Biosphere Reserves

Biosphere Reserve is an international designation introduced by UNESCO in 1971 under its Man and Biosphere Programme (MAB) to conserve the natural and cultural landscapes. MAB combines natural and social sciences, economics and education to improve human livelihoods and safeguard natural ecosystems. Biosphere Reserves are the living example of cooperation between nature and man. Biosphere Reserves are divided into 3 zones- The Core zone, The Buffer Zone and The Transition Zone. The core zone strictly prohibits the outside intervention, buffer zone allows limited human activities while the transition zone is the one where human activities are not limited and human habitations are found. The Biosphere Reserves in India are declared by the State or Central Government through Nomination under the UNESCO’S Man & Biosphere (MAB) Programme. There are total 18 Biosphere Reserves in India and out of these 12 Biosphere Reserves have been included in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Biosphere Reserves have been successful in utilising the knowledge of local inhabitants to better conserve and manage the area to conserve the biota there.

The concept of Biosphere Reserves emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s as a response to growing concerns about environmental degradation, loss of biodiversity, and the need for innovative approaches to conservation and sustainable development. The term "biosphere reserve" was first introduced at the UNESCO General Conference in 1968, and the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme was officially launched in 1971 to conserve the biodiversity with the cooperation of local inhabitants. The first Biosphere Reserves were designated in the early 1970s. India initiated its National Biosphere Reserve Programme in 1986 and in that year only the first Biosphere Reserve of India was notified which is Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. At present, there are total 18 Biosphere Reserves and 12 of them have been included in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.

Biosphere Reserves are the protected areas designated by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) to conserve the biodiversity of that area. The biosphere reserve network was launched in 1971 by UNESCO, two years after the initiation of MAB- Man and the biosphere program. There are a total of 18 Biosphere Reserves in India, and 12 are a part of the UNESCO List of Man & Biosphere Reserves Programme.

MAB programme is an intergovernmental initiative launched by UNESCO in 1971 to promote the conservation of biodiversity and sustainable development. It aims to protect biodiversity by establishing a World network of biosphere reserves which was created by the MAB programme in 1977. This World network of MAB Programme includes 748 biosphere reserves in 134 countries, including 23 transboundary sites. Biosphere Reserves are included into the World network by International Coordinating Council (ICC) of the MAB Programme of UNESCO on the request of participating countries. It focuses on an integrated approach and promotes collaboration and exchange of knowledge among various stakeholders.

• Each Biosphere Reserve is a protected area of land/or coastal environments to conserve the flora and fauna of that area.
• People are an integral component of the system.
• Biosphere Reserve is divided into 3 zones - The Core zone, The Buffer zone and the Transition zone.

The area of Biosphere Reserve is divided into 3 inter-related zones which are -

1. The Core Zone : This is the central part of the Biosphere Reserve which is absolutely undisturbed. It is the suitable habitat for flora and fauna of the area and may contain centres of endemism. Human interference is strictly prohibited in the area.
2. The Buffer Zone : This is the middle part of the Biosphere Reserve area It surrounds the core area. Limited activities are allowed in this zone like restoration, demonstration sites for enhancing value addition to the resources, tourism, fishing, grazing etc. Research and educational activities are allowed in this zone.
3. The Transition Zone : This is the outermost part of the Biosphere Reserve. This is a zone of cooperation. In this zone human settlements are allowed. Human activities like agriculture, managing forests and other economic uses are allowed in the zone.

1. Primary criteria : A site which has a minimally disturbed and protected core area of value or nature conservation. The core area should be large enough to sustain viable populations representing all trophic levels in the ecosystem.
2. Secondary criteria: The site has rare and endangered species and has diverse soil and climatic conditions.

1. It protects the landscapes, ecosystems, species and genetic variations.
2. It uses the knowledge and management skills of the local people in the conservation strategy.
3. It promotes the economic development of local people.
4. It supports research, education and knowledge exchange at global level related to conservation issues.

• It was initiated in India in 1986 to ensure participation of local communities for effective management of the biota in the area and at the same time improving the livelihood of local people through sustainable use.
• Centrally Sponsored Scheme: The Government of India provides financial assistance in 90:10 ratio to the Northeastern Region States and three Himalayan states and in the ratio of 60:40 to other states for maintenance, improvement, and development of these areas.
• For Biosphere Reserve, the state government prepares a Management plan which is then approved by the MAB committee.

There are total 12 biosphere reserves of India which have been recognized internationally under Man and Biosphere Reserve program:

• Nilgiri (1st to be included)
• Gulf of Mannar
• Sunderban
• Nokrek
• Nanda devi
• Pachmarhi
• Great Nicobar
• Simlipal
• Achanakmar- Amarkantak
• Agasthyamalai
• Khangchendzonga
• Panna (latest included)

Biosphere Reserves have been significant in conserving the areas with great biological diversity. Nobody knows the area better than the local inhabitants there. Hence, utilising the knowledge of local people in the conservation and management of these areas is the prime reason behind the success of Biosphere reserves in protecting the species in danger worldwide. Existed legally protected areas like National parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Tiger Reserves can become a part of the Biosphere Reserve without any change in their legal status. More such inclusion of protected areas into the Biosphere Reserves can widen the scope of conventional approach of protection.