With reference to the 'New York Declaration on Forests', which of the following statements are correct?

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.

The New York Declaration on Forests (NYDF) is a political declaration that promotes global action to protect and restore forests. It provides a framework for forest action, combining various initiatives for forest protection, restoration, and sustainable use.

The NYDF is a voluntary and non-legally binding declaration that emerged from discussions among governments, companies, and civil society, initiated by the United Nations Secretary-General's Climate Summit in New York in 2014. Therefore, statements 1 and 4 are correct, while statement 3 is not correct.

The declaration sets ambitious goals to end natural forest loss by 2030, with a 50% reduction by 2020. Therefore, statement 2 is correct.

The Declaration is supported by over 190 entities, including more than 50 governments, more than 50 major companies, and more than 50 civil society and indigenous organizations. India is not a signatory. Therefore, statement 5 is not correct.

Hence, only statements 1, 2, and 4 are correct.

Sources:

• NYDF Progress Assessment