UPSC 2014: Consider the following international agreements: 1. The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture 2. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification 3. The World Heritage Convention Which of the above has/have a bearing on the biodiversity?

The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) directly concerns biodiversity by conserving plant genetic resources. The UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) addresses land degradation which has significant implications for biodiversity loss in drylands. The World Heritage Convention protects sites of outstanding universal value, including natural heritage sites that harbour critical biodiversity. All three international agreements therefore have a bearing on biodiversity conservation. Hence, option (d) — 1, 2 and 3 — is correct.