Structure and Functions of Biosphere Reserve

Biosphere reserves serve as testbeds for transdisciplinary approaches to understanding and regulating changes in social and ecological systems, conflict resolution and biodiversity management. Three types of ecosystems are included in biosphere reserves- terrestrial, marine and coastal. 

Biospheres reserves of the world

At present, there are 727 biosphere reserves spread across 131 countries, including 22 transboundary sites. They belong to the world network of biosphere reserves. They are distributed as

• Africa has 86 sites in 31 countries.

• The middle-east has 35 sites in 14 countries.

• Asia and the Pacific combined have 168 sites in 40 countries.

• Europe and North America collectively have 306 sites in 24 countries.

• South America and the Caribbean have 132 sites in 22 countries.

Criteria for Biosphere reserves

• A site should have a well-protected and lightly altered core area with a high conservation value.

• The core area is a representative bio-geographical unit and should be large enough to support healthy populations from all trophic levels of the ecosystem.

• It should work towards integrating biodiversity conservation and socio-economic development while managing and resolving conflicts.

• Areas with the potential to preserve traditional tribal or rural ways of life to make the most use of the environment.

Structure and functions of a biosphere reserve

• Core Zone: This zone provides sufficient habitat for a diverse range of plant and animal species, including higher-order predators, and may also contain endemism centres. Core areas protect wild relatives of significant species and act as major genetic reservoirs of high scientific interest. 

The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 protects and regulates a core zone, which is a National Park or Sanctuary. While acknowledging that disturbance is an inevitable part of ecosystem functioning, the core zone must be protected from external human demands. Settlements, croplands, managed forests, areas used for intensive recreation, and other economic purposes are all included in the core zone.

• Buffer Zone: This zone is adjoining to the core zone, and its uses and activities are regulated so that the core zone is protected in its natural state. Restoration, demonstration areas for boosting resource value addition, limited recreation, tourism, fishing, grazing, and other activities are allowed in order to decrease the impact on the core zone. Research and development activities are promoted. Natural human activities within the biosphere reserve are likely to continue in this zone if they do not have a negative impact on the ecology.

• Transition zone: This zone is the outermost region of the reserve. It is a zone of cooperation where conservation knowledge and management skills are utilised, and uses are managed in harmony with the biosphere reserve’s aim. It is usually not bound by anything. It includes settlements, agricultural lands, controlled forests, areas for intensive recreation, and other economic uses unique to the region.

Biosphere reserves of India

As of 2022, there are a total of 18 biosphere reserves in India. Out of them, there are 12 internationally recognised biosphere reserves. They are-

1. Nilgiri

2. Pachmarhi

3. Panna

4. Nanda Devi

5. Khangchendzonga

6. Gulf of Mannar

7. Agasthyamala

8. Achanakmar-Amarkantak

9. Great Nicobar

10. Similipal

11. Nokrek

12. Sunderban

Biosphere conservation

The UNESCO Man and Biosphere (MAB) programme advocates a landscape strategy for the protection of biosphere reserves globally. India is a signatory to the MAB, and the Biosphere Reserve Program follows its lead. The Indian government has been running a Biosphere Reserve Program since 1986 that provides financial support to North Eastern Region States and three Himalayan states in a 90:10 ratio and to the rest of the country in a 60:40 ratio. The Central MAB Committee approves and monitors the state government’s Management Action Plan.

Importance of biosphere reserves

• Biosphere Reserves aim to protect species, ecosystems, genetic diversity, and landscapes while minimising the impact on people.

• They assure that ecological, cultural, social, and economic progress are all sustainable.

• The biosphere reserves help to rehabilitate ecosystems and habitats that have been harmed.

• These places provide a wealth of knowledge about how to rehabilitate, conserve, and grow the ecosystem. The studies show how to reproduce ecosystems that have been altered by human activity.

• Landowners, public agencies, farmers, engineers, industry, and conservation groups in these locations can collaborate to find comprehensive land management solutions.

• They aid in the preservation of healthy ecosystems by limiting soil erosion, safeguarding water springs, and preserving decomposers to preserve high soil quality.

Conclusion

Internationally, the WNBR connects the world’s biosphere reserves. Several well-known websites from a dynamic and interactive web. It aids in the long-term development of a healthy relationship between people and the natural world. In order to officially recognise a particular area as a biosphere reserve, a country’s government might submit an application to the UNESCO Man and Biosphere (MAB) Program. If UNESCO approves the government’s appeal, the Biosphere Reserve will be included in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR).