A biosphere reserve is an international conservation designation given by UNESCO under its Programme on Man and the Biosphere (MAB). The World Network of Biosphere Reserves is the collection of all 531 biosphere reserves in 105 countries (as of May, 2008).
According to “The Statutory Framework of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves,” biosphere reserves are created “to promote and demonstrate a balanced relationship between humans and the biosphere.” Under article 4, biosphere reserves must “encompass a mosaic of ecological systems,” and thus consist of combinations of terrestrial, coastal, or marine ecosystems.
Through appropriate zoning and management, the conservation of these ecosystems and their biodiversity is sought to be maintained.
The design of the reserve must include a legally protected core area, a buffer area where non-conservation activities are prohibited, and a transition zone where approved practices are permitted. This is done with regard for the sustainable use of natural resources for the benefit of local communities. This effort requires relevant research, monitoring, education and training.
All the above are tools for implementing Agenda 21, the Convention on Biological Diversity and other international agreements.
Map showing the World Network of Biosphere Reserves as of 2007. Note: transboundary sites have been redistributed among the concerned countries for the locator map, hence, have been counted multiple times.
Biosphere reserves are areas of terrestrial, coastal or marine ecosystems that are internationally recognised under the Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
They form an international network of sites, nominated by national governments, but designated by UNESCO. The first reserves were nominated as long ago as 1976. By 2001, a network of 393 reserves in 94 countries had been developed.
Biosphere reserves are an attempt to reconcile the problems of conserving biodiversity and biological resources, with sustainable use of natural resources for people. They have three main functions:
Conservation of biodiversity (ecosystems, species and genes).
Sustainable local economic and human development compatible with conservation needs.
Logistical support for environmental research and monitoring.
Each biosphere reserve ideally consists of one or more core areas, a buffer zone and a transition zone.
CORE AREAS:
The core areas are securely protected sites for conserving biological diversity, monitoring ecosystems, carrying out non-destructive research and low impact uses.
BUFFER ZONES:
This surrounds the core area and is used for co-operative activities which do not damage the ecology of the area.
TRANSITION AREAS:
An area containing agricultural activities and local communities, where interested parties work together to reconcile economic and conservation needs, while developing local resources in a sustainable way.
Biosphere reserves are unusual in having flexible boundaries, which are not legally defined. They are mostly managed by more than one owner or agency.
links:http://www.countrysideinfo.co.uk/biospher_reserves/biospher_reserves.htm
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