The term “Biosphere Reserve” was introduced by the International Co-ordinating Council (ICC) of UNESCO in November 1971. The concept was refined by a Task Force of UNESCO’s MAB Programme in 1974, and the formal BR network was launched in 1976.
What is Biosphere Reserve (BR)
- Biosphere reserves serve as protected areas designated to conserve biodiversity, promote sustainable development, and foster harmonious relationships between humans and the environment.
- These reserves are designated by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) to protect and conserve representative examples of natural and cultural diversity while promoting sustainable development.
- Biosphere reserves typically encompass a variety of ecosystems, including terrestrial, coastal, and marine environments, and they serve as living laboratories for researching and testing sustainable development practices.
- Ex: Sunderbans and Manas biosphere reserves, such designated areas where conservation efforts are focused on preserving diverse ecosystems, including forests, wetlands, and wildlife habitats, while also supporting local communities and promoting sustainable livelihoods.
Purpose and Recognition:
- Established by countries under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB).
- Promotes sustainable development through local community efforts and sound science.
- Biosphere Reserves exemplify the coexistence of human needs and nature.
Key Characteristics:
- Living examples of sustainable development.
- Seek to reconcile conservation of biological and cultural diversity with economic and social development.
- Provide a platform for testing and demonstrating innovative approaches to sustainable development on local and international scales.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Introduction | Term introduced by ICC of UNESCO in 1971; BR network formally launched in 1976. |
| Definition | UNESCO designation for parts of natural and cultural landscapes in terrestrial or coastal/marine ecosystems. |
| Purpose | Promotes sustainable development through local community efforts and sound science. |
| Recognition | Established by countries under UNESCO’s MAB Programme. |
| Characteristics | Living examples of sustainable development; reconcile conservation with economic and social development. |
| Innovative Approaches | Provide a platform for testing sustainable development approaches on local and international scales. |
Characteristics of Biosphere Reserves
Protected Areas with Integral Human Involvement:
- Biosphere Reserves (BRs) encompass land and/or coastal environments, with people as an integral component of the system.
Global Network for Scientific Exchange:
- Constitutes a worldwide network linked by international understanding for the exchange of scientific information.
Diverse Biomes Worldwide:
- The BR network includes significant examples of diverse biomes throughout the world.
Categories within Each BR:
- Biosphere Reserves (BRs) represent one or more of the following categories:
- Natural Biomes: Representative examples of natural ecosystems.
- Unique Biodiversity: Conservation of unique biodiversity or areas with exceptional natural features.
- Harmonious Landscapes: Examples resulting from traditional land-use patterns.
- Modified or Degraded Ecosystems: Areas capable of being restored to more natural conditions.
- Non-Manipulative Core Areas: Generally feature a non-manipulative core area, along with zones for research, education, and training. These areas can be associated in a cluster, even if not contiguous.
| Characteristics | Details |
|---|---|
| Protected Areas with Integral Human Involvement: | Encompasses land and/or coastal environments with people integral to the system. |
| Global Network for Scientific Exchange: | Worldwide network linked for the exchange of scientific information. |
| Diverse Biomes Worldwide: | BR network includes significant examples of diverse biomes. |
| Categories within Each Biosphere Reserves: | – Natural Biomes: Representative examples of natural ecosystems. |
| – Unique Biodiversity: Conservation of unique biodiversity or areas with exceptional features. | |
| – Harmonious Landscapes: Examples resulting from traditional land-use patterns. | |
| – Modified or Degraded Ecosystems: Areas capable of being restored to more natural conditions. | |
| – Non-Manipulative Core Areas: Generally features a non-manipulative core area with associated zones for research, education, and training. These areas can be clustered, even if not contiguous. |
Functions of Biosphere Reserves
Conservation:
- Ensure the conservation of landscapes, ecosystems, species, and genetic variations.
- Encourage traditional resource use systems.
- Understand patterns and processes of ecosystem functioning.
- Monitor natural and human-induced changes on spatial and temporal scales.
Development:
- Promote culturally, socially, and ecologically sustainable economic development at the local level.
- Develop strategies for the improvement and management of natural resources.
Logistics Support:
- Provide support for research, monitoring, education, and information exchange on local, national, and global conservation and development issues.
- Share knowledge generated through research via site-specific training and education.
- Develop community spirit in the management of natural resources.
Beneficiaries:
- Direct Beneficiaries: Local people and the ecological resources of Biosphere Reserves.
- Indirect Beneficiaries: The global community.
| Function | Details |
|---|---|
| Conservation: | – Ensure conservation of landscapes, ecosystems, species, and genetic variations. |
| – Encourage traditional resource use systems. | |
| – Understand patterns and processes of ecosystem functioning. | |
| – Monitor natural and human-induced changes on spatial and temporal scales. | |
| Development: | – Promote culturally, socially, and ecologically sustainable economic development at the local level. |
| – Develop strategies for the improvement and management of natural resources. | |
| Logistics Support: | – Provide support for research, monitoring, education, and information exchange on conservation issues. |
| – Share knowledge generated through research via site-specific training and education. | |
| – Develop community spirit in the management of natural resources. | |
| Beneficiaries: | – Direct Beneficiaries: Local people and the ecological resources of Biosphere Reserves. |
| – Indirect Beneficiaries: The global community. |
Question: Which one of the following is not a site for in-situ method of conservation of flora?
(a) Biosphere Reserves
(b) Botanical Garden
(c) National Park
(d) Wildlife Sanctuary
Answer: (b) Botanical Garden [Click to see the Explanation]
Structure and Design of Biosphere Reserves
Demarcation into Three Zones:
To balance biodiversity conservation and sustainable development, Biosphere Reserves are divided into three interconnected zones.
Core Zone:
- Kept undisturbed, providing suitable habitat for numerous plant and animal species, including higher-order predators.
- Enjoys legal protection, allowing management and research activities without impacting natural processes.
- Strict nature reserves and wilderness areas are designated as core zones.
- Kept free from external human pressures.
Buffer Zone:
- Adjacent to or surrounds the core zone, managing activities to protect the core.
- Includes restoration, demonstration sites, limited recreation, tourism, fishing, and grazing.
- Research and educational activities are encouraged.
- Permits natural human activities if they don’t adversely affect ecological diversity.
Transition Zone:
- Outermost part, not distinctly delimited, serving as a cooperative zone.
- Applies conservation, knowledge, and management skills, harmonizing with the Biosphere Reserve’s purpose.
- Includes settlements, croplands, managed forests, areas for intensive recreation, and other economic uses.
- Involves manipulative macro-management practices in Buffer and Transition Zones, with experimental research areas for understanding ecosystem patterns.
| Zone | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Core Zone | – Undisturbed habitat for diverse species. |
| – Legal protection for conservation and research activities. | |
| – Excludes external human pressures. | |
| Buffer Zone | – Surrounds or adjoins the core zone. |
| – Manages activities to protect the core, including limited recreation, tourism, and research. | |
| – Allows natural human activities that don’t adversely affect ecological diversity. | |
| Transition Zone | – Outermost zone with no distinct boundaries. |
| – Cooperative area applying conservation and management skills. | |
| – Includes settlements, croplands, managed forests, and areas for recreation and economic uses. | |
| – Involves manipulative macro-management practices and experimental research areas for ecosystem understanding. |
How Biosphere Reserves are different from protected areas
| Differentiating Factors | Details |
|---|---|
| Intent | BR does not replace existing protected areas but broadens the protection approach, strengthening the Protected Area Network. |
| Incorporation of Protected Areas | Legally protected areas (e.g., National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries) may become part of a BR without altering their legal status. |
| Emphasis | Focuses on the conservation of overall biodiversity and landscapes, allowing natural and evolutionary processes without hindrance. |
| Components | Encompasses various components like landscapes, habitats, species, and land races. |
| Developmental Activities | Addresses developmental activities and resolves/mitigates conflicts between development and conservation. |
| Stakeholder Engagement | Emphasizes broadening stakeholders, particularly local people’s participation and training, compared to Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks. |
| Sustainable Development | Promotes sustainable, environmentally friendly development and sustained coordination among different development organizations and agencies. |
| Research and Monitoring | Involves research and monitoring to understand the structure and functioning of ecological systems and their reactions to human intervention. |
| Indian National Man and Biosphere Committee | Constituted by the Central Govt., it identifies new sites, advises on policies and programs, lays down guidelines, and reviews progress based on evaluation studies and feedback. |
| Management Responsibility | Managed by the concerned State/UT with financial assistance, management guidelines, and technical expertise provided by the Central Government. |
| International Recognition | Internationally recognized within UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere (MAB) program after obtaining consent from the participating country. |
Biosphere Reserves In India
- There are 18 Biosphere Reserves in India. 12 of the 18 biosphere reserves are a part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, based on the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme list.
| S. No. | BIOSPHERE RESERVE (BR) | YEAR | KEY FAUNA | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Nilgiri | 1986 | Nilgiri Tahr, Lion-tailed Macaque, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Elephant, Tiger | Part of Wayanad, Nagarhole, Nilambur, Silent Valley, and Siruvani hills (Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka). Declared World Natural Heritage Site |
| 2. | Nanda Devi | 1988 | Snow Leopard, Musk deer, Himalayan black bear, Brown Bear | Part of Chamoli, Pithoragarh, and Bageshwar districts (Uttarakhand) |
| 3. | Nokrek | 1988 | Hoolock Gibbons, Clouded Leopard, Elephant, Barking Deer | Part of Garo hills (Meghalaya) |
| 4. | Panna | 2011 | Bengal Tiger, Nilgai, Leopard, Chinkara, Chital | Part of Panna and Chhattarpur districts in Madhya Pradesh |
| 5. | Gulf of Mannar | 1989 | Whale Sharks, Dugong, Hawsbill sea turtle | Part of Gulf of Mannar between India and Sri Lanka (Tamil Nadu). First marine Biosphere Reserve in India |
| 6. | Sundarbans | 1989 | Royal Bengal Tiger, Ganges Dolphins, Brahamaputra River system | Part of delta of Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers (West Bengal). World Natural Heritage site and Irawadi Terrapin, crocodiles |
| 7. | Simlipal | 1994 | Royal Bengal Tiger, Asiatic Elephant, Leopard | Part of Mayurbhanj district (Orissa). The biosphere reserve has the largest zone of Sal in all of India |
| 8. | Great Nicobar | 1989 | Nicobar tree shrew, Nicobar crab-eating macaque, Dugong, saltwater crocodile | Southernmost islands of Andaman and Nicobar (A&N Islands) |
| 9. | Pachmarhi | 1999 | Indian Giant Squirrels, Flying Squirrels, Gaur, Tiger, Nilgai | Parts of Betul, Hoshangabad, and Chindwara districts of Madhya Pradesh. India’s first Mixed Heritage Site |
| 10. | Agasthyamalai | 2001 | Bengal Tiger, Asiatic Elephant, Nilgiri Tahr | Neyyar, Peppara, and Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuaries and their adjoining areas in Kerala. Part of “Hottest biodiversity hotspots” + World Natural Heritage Site |
| 11. | Khangchendzonga | 2000 | Himalayan Tahr, Black Bear, Blue Sheep, Red panda, Snow Leopard | Parts of Khangchendzonga hills and Sikkim |
| 12. | Achanakmar-Amarkantak | 2005 | Indian Wild Dog, Saras Crane, White-backed Vulture, Sacred Grove Bush frog | Covers parts of Anupur and Dindori districts of M.P. and parts of Bilaspur district of Chhattisgarh State |
| 13. | Manas | 1989 | Pygmy hog, Golden Langur, Hispid hare, Bengal Florican | Part of Kokrajhar, Bongaigaon, Barpeta, Nalbari, Kamprup, and Darang districts (Assam). World Natural Heritage site |
| 14. | Dibru-Saikhowa | 1997 | Tiger, Elephant, Assamese Macaque, Sambar, Barking Deer, Water Buffaloes | Part of Dibrugarh and Tinsukia Districts (Assam) |
| 15. | Dehang-Dibang | 1998 | Leopard, Clouded, Common, Spotted, Himalayan Black Bear, Indian Wild Dog | Part of Siang and Dibang Valley in Arunachal Pradesh |
| 16. | Great Rann of Kutch | 2008 | Indian Wild Ass, Great Indian Bustard | Part of Kachchh, Rajkot, Surendra Nagar, and Patan Civil Districts of Gujarat State |
| 17. | Cold Desert | 2009 | Tibetan Gazelle, Snow Leopard, Himalayan Ibex, Red fox | Pin Valley National Park and surroundings; Chandratal and Sarchu&Kibber Wildlife Sanctuaries in Himachal Pradesh |
| 18. | Seshachalam Hills | 2010 | Golden Gecko, Slender Loris | Seshachalam Hill Ranges covering parts of Chittoor and Kadapa districts of Andhra Pradesh |
NOTE:
- First to 12th (in bold marked) Biosphere Reserves of India are included in WORLD NETWORK OF BIOSPHERE RESERVE-UNESCO’S MAB programme.
UNESCO Protected Biosphere Reserves List
| Year | Name | States |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve | Madhya Pradesh |
| 2018 | Kanchenjunga Biosphere Reserve | Part of North and West Sikkim districts |
| 2016 | Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve | Kerala and Tamil Nadu |
| 2009 | Nokrek Biosphere Reserve | Meghalaya |
| 2001 | Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve | Tamil Nadu |
| 2013 | Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve | Great Nicobar |
| 2020 | Panna Biosphere Reserve | Madhya Pradesh |
| 2000 | Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve | Tamil Nadu |
| 2004 | Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve | Uttarakhand |
| 2001 | Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve | West Bengal |
| 2009 | Simlipal Biosphere Reserve | Odisha |
| 2012 | Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve | Chhattisgarh |
- First Biosphere Reserve: Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (Est. 1986)
- Largest Biosphere Reserve: Gulf of Mannar
- Smallest Biosphere Reserve: Panna
