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What is a Biosphere Reserve?

Sarah Denson
Sarah Denson

A biosphere reserve is an area of land or water that is protected by law in order to support the conservation of ecosystems, as well as the sustainability of mankind’s impact on the environment. This means that each reserve aims to help scientists and the environmental community figure out how to protect the world’s plant and animal species while dealing with a growing population and its resource needs. These areas were created by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) under a program called Man and the Biosphere (MAB) in 1968. Since its creation, MAB has helped dozens of countries create biosphere reserves. In order to create a reserve, a country must suggest an area of land for the MAB to approve.

There are three main parts to a reserve. The first part is called the core zone, which is strongly protected for the conservation of biological diversity — to make sure that different types of plants and animals are safe from human impact. The second part is called a buffer zone, and surrounds the core zones and provide a space for environmental research, recreation, and tourism. The last part is called a transition zone, and this area is for local communities that have a hand in managing the resources of the area through farming, fisheries, and other non-governmental activities. Ultimately, the ways that these three zones operate depend on the specific needs of the biosphere reserve they are in.

Biosphere reserves help the conservation of ecosystems.
Biosphere reserves help the conservation of ecosystems.

Each reserve is governed by the country in which it resides, which allows each country or state to use the area for the region’s specific needs, making sure that every reserve is used wisely and for the benefit of the communities around it. As a result, each biosphere reserve has different laws and regulations about its maintenance.

There are many benefits to biosphere reserves. Not only can they help raise awareness of humankind’s impact on the environment, but they support local communities in the maintenance of the natural environment around them. They are also used for environmental recreation and education, meaning people can use the reserves to teach others about the environment, as well as use the land for nature activities, such as hiking and fishing. Reserves have also been quite helpful to scientists, because they create large areas of land for people to research plants, animals, and the overall conditions of the ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is a Biosphere Reserve?

A biosphere reserve is an area of land or water that is protected by law in order to support the conservation of ecosystems.
A biosphere reserve is an area of land or water that is protected by law in order to support the conservation of ecosystems.

A Biosphere Reserve is a designated area that combines both conservation of biodiversity and sustainable use of natural resources. According to UNESCO, which oversees the Man and the Biosphere Programme, these reserves are learning sites for sustainable development, aiming to reconcile the conservation of biodiversity with its sustainable use.

How many Biosphere Reserves are there worldwide?

As of the latest data, there are 738 Biosphere Reserves spread across 134 countries, including 22 transboundary sites. These reserves are recognized under UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Programme, which continues to expand as more sites are added to the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.

What are the zones in a Biosphere Reserve?

Biosphere Reserves are typically divided into three zones: the core area, which is strictly protected for conservation purposes; the buffer zone, which surrounds or adjoins the core areas and is used for cooperative activities compatible with sound ecological practices; and the transition area, where sustainable resource management, research, and education are promoted.

Can people live in Biosphere Reserves?

Yes, people can live in Biosphere Reserves. In fact, part of the concept is to maintain a balanced relationship between humans and nature. The transition areas of these reserves often include settlements, agricultural lands, and other areas where people actively manage the landscape using sustainable practices that support conservation goals.

What is the purpose of a Biosphere Reserve?

The primary purpose of a Biosphere Reserve is to promote solutions reconciling the conservation of biodiversity with its sustainable use. They are intended to be sites demonstrating innovative approaches to living and working in harmony with nature, which can inform and inspire conservation efforts and sustainable development practices globally.

How does a site become designated as a Biosphere Reserve?

To become a Biosphere Reserve, a site must be nominated by its national government and then evaluated based on criteria that assess the ecological value of the site and the soundness of its approach to sustainable development. If approved by UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Programme, the site is then added to the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.

Discussion Comments

anon971626

So what is the down side to this?

recapitulate

I am glad that there is an increased interest in biosphere reserves; it shows a growing knowledge of the extent to which the world has diversity from region to region, including many different biospheres even across the same desert nation, for example.

anon118137

i need to know what we can do to conserve flora and fauna.

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    • Biosphere reserves help the conservation of ecosystems.
      By: drhfoto
      Biosphere reserves help the conservation of ecosystems.
    • A biosphere reserve is an area of land or water that is protected by law in order to support the conservation of ecosystems.
      By: JohanSwanepoel
      A biosphere reserve is an area of land or water that is protected by law in order to support the conservation of ecosystems.