Syllabus: Environment Conservation
Source: UN
Context: UNESCO recently added 11 new biosphere reserves worldwide, spanning countries like Colombia, Italy, Mongolia, and the Republic of Korea.
- These reserves, including two transboundary sites, aim to conserve biodiversity and cultural heritage amid global biodiversity and climate challenges.
What are Biosphere reserves?
Biosphere reserves are areas designated by UNESCO to promote the conservation of biodiversity, sustainable development, and scientific research. It is managed by Managed under UNESCO’s Man and Biodiversity Programme. They consist of three zones:
- a core zone for the strict protection of ecosystems
- a buffer zone where people live and work in harmony with nature
- a transition zone for sustainable activities.
Aim: Biosphere Reserves try to balance economic and social development and maintenance of associated cultural values along with the preservation of nature.
Status of Biosphere Reserves in India:
There are now 759 reserves in 136 countries, including 24 transboundary sites. India has 18 internationally recognized Biosphere reserves, with the Nilgiri reserve being the first. The latest addition is Panna in Madhya Pradesh.
Twelve of the eighteen biosphere reserves are a part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, based on the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme list. November 3 is celebrated as World Biosphere Reserve Day (to raise awareness of the importance of biosphere reserves)
Difference between National Park, Wildlife Sanctuary and Biosphere Reserve
Functions of Biosphere Reserves:
| Function | Description |
| Conservation | Managing genetic resources, endemic species, ecosystems, and landscapes. |
| Preventing conflicts like man-animal incidents. | |
| Protecting the wildlife, culture, and customs of tribal communities. | |
| Support a wide variety of ecosystems, from tropical rainforests to alpine deserts. | |
| Development | Promoting sustainable economic and human growth on sociocultural and ecological levels. |
| Strengthening the pillars of sustainable development: social, economic, and environmental protection. | |
| Play a crucial role in combating climate change by acting as carbon sinks. | |
| Logistic Support | Promoting research, environmental education, training, and monitoring in the context of conservation and sustainable development. |
The threats to Biosphere Reserves (BRs) include: Deforestation, Invasive species,
Land use changes like mining, Urbanization and population growth causing exploitation.
Initiatives aimed at conserving Biosphere Reserves (at the Indian level):
| Initiative | Description |
| South and Central Asian Biosphere Reserve Network Meeting (SACAM) in Chennai | UNESCO organized the SACAM in collaboration with the Indian Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, providing a platform for sharing expertise and fostering partnerships in sustainable environmental practices within South and Central Asia. |
| UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) | UNESCO’s MAB, initiated in 1971, focuses on establishing a scientific basis for improving the relationship between people and their environments by combining natural and social sciences, economics, and education to promote innovative approaches to economic development that are socially and culturally appropriate and environmentally sustainable. |
| It grants protection not only to the flora and fauna but also to the human communities and their ways of life within biosphere reserves. | |
| Local community engagement in conservation | In biosphere reserves like the Sundarbans and the Gulf of Mannar in India, local communities are actively engaged in managing and conserving their ecosystems. This includes collaborative efforts to protect mangrove forests, forming self-help groups, and promoting eco-tourism. |
| Plastic checkpoints in the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve: The Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve Trust has introduced the concept of plastic checkpoints where community members inspect vehicles and tourists for plastic waste. This waste is collected, recycled, and used in road construction, promoting sustainable waste management. |
Global initiatives:
- World Network of Biosphere Reserves: UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves connects and supports designated sites globally, fostering collaboration in biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
- International Cooperation: Biosphere Reserves often involve collaboration between neighbouring countries, enhancing international cooperation for conservation efforts. E.g., Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The United Nations’ SDGs, particularly Goal 15 (Life on Land) and Goal 14 (Life Below Water), emphasize the importance of conserving biodiversity and sustainable management of ecosystems, aligning with biosphere reserve objectives.
About Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme
The MAB Programme, launched in 1971, aims to establish a scientific basis for improving human-environment relationships. It integrates natural and social sciences to enhance livelihoods and protect ecosystems, promoting sustainable economic development. In India, 12 out of 18 biosphere reserves are recognized under this programme, with Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve being the first to receive recognition.
Insta Links:
Prelims Links:
The most important strategy for the conservation of biodiversity together with traditional human life is the establishment of (UPSC 2014)
(a) biosphere reserves
(b) botanical gardens
(c) national parks
(d) wildlife sanctuaries
Ans: A
