- A Biosphere Reserve (BR) is an international designation by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for significant portions of natural and cultural landscapes that extend over extensive areas of terrestrial or coastal/marine ecosystems, or a blend of both.
- These reserves are established by countries and acknowledged by UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme.
- The primary goal is to foster sustainable development through the combined efforts of local communities and robust scientific practices.
- The initiation of the Biosphere Reserve program dates back to 1971 when UNESCO introduced this initiative.
- The Biosphere Reserves (BR) are not governed by a specific law.
- The inaugural biosphere reserve was established in 1979, and since then, the global network of biosphere reserves has expanded to include 738 reserves across 134 countries.
- Presently, India boasts 18 officially designated biosphere reserves.
CHARACTERISTICS OF BIOSPHERE RESERVE
- Biodiversity Protection:
- Biosphere Reserves encompass vast areas dedicated to safeguarding biodiversity, providing protection to a variety of fauna and flora.
- Comprehensive Biosphere:
- The term “biosphere” encompasses the water, land, and atmosphere crucial for sustaining life on Earth.
- Balanced Conservation and Use:
- The designation “reserve” signifies a special area where a delicate balance is sought between conservation efforts and sustainable utilization of resources.
- Study of Human Interaction:
- Biosphere reserve programs include the examination of human interactions within a specific area, recognizing the interconnectedness of human activities with the environment.
- Community-Based Initiatives:
- Biosphere reserves exemplify community-based initiatives, aiming to protect the natural environment while fostering steady and sustainable economic development in local communities.
- Incorporation of Protected Areas:
- Biosphere reserves may encompass one or more national parks or wildlife refuges, adding an extra layer of protection to critical ecosystems.
- Protection of All Organisms:
- All living organisms within the reserve’s boundaries, including flora, fauna, and human communities, receive protection.
- Human Involvement in Protected Areas:
- Biosphere Reserves acknowledge the significant role of people in the protected areas, emphasizing a coexistence of conservation and human activities.
- Global Network:
- Biosphere Reserves form a global network connected by international collaboration, facilitating the exchange of scientific information and best practices.
- Representative Biomes:
- The Biosphere Reserve network includes noteworthy examples of biomes from diverse regions worldwide.
- Protection of Unique Features:
- Biosphere Reserves safeguard unique biodiversity communities and areas with extraordinary natural features of exceptional interest.
- Harmonious Landscapes:
- Traditional land-use patterns in Biosphere Reserves have led to harmonious landscapes that integrate human activities with the natural environment.
- Restoration of Ecosystems:
- Some Biosphere Reserves include examples of modified or degraded ecosystems, showcasing the potential for restoration to more natural conditions.
- Zoning for Various Purposes:
- Biosphere Reserves typically incorporate non-manipulative core areas and zones for baseline measurements, experimental research, education, and training. These zones, if not contiguous, can be grouped into clusters for effective management.
FUNCTIONS OF BIOSPHERE RESERVES
Inclusive Planning and Management:
Local communities and stakeholders actively participate in the planning and management of Biosphere Reserves, ensuring a collaborative approach.
Three Major Functions:
Biosphere Reserves integrate three primary functions:
- Conservation of biodiversity and cultural diversity.
- Promotion of sustainable socio-cultural and environmentally friendly economic development.
- Provision of logistical support and development through research, monitoring, education, and training.
Function Zones:
These functions are executed through three main zones within the Biosphere Reserves.
Conservation:
- Managing genetic resources, endemic species, ecosystems, and landscapes.
- Addressing issues like man-animal conflict to prevent incidents like the shooting of the tiger Avni.
- Protection of tribal culture, customs, and wildlife.
Development:
- Fostering socio-cultural and ecologically sustainable economic and human development.
- Strengthening the pillars of sustainable development: social, economic, and environmental protection.
Logistics Support:
- Promoting conservation and sustainable development through research, environmental education, training, and monitoring at local, national, and international levels.
- Sharing research-generated knowledge through site-specific training and education.
- Developing a community spirit in natural resource management.
Beneficiaries:
- Direct Beneficiaries:
- Local communities and ecological resources within the Biosphere Reserves directly benefit from these initiatives.
- Indirect Beneficiaries:
- The global community benefits indirectly through the conservation efforts and sustainable practices implemented in Biosphere Reserves.
THE NATIONAL BIOSPHERE RESERVE PROGRAM
- The Biosphere Reserve Programme in India is guided by the UNESCO Man and Biosphere (MAB) program, aligning with the landscape approach endorsed by MAB, to which India is a signatory.
- Since 1986, the Government of India has been executing the Biosphere Reserve scheme, providing financial assistance at a ratio of 90:10 to the North Eastern Region States and three Himalayan states, and at a ratio of 60:40 to other states.Â
- This funding is allocated for the maintenance, improvement, and development of specific components.
- The program ensures the active participation of residents in effective management and seeks to formulate methods to enhance their livelihoods through sustainable practices.
- The State Government formulates the Management Action Plan, which is subject to approval and monitoring by the Central MAB Committee.
- Nominations for Biosphere Reserves under UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere Reserve Program are made by national governments, and these reserves must meet a predefined set of criteria.
ORGANISATION AND STRUCTURE OF BIOSPHERE RESERVE
The design of biosphere reserves traditionally involves the establishment of three interconnected zones, each serving distinct yet complementary purposes in biodiversity conservation and the sustainable use of natural resources. These zones are known as the core area, the buffer zone, and a transition area, also referred to as the ‘area of cooperation.’
- Core Area:
- This zone is strictly protected to preserve landscapes, ecosystems, species, and genetic variation effectively.
- Buffer Zone:
- Encircling or adjoining the core area(s), the buffer zone is designated for activities aligned with sound ecological practices. These activities may include scientific research, monitoring, training, and education.
- Transition Area:
- In the transition zone, communities actively contribute to socio-culturally and ecologically sustainable economic and human activities. This zone promotes a harmonious balance between human endeavors and environmental conservation.
IMPORTANCE OF BIOSPHERE RESERVE
- Resolution of Land Use Conflicts:
- Biosphere reserves provide practical solutions for addressing land use conflicts and contribute to the protection of biological diversity.
- Access to Networks and Resources:
- Through national and international networks, biosphere reserve areas gain access to valuable information, expertise, support, and funding.
- Local Economic Diversity:
- Biosphere reserves actively promote diverse local economies, contributing to the revitalization of rural areas and fostering sustainable development.
- Guiding Sustainable Projects:
- The biosphere concept serves as a guiding framework for projects aimed at improving people’s livelihoods, ensuring a balanced approach to development.
- Stimulating Research:
- Biosphere reserves stimulate academic and government research, encouraging investigations into local issues and problems.
- Research and Demonstration Sites:
- Serving as research and demonstration sites, biosphere reserves offer valuable lessons in conservation and sustainable development that can be applied globally.
- Highlighting Uniqueness:
- Biosphere reserves bring attention to the uniqueness of an area, fostering a sense of place among residents and visitors.
- Raising Awareness:
- The designation of a biosphere reserve helps raise awareness of environmental and development issues among local residents, citizens, and government officials.
- Focal Point for Collaboration:
- Biosphere reserves act as focal points for stakeholder collaboration and volunteerism, facilitating community engagement in conservation efforts.
FAQs – BIOSPHERE RESERVE
1. What is a Biosphere Reserve (BR)?
A: A Biosphere Reserve is an international designation by UNESCO for significant portions of natural and cultural landscapes that cover extensive areas of terrestrial or coastal/marine ecosystems. These reserves aim to foster sustainable development through the joint efforts of local communities and robust scientific practices.
2. Who establishes Biosphere Reserves?
A: Biosphere Reserves are established by countries and recognized by UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme.
3. When did the Biosphere Reserve program initiate?
A: The Biosphere Reserve program was introduced in 1971 by UNESCO.
4. Is there a specific law governing Biosphere Reserves?
A: No, Biosphere Reserves are not governed by a specific law.
5. How many Biosphere Reserves are there globally?
A: There are currently 738 Biosphere Reserves across 134 countries.
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