Criteria For Designation Of Biosphere Reserve

The protected areas mainly meant for the conservation of animals and plants are termed biosphere reserves. They are “learning environments for sustainable development.” Many interdisciplinary approaches, including conflict resolution and biodiversity management, are tested in these environments to understand and manage interactions and changes between ecological and social systems.

This article will define biosphere reserve and look into what it is by understanding how UNESCO defines it. We will also look into some of the characteristics of biosphere reserves and get information on the first biosphere reserve of India, Nilgiri, and understand its importance. We will also read about the largest biosphere reserve in India and study about the biosphere reserves that have been created in India by the government to safeguard vast areas of the natural environment.

What is a Biosphere Reserve?

The Man and Biosphere Reserve Programme (MAB) identifies Biosphere Reserves to promote sustainable development. UNESCO established this programme in 1971. Biosphere reserves are designated areas for the conservation of plants and animals. It also helps restore the traditional way of life of the nearby tribals. The government of India has established 18 Biosphere Reserves to preserve large areas of natural habitat. These areas are provided with buffer zones open for economic uses. Flora and fauna and the people who live in these areas are also protected by the government. 

MAB programme acknowledges the following areas:

• Terrestrial and coastal environments
• An area where a healthy balance between preserving natural ecosystems and biodiversity protection has been reached
• An area that illustrates how to live and work in harmony with nature

What are the zones of the Biosphere Reserve?

• The centre area (Core zone)

Due to their holiness, some sites are off-limits to the general public. These areas have the cleanest ecology on the planet. The data collected at these sites may be used to assess the long-term sustainability of activities and the preservation of environmental quality in the surrounding areas.

• The buffer area (Buffer zone)

Only researchers and instructors are authorised to visit this area. However, these activities should not jeopardise the core region’s preservation. The area between the core zone and the surrounding areas is the buffer zone. This zone may also include leisure and tourist amenities. The buffer zone covers activities that aid in managing natural vegetation, agricultural land, fisheries, and forests to improve production quality.

• The Zone of Control (Control zone)

In this location, stakeholders from all backgrounds join together to make sustainable use of the land to benefit the people who live there. Agricultural, recreational, forestry, and settlement activities are allowed inside the buffer zone of a biosphere reserve if authorised by the biosphere reserve’s management and local inhabitants. As a result, a formerly damaged region can be restored to its natural state.

Famous Biosphere reserves of India

UNESCO has now designated Panna Biosphere Reserve as a Protected Biosphere Reserve. While the designation was given in 2020, India’s Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve was included in 2018 as well. Both sites are now part of the UNESCO-based World Network of Biosphere Reserves, one of the 12 biosphere reserves that are members of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.

First biosphere reserve of India 

The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is the first biosphere reserve of India. The Western Ghats is home to two of India’s eleven biogeographical regions. Malabar rain forest biogeographic region includes the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The conservation areas are Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Bandipur National Park, Mukurthi National Park, and Silent Valley in the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary.

Largest biosphere reserve in India

The Gulf of Mannar Marine Park is the largest biosphere reserve in India. It’s a tiny, shallow water region in the Indian Ocean along the boundary between India and Sri Lanka. The dugongs in this area are an uncommon species (sea cow). The Gulf of Mannar’s three primary coastal habitats are coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves. 

The Gulf of Mannar is regarded as one of the world’s most significant areas for marine biodiversity, and is known for its exceptional biological richness. It is one of India’s most varied coastal environments and is home to 4,223 plant and animal species.

Conclusion

Governments have established biosphere reserves as part of the United Nations’ Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Program to foster sustainable development via local community efforts and good research. In 1971, UNESCO launched the Biosphere Reserve programme. The biosphere reserve’s purpose is to conserve all life forms and the processes that maintain them in their native habitats so that they may be used as a reference point for monitoring and analysing changes to natural ecosystems. This article describes how to define biosphere reserves and the criteria to define them and learnt about the first biosphere of India.