Biosphere Reserves
What is a Biosphere Reserve?
- A Biosphere Reserve (BR) is an internationally recognized site designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). It represents significant parts of natural and cultural landscapes that span over large areas of terrestrial, coastal, or marine ecosystems, or a combination of these.
- Biosphere Reserves aim to balance the preservation of biodiversity with the sustainable use of natural resources, while also protecting the cultural and traditional values of local communities. These reserves serve as living examples of how humans and nature can co-exist harmoniously, with mutual respect and cooperation.
Criteria for Designation as a Biosphere Reserve
For an area to be declared a Biosphere Reserve, it must meet the following criteria:
- The site must include a core area that is protected and relatively undisturbed, holding high ecological value.
- It must represent a biogeographical unit and should be large enough to sustain viable populations across multiple trophic levels.
- There must be active involvement of local communities, making use of their traditional knowledge in biodiversity conservation.
- The area should have the potential to preserve traditional tribal or rural lifestyles that support environment-friendly resource use.
Zonation of Biosphere Reserves
Biosphere Reserves are divided into three functional zones, each with a distinct role in conservation and sustainable development:
(a) Core Zone
- The core area is the most protected region, often designated as a National Park or Wildlife Sanctuary and governed under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. It hosts endemic species, wild relatives of economically important plants and animals, and is often a genetic reservoir of high scientific interest. No human interference is allowed here.
(b) Buffer Zone
- Surrounding the core zone, the buffer zone supports limited human activity that complements conservation objectives. Activities such as eco-tourism, grazing, fishing, research, and education are permitted under strict regulation to reduce impact on the core area.
(c) Transition Zone
- The transition zone is the outermost part, where sustainable economic and social activities such as agriculture, settlements, forestry, and recreation take place. It is also called the zone of cooperation, where conservation and development intersect.
Functions of a Biosphere Reserve
Biosphere Reserves fulfill three interrelated functions:
- Conservation Function
- Ensures the protection of genetic resources, species, ecosystems, and landscapes.
- Aims to reduce human-wildlife conflict, such as cases where animals turn aggressive due to habitat loss (e.g., tiger Avni case).
- Also protects indigenous cultures, customs, and traditional knowledge systems.
- Development Function
- Promotes socially, economically, and ecologically sustainable development.
- Strengthens the three pillars of sustainable development—society, economy, and environment.
- Logistic Support Function
- Facilitates scientific research, environmental education, training, and monitoring at the local, national, and international levels.
- Acts as a model region for demonstrating sustainable development strategies.