Current Affairs » Expanding Biosphere Reserves

Expanding Biosphere Reserves

Man and Biosphere (MAB) programme

Why in the News?

November 3 was the first ‘The International Day for Biosphere Reserves’, to be celebrated beginning 2022. 

Key Points:

About the Biosphere Reserve:

  • A biosphere reserve is a large area on the earth where all sort of life exists and which is conserved for unusual scientific and natural interest. 
  • Biosphere Reserves are internationally recognized within the framework of UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere (MAB) programme.
  • It promotes management, research, and education in ecosystem conservation.
  • In India, the first biosphere reserve was designated by UNESCO in 2000, namely, the blue mountains of the Nilgiris stretching over Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala. 
  • India has 12 internationally recognised BRs. They are as follows:
    • Nilgiri
    • Gulf of Mannar
    • Sunderban
    • Nanda Devi
    • Nokrek
    • Pachmarhi
    • Similipal
    • Achanakmar-Amarkantak
    • Great Nicobar
    • Agasthyamala
    • Khangchendzonga
    • Panna

 

Criteria for designation of BR

  • A site that must contain an effectively protected and minimally disturbed core area of value of nature conservation.
  • The core area should be large enough to sustain viable populations of all trophic levels in the ecosystem.
  • Cooperation of local communities to link biodiversity conservation and socio-economic development while managing and containing the conflicts.
  • Areas potential for preservation of traditional tribal or rural modes of living for harmonious use of the environment.

There are three Main Zones of the Biosphere Reserve

  • Core Areas: A core zone is a protected region, like a National Park or Sanctuary/protected/regulated. It is kept free from human interference.
  • Buffer Zone: It surrounds the core zone, and its activities are managed in its natural condition.
    • It includes restoration, limited tourism, fishing, grazing, etc., which are permitted to reduce their effect on the core zone.
    • Research and educational activities are to be encouraged.
  • Transition Zone: It is the outermost part of the biosphere reserve. 
    • It includes settlements, croplands, managed forests, and areas for intensive recreation and other economic uses characteristics of the region.

About the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR):

  • It was formed in 1971.
  • It is the backbone for biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, and living in harmony with nature. 
  • There are now 738 properties in 134 countries, including 12 in India, four in Sri Lanka, and three in the Maldives.

Need for more biosphere reserve: 

  • Considering the long-term threats to humans such as,
    • Biodiversity loss 
    • Climate change
    • Pollution 
    • Population dynamics
  • There is a need for more biosphere reserves globally. 

 

Expansion of biosphere reserve in South Asia:

  • In South Asia, over 30 biosphere reserves have been established. 
  • Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal do not have biospheres as yet.
  • The ‘South and Central Asia MAB Reserve’ Networking Meeting is planned for 2023, to advance biosphere reserve establishment and management. 
  • UNESCO is ready to assist in carrying out a professional potentiality analysis in Bhutan, India’s northeast, and the Sundarbans in Bangladesh.