversity, the passage focuses on ensuring adaptability to climate change rather than just preserving biodiversity.

Statement D is correct. The passage emphasizes the need for a shift in conservation approaches to ensure that the Himalayan biogeographic region can naturally adjust to climate change. It highlights the importance of landscape-level interconnectivity between protected areas rather than focusing solely on species-habitat conservation. This approach allows the ecosystem to adapt smoothly to climate variations without restrictive barriers.