Expanding Biosphere Reserves

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.