Q. Consider the following sentences:

1. Protected Forests are regarded as the most valuable as far as the conservation of forest and wildlife resources are concerned.
2. Reserved Forests are looked after by the government, but the local people are allowed to collect fuel-wood/timber and graze their cattle. These forest lands are protected from any further depletion.
3. Unclassed forests are other forests and wastelands belonging to both government and private individuals and communities

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Answer: Only 3
Notes: Reserved Forests: These forests are under the direct supervision of the government and no public entry is allowed for collection of timber or grazing of cattle. About 53 per cent of the total forest area falls in this category. Protected Forests: These forests are looked after by the government, but the local people are allowed to collect fuel-wood/timber and graze their cattle without causing serious damage to the forests. These forests occupy about 29 per cent of the total forest area of the country. Unclassified Forests: The unclassified forests are those in which there is no restriction on the cutting of trees and grazing of cattle. About 18 per cent of the total forest area of the country falls under this category; hence statement 3 is correct. Context: World Wildlife Day is observed on March 3 across the world to celebrate wildlife and create awareness about the adverse impact of human activities and climate change on the wildlife. The United Nations General Assembly decided to observe this day on December 2013. It commemorates the day when the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was held in 1973. This year’s theme is “Forests and Livelihoods: Sustaining People and Planet”.