What is a Biosphere Reserve?

The Biosphere Reserves are the areas with protected terrestrial, marine and coastal ecosystems that are approved under the Man and Biosphere programme (MAB) of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Biosphere reserves focus on reconciling conservation of biodiversity with sustainable use. This article will try to discuss the history, structure and functions of Biosphere Reserves.

About Biosphere Reserve:

Biosphere Reserve is a special type of protected area which combine conservation with and sustainable use of natural resources. A Biosphere reserve may include one or more protected areas and the surrounding lands. Besides conservation, it also focuses on welfare of local inhabitants through provision of supplementary and alternate livelihood support. So, a Biosphere Reserve is place where people and nature co-exists and interact with each other for their mutual benefit.

History of Biosphere Reserve:

Origin of the concept ‘Biosphere reserve’ goes back to 1968. In that year UNESCO had organized a “Biosphere Conference” in Paris. The aim of the inter-governmental conference was to examine ways for rational use and conservation of Biosphere. To counterbalance the conflict between environment protection and development, the idea of Sustainable Development was in this conference. As the result of the conference, Man and the Biosphere programme was launched in 1970. To improve the relationship between man and the environment and to reduce the loss of biodiversity, MAB programme started a project to establish a coordinated World Network of sites. Those sites were to represent key ecosystems of the planet and their genetic resources were to be protected. Such sites were named as “Biosphere Reserves”.

UNESCO introduced ‘Biosphere Reserve’ for natural areas to minimize conflict between development and conservation. Areas for biosphere reserve are nominated by national government. For inclusion in the world network of Biosphere reserves under the Man and Biosphere Reserve Programme of UNESCO, those areas must meet a minimal set of criteria and adhere to minimal set of conditions. They are internationally recognized and remain under sovereign jurisdiction of the states where they are located.

Currently, the World Network of Biosphere Reserves contains 651 biosphere reserves in 120 countries. In India, there are 18 biosphere reserves. Example: Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve and Manas Biosphere Reserve of Assam.

Structure of a Biosphere Reserve:

Each biosphere reserve consist of three interrelated zones: Core Zone, Buffer Zone and Transition Zone.

Core Zone:

The Core zone is a fully protected area. It contains suitable habitat for numerous plant and animal species. Human activity is extremely limited in this zone. Entry is allowed only in exceptional cases. Core zones help in preserving ecosystems with their wide range of biological diversity. In India, normally a National Park or Sanctuary forms the core zone.

Buffer Zone:

The buffer zone is the adjoining or surrounding area of a core zone. It is managed to promote certain uses and activities which will help in protection of core zone. For example: restoration, research and educational activities, limited recreation, tourism, fishing, grazing, etc. Traditional human activities which do not adversely affect the ecological diversity are also allowed in this zone.

Transition Zone:

The transition zone is the outermost part of a biosphere reserve. The conservation knowledge and management skills are applied in this zone. Active cooperation between the reserve management and the local people are promoted through activities like settlements, cropping, forestry, recreation and other economic uses that are characteristics of the region. The transition zone of a Biosphere reserve is usually not delimited.

Functions of Biosphere Reserve:

Each biosphere reserve must fulfill three basic functions:

1. Conserve function – contribute to conservation of ecosystems, species, genetic variation and landscapes.
2. Development function – each reserve must foster sustainable economic and human development.
3. Logistic function – biosphere reserves provide support for research, monitoring, education and information exchange on issues of conservation and development.

Criteria for designation of a Biosphere Reserve:

• A site must contain an well protected and least disturbed core area.
• Core area should be representative of a bio-geographical unit and large enough to sustain viable populations.
• Management authority must ensure involvement and cooperation of local communities, while managing the conflicts.
• There must be potential for preservation of traditional tribal or rural modes of living for sustainable use of environment.

What are the benefits of biosphere reserves?

• Conservation of Biodiversity: Biosphere reserves promote conservation of biodiversity through the core zone.
• Livelihood and sustainability: Biosphere reserve concept can help in enhancing people’s livelihoods and environmental sustainability.
• Raising awareness: Designation of a site as a biosphere reserve can improve awareness among local people, citizens and government authorities on environmental and development issues.
• Pilot sites: Biosphere reserves can serve as pilot sites of approaches to conservation and sustainable development.
• Living laboratories: They work as a living laboratory for testing and demonstrating different approaches of management of land, water and biodiversity.
• Co-operation: Formation of Trans-boundary biosphere reserves can lead to long-term cooperative effort among two or more nations.
• Fund inflow: Biosphere reserves are recognized by UNSECO, which can help in attract external funding.
• UN Programmes: Biosphere reserves are essential for implementation Agenda 21, Convention on Biological Diversity, Millennium Development Goals etc.