NCERT Geography Class 10 | Community and Conservation

Topics

Topic & sub-topics covered: Community and Conservation and MCQs Questions: Forest and Wildlife Resources (All single detail notes are exam-oriented).

We have discussed in-depth and exam-oriented pointers that can be asked in the board exam of class 10th about “Community and Conservation” from the NCERT Geography notes for class 10th chapter 2nd “Forest and Wildlife Resources“.

Download the NCERT Geography for Class 10th Chapter 2 Forest and Wildlife Resources PDF

Download the NCERT Geography textbook for Class 10, Chapter 2, “Forest and Wildlife Resources” in PDF format. This chapter delves into the importance of flora and fauna in India, forests and wildlife, their conservation, and their challenges. Explore topics like deforestation, wildlife extinction, and sustainable practices. Enhance your understanding of India’s rich biodiversity and the need for its protection.

Dive into the world of India’s diverse forests and wildlife with the NCERT Geography textbook for Class 10, Chapter 2. This comprehensive PDF explains NCERT Geography class 10th chapter 2: Forest and Wildlife Resources.

Community and Conservation

1. Conservation Strategies in India:

Conservation efforts in India are deeply rooted in traditional practices.
Forests are homes to many traditional communities that depend on them for their livelihoods.
Local communities collaborate with government officials to conserve habitats, recognizing their importance for long-term livelihood security.

2. Case Studies of Community Conservation:

Sariska Tiger Reserve (Rajasthan): Villagers opposed mining activities using the Wildlife Protection Act.
Bhairodev Dakav ‘Sonchuri’ (Rajasthan):
1. Villagers in Alwar declared 1,200 hectares as a protected forest.
2. They implemented rules prohibiting hunting and resisted external encroachments.
Chipko Movement (Himalayas):
1. Resisted deforestation and promoted community afforestation using indigenous species.

3. Efforts in Sustainable Agriculture:

Initiatives like Beej Bachao Andolan in Tehri and Navdanya promote ecological farming, proving that diverse crop production is possible without synthetic chemicals.

4. Joint Forest Management (JFM):

JFM was formally initiated in 1988, starting with Odisha’s resolution for forest management.
Local village institutions protect degraded forests in collaboration with the forest department.
Benefits of JFM include:
1. Access to non-timber forest products.
2. A share in timber harvested after successful forest protection.

5. Lessons in Environmental Management:

Local communities must play a central role in natural resource management to ensure success.
Economic or developmental activities should adhere to the following principles:
1. People-centric.
2. Environment-friendly.
3. Economically viable.

6. Key Message

There is a need for greater involvement of local communities in decision-making for sustainable environmental practices.

Sacred Groves – A Wealth of Diverse and Rare Species

1. Nature Worship and Conservation:

Nature Worship: An ancient tribal belief that all creations of nature must be protected.
Sacred Groves:
1. Virgin forests are preserved in pristine form due to nature worship.
2. Referred to as “Forests of God and Goddesses.”
3. Interference with these groves is strictly prohibited by local communities.

2. Sacred Trees and Cultural Practices:

Specific trees hold religious and cultural significance for different communities:
1. Mundas and Santhals (Chota Nagpur): Worship Mahua (Bassia latifolia) and Kadamba (Anthocaphalus cadamba).
2. Tribals of Odisha and Bihar: Worship Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) and Mango (Mangifera indica) during weddings.
3. Peepal and Banyan Trees: Considered sacred by many in Indian society.

3. Sacred Sites and Animals:

Sacred attributes are given to springs, mountain peaks, plants, and animals.
Temple Communities:
1. Troops of macaques and langurs are fed and treated as part of temple devotees.
Bishnoi Villages (Rajasthan):
1. Blackbucks, nilgai, and peacocks are integral to the community and are not harmed.

4. Philosophy of Trees:

Gautama Buddha’s Quote:
1. Trees are symbols of kindness and benevolence, offering protection and shade even to those who harm them.

5. Cultural Significance in Conservation:

Indian society has diverse cultures with traditional methods of conserving nature.
Nature worship fosters biodiversity conservation and environmental protection.

6. Key Message:

Integrating traditional beliefs with modern conservation strategies can enhance sustainable environmental practices.

Next & Previous Topics of NCERT/CBSE Geography Class 10 Chapter 2: Forest and Wildlife Resources

Topics No.	Topics Name
1	Flora and Fauna in India
2	Conservation of Forest and Wildlife in India
3	Types and Distribution of Forest and Wildlife Resources
4	Community and Conservation

MCQ Questions on NCERT Geography Class 10 | Community and Conservation

Question 1. What is the primary reason local communities in India work towards conserving habitats?

a) To increase government funding
b) To secure their long-term livelihood
c) To promote tourism
d) To develop mining activities

Answer: b) To secure their long-term livelihood

Question 2. Which movement in India resisted deforestation and promoted community afforestation with indigenous species?

a) Beej Bachao Andolan
b) Chipko Movement
c) Navdanya Movement
d) Joint Forest Management

Answer: b) Chipko Movement

Question 3. Which programme in India involves local communities in the restoration of degraded forests?

a) Sacred Groves Initiative
b) Joint Forest Management (JFM)
c) Wildlife Protection Act
d) Beej Bachao Andolan

Answer: b) Joint Forest Management (JFM)

Question 4. Which state first implemented the Joint Forest Management programme in 1988?

a) Rajasthan
b) Odisha
c) Himachal Pradesh
d) Madhya Pradesh

Answer: b) Odisha

Question 5. Which district in Rajasthan declared 1,200 hectares of forest as Bhairodev Dakav ‘Sonchuri’?

a) Alwar
b) Jaipur
c) Udaipur
d) Jodhpur

Answer: a) Alwar

Question 6. What law did villagers in Sariska Tiger Reserve use to fight against mining?

a) Forest Conservation Act
b) Wildlife Protection Act
c) Joint Forest Management Act
d) Biodiversity Conservation Act

Answer: b) Wildlife Protection Act

Question 7. What does the Beej Bachao Andolan in Tehri aim to conserve?

a) Wildlife
b) Traditional crop varieties
c) Forest land
d) Sacred groves

Answer: b) Traditional crop varieties

Question 8. Which organization promotes chemical-free farming and ecological agriculture in India?

a) Navdanya
b) Chipko Movement
c) Forest Department
d) Sacred Groves Initiative

Answer: a) Navdanya

Question 9. What are Sacred Groves?

a) Forest areas preserved by local communities due to their religious significance
b) Commercial forests managed by the government
c) Degraded forests restored through JFM
d) Forests used for plantation crops

Answer: a) Forest areas preserved by local communities due to their religious significance

Question 10. Which tree is worshipped by the Mundas and Santhals of the Chota Nagpur region?

a) Tamarind
b) Mango
c) Mahua
d) Banyan

Answer: c) Mahua

Question 11. Which tree is considered sacred during weddings by the tribes of Odisha and Bihar?

a) Neem
b) Tamarind
c) Peepal
d) Mahua

Answer: b) Tamarind

Question 12. What belief underpins the practice of nature worship in tribal communities?

a) Nature is a source of economic profit
b) All creations of nature must be protected
c) Nature is a resource for trade
d) Nature should be exploited for human benefit

Answer: b) All creations of nature must be protected

Question 13. Which animal is commonly seen in Bishnoi villages and is treated as part of the community?

a) Langur
b) Blackbuck (Chinkara)
c) Elephant
d) Crocodile

Answer: b) Blackbuck (Chinkara)

Question 14. Why are macaques and langurs commonly found around temples?

a) They are worshipped as gods
b) They are fed and treated as part of temple devotees
c) They act as guardians of the temple
d) They are used for rituals

Answer: b) They are fed and treated as part of temple devotees

Question 15. Which Indian state is known for community efforts in conserving blackbuck and nilgai?

a) Odisha
b) Rajasthan
c) Gujarat
d) Bihar

Answer: b) Rajasthan

Question 16. Who said, “The tree is a peculiar organism of unlimited kindness and benevolence…”?

a) Mahatma Gandhi
b) Gautama Buddha
c) Rabindranath Tagore
d) Jawaharlal Nehru

Answer: b) Gautama Buddha

Question 17. What is the primary message of Buddha’s quote about trees?

a) Trees demand sustenance from others
b) Trees generously offer their benefits to all beings
c) Trees are meant for commercial purposes
d) Trees must be cut for development

Answer: b) Trees generously offer their benefits to all beings

Question 18. What is a key takeaway regarding local communities in natural resource management?

a) They should be excluded from decision-making.
b) They must be at the centre stage of environmental decision-making.
c) Economic development must take priority over conservation.
d) Government initiatives are more effective than local efforts.

Answer: b) They must be at the centre stage of environmental decision-making.

Question 19. What kind of developmental activities should be prioritized according to the text?

a) Environmentally damaging but economically profitable activities
b) People-centric, environment-friendly, and economically rewarding activities
c) Large-scale industrialization at the cost of forests
d) Agricultural expansion into forested areas

Answer: b) People-centric, environment-friendly, and economically rewarding activities

Question 20. What is the broader focus of conservation strategies in India today?

a) Protecting forests only for tourism
b) Preserving both ecological diversity and livelihoods
c) Developing forest areas for industrial purposes
d) Commercializing forests for timber

Answer: b) Preserving both ecological diversity and livelihoods