Expansion of World’s Biosphere Reserves

Why in news?

Expanding biosphere reserves across the world will help millions of people realise a better future in harmony with nature.

Biosphere Reserve (BR) is an international designation by UNESCO for representative parts of natural and cultural landscapes extending over large area of terrestrial or coastal/marine ecosystems or a combination thereof.
BRs are are living examples of how human beings and nature can co-exist while respecting each others’ needs.

Criteria for designation of BR

The site must contain an effectively protected and minimally disturbed core area of value of nature conservation.
The core area should be typical of a bio-geographical unit and large enough to sustain viable populations representing all trophic levels in the ecosystem.
The management authority to ensure the cooperation of local communities while managing and containing the conflicts.
Areas potential for preservation of traditional tribal or rural modes of living for harmonious use of environment.

biospherereserve

The World Network of Biosphere Reserves of the MAB Programme consists of a dynamic and interactive network of sites of excellence.
It was formed in 1971, as a backbone for biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, and living in harmony with nature.
There are now 738 properties in 134 countries.
There are 18 biosphere reserves in India, out of which 12 are recognized internationally under the MAB programme.
Spain is one of the lead participating WNBR countries globally, with 53 properties.
The first biosphere reserve in South Asia was the Hurulu Biosphere Reserve, in Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal do not have biospheres as yet.

biospherereserves

It is a unique tool for cooperation through sharing knowledge, exchanging experiences, building capacity and promoting best practices.
Support of members is of great importance because the ecological carrying capacity of the planet earth has been exceeded.
The best concept for ‘Living in Harmony with Nature’ that exists in the United Nations system, is the WNBR.
Concerns – The long-term threats includes biodiversity loss, climate change, pollution and population dynamics, accelerated by the blind belief in technological solutions for all problems.

References

Quick facts

UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB)

UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) is an intergovernmental scientific programme that was launched in 1971.
It aims to establish a scientific basis for the improvement of relationships between people and their environments.
It proposes interdisciplinary research, demonstration and training in natural resources management.
MAB helps national governments with the planning and implementation of research and training programmes with technical assistance and scientific advice.
India is a signatory to the landscape approach supported by UNESCO's MAB programme.

Biosphere reserves in India