India’s first OECM site

Question : Which of the following recently declared as India’s first OECM(other effective area-based conservation measures) site ?
a. Aravalli Biodiversity Park
b. Udaan Biodiversity Park
c. Yamuna Biodiversity Park
d. Vanaparvam Biodiversity Park
Ans. a.
Related facts —

  • The Aravalli Biodiversity Park was declared India’s first “other effective area-based conservation measures” (OECM) site on February 02, 2022.
  • It is notable that OECM tag is given by the International Union for Conservation of Nature to areas that are not protected but support rich biodiversity.
  • This tag does not bring any legal, financial or management implications, but designates the area as a biodiversity hotspot on the international map.
  • Background —
  • The proposal to declare Aravalli Biodiversity Park(ABP) an OECM site was sent by the National Biodiversity Authority to the IUCN in the last of year 2020.
  • Significance —
  • It is notable that the Aravallis, one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, are considered the green lungs of Delhi-NCR, a crucial water recharge zone for the region.
  • The ABP potentially supplies around 7.07% of the oxygen requirement for the Delhi-NCR.

Links:-

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/gurugram-news/aravalli-biodiversity-park-in-gurugram-declared-as-india-s-first-oecm-site-101643834401345.html