1. It was first endorsed at the United Nations Climate Summit in 2014.

2. It endorses a global timeline to end the loss of forests.

3. It is a legally binding international declaration.

4. It is endorsed by governments, big companies, and indigenous communities.

5. India was one of the signatories at its inception.

Select the Correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1, 2 and 4

(b) 1, 3 and 5

(c) 3 and 4

(d) 2 and 5

11. Ans: a

Explanation:

The New York Declaration on Forests (NYDF) is a political declaration calling for global action to protect and restore forests. NYDF was first endorsed at the United Nations Climate Summit in September 2014. 

Hence, statement 1 is correct.

New York Declaration on Forests (NYDF) emphasises on ten goals which includ include halting natural forest loss by 2030, restoring 350 million hectares of degraded landscapes and forestlands, improving governance, increasing forest finance, and reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation as part of a post-2020 global climate agreement.

Hence, statement 2 is correct.

The New York Declaration on Forests (NYDF) is a voluntary and non-binding international declaration to take action to halt global deforestation.  

Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

It has presently over 200 endorsers – including national governments, subnational governments, companies, indigenous groups, financial institutions and NGOs. These endorsers have committed to doing their part to achieve the NYDF goals and follow its accompanying action agenda. 

Hence, statement 4 is correct.

Presently, India has not signed the New York Declaration on Forests (NYDF).

Hence, statement 5 is incorrect.

Read: Previous Year UPSC Environment Questions (PYQs) With Explanation 2021