Biosphere Reserve
(Concept, Design and Distribution in India)
Dr Anzar A. Khuroo
Centre for Biodiversity & Taxonomy (CBT)
Department of Botany,
University of Kashmir
Srinagar, J & K, India.
E-mail: [email protected]
Concept
Biosphere reserves are sites established by
countries and recognized under UNESCO's Man and
the Biosphere (MAB) Programme to promote
sustainable development based on local
community efforts and sound science.
The MAB Programme was launched by UNESCO in
1971 to establish a scientific basis for the
improvement of relationships between people and
their environments.
Biosphere reserves are nominated by national
governments and remain under the sovereign
jurisdiction of the states where they are located.
Concept
The purpose of the formation of the biosphere reserve
is to conserve in situ all forms of life, along with its
support system, in its totality, so that it could serve as a
referral system for monitoring and evaluating changes
in natural ecosystems.
The World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR)
covers all major representative natural and semi-
natural ecosystems.
Concept
VISION
A world where people are conscious of
their common future and their interactions
with the planet, and act collectively and
responsibly to build thriving societies in
harmony within the biosphere.
Concept
MISSION of MAB for the period 2015–2025 is to:
Develop and strengthen models of sustainable development
through the WNBR;
Communicate experiences and lessons learned, and facilitate
the global diffusion and application of these models;
Support evaluation and high-quality management of biosphere
reserves, strategies and policies for sustainable development and
planning, and accountable and resilient institutions;
Help Member States and stakeholders to achieve the
Sustainable Development Goals by sharing experiences and
lessons learned related to exploring and testing policies,
technologies and innovations for the sustainable management of
biodiversity and natural resources and mitigation and adaptation
to climate change.
Concept
The first biosphere reserve of the world was
established in 1979.
Since then the network of biosphere reserves
has increased to 727 in 131 countries across
the world, including 22 transboundary sites.
There are about 257 million people living in
Biosphere Reserves worldwide.
Concept
Concept
Concept
Biosphere reserves include terrestrial,
marine and coastal ecosystems.
Each site promotes solutions reconciling the
conservation of biodiversity with its
sustainable use.
Therefore, they are places that provide
local solutions to global challenges.
Concept
Biosphere reserves are ‘learning places for
sustainable development’.
They are sites for testing interdisciplinary
approaches to understanding and managing
changes and interactions between social
and ecological systems, including conflict
prevention and management of
Concept
• Biosphere Reserves involve local communities
and all interested stakeholders in planning and
management. They integrate three main
"functions":
i. Conservation of biodiversity and cultural
diversity.
ii. Economic development that is socio-
culturally and environmentally sustainable.
iii. Logistic support, underpinning development
through research, monitoring, education and
training.
Design
• The functions are pursued through the Biosphere
Reserves' three main zones:
Core Areas: It comprises a strictly protected zone that
contributes to the conservation of landscapes,
ecosystems, species and genetic variation
Buffer Zones: It surrounds or adjoins the core area(s),
and is used for activities compatible with sound
ecological practices that can reinforce scientific
research, monitoring, training and education.
Transition Area: The transition area is where
communities foster socio-culturally and ecologically
sustainable economic and human activities.
Design
Distribution in India
Presently, there are 18 notified biosphere
reserves in India, out of which 12 are recognised
by UNESCO’s MAB Program.
The Biosphere Reserves in India are declared by
the State or Central Government through
Nomination under the UNESCO’S Man &
Biosphere (MAB) Programme.
Distribution in India
The first Biosphere Reserve in India is the
Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve that is a part of
Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala.
The largest Biosphere reserve in India is the
Gulf of Kachchh, Gujarat and the smallest
Biosphere Reserve in India is Dibru-Saikhowa
in Assam.
Distribution in India
Distribution in India
Distribution in India
