Biosphere Reserves

Biosphere reserves are locations designated by the government under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) programme to encourage sustainable development and the conservation of animals, plants, and ecosystems. The biosphere supports life on the earth and provides vital conditions for life like climate, land, water, and air. Thus, it is crucial to reserve it. For humans and nature, biosphere reserves provide a unique environment. They show us how humans and nature can co-exist without disturbing and exploiting each other’s needs.

Biosphere Reserves in India

The government of India has established 18 biosphere reserves to protect its natural habitat.

Structure of a Biosphere Reserve 

A biosphere reserve is classified into three zones: 

• Core zone

The core zone is also known as the natural zone, and in this area, human activities are prohibited. This area is completely protected and undisturbed for the reservation.

• Buffer zone

The area surrounding the core zone is the buffer zone. Legal activities like research and education are permitted here, and limited tourism and fishing is allowed.

• Manipulation zone

The outermost area surrounding the biosphere reserve is the manipulation zone, also known as the Transition zone. Human activities like cropping are conducted here, with the cooperation of the local people and management, without disturbing the ecosystem. This zone has several parts like forestry, tourism, and restoration regions.

Importance of Biosphere Reserves 

Biosphere reserves are essential for economic health. They are vital for the survival of the human race on earth. They secure economic, social, and cultural development. They conserve landscapes and diversities without causing problems to inhabitants. Moreover, trees hold traditional and moral values to certain tribes.

Humans derive economic benefits like food, firewood, and fire directly from nature. 

They also source industrial products like resins, gums, dyes, and tannins, from nature. Almost 25% of medical products are obtained from plants found in the biosphere. 

Biosphere reserves enable pollinators like birds, bumblebees and bats to pollinate plants. 

They also restore the land’s fertility. They provide knowledge about restoration, conversation, and development of the ecosystem. 

They provide an idea about land management. Further, they serve as isolated areas for animals and plants to remain undisturbed.

Biosphere reserves serve as a separate area for plants and animals away from human civilisation. They also assist in avoiding the practice of deforestation and thus help maintain the planet’s ecological balance. More plants mean less pollution, and thus, biosphere reserves control global warming.

Characteristics of an Effective Biosphere Reserve

Essential characteristics of an effective biosphere reserve include

Conservation 

A proper plan for natural resource conservation focuses on conserving and preserving endemic species, resources, ecosystems and landscapes. It prohibits animal-hunting practices and deforestation. It also protects the culture and ethics of many tribes. 

Development 

It focuses on ecological, economic, human, and socio-cultural growth. It protects the environment along with strengthening the activities of sustainable development. 

Logical Support

They serve as sites for educational training and research. They demonstrate policies and monitor local, national, and international conservation and sustainable development. 

Awareness

It should spread awareness about the importance of biosphere reservation and the need of protecting different species of plants and animals. It should participate in the world network and follow an appropriate zonal pattern. It should also focus on a multi-stakeholder approach by shedding light on the involvement and development of local communities.

Man and Biosphere Programme (MAB)

The Man and Biosphere Programme (MAB) is a UNESCO intergovernmental scientific programme launched in 1971 to enhance the relationship between humans and the environment. It works to improve human life and protect natural and man-made ecosystems by providing natural, social science, and economic studies.  It promotes socially and culturally adequate and beneficial ideas and approaches that promote economic and sustainable development.

Conclusion

The biosphere supports life and provides vital conditions like climate, land, water, and air. Thus, it is crucial to reserve it. Biosphere reserves are locations designated under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) programme to encourage sustainable development and the conservation of animals, plants, and ecosystems. An effective biosphere reserve focuses on ecological, economic, human and socio-cultural growth while protecting the environment and strengthening sustainable development activities.