What are Biosphere Reserves?
- ‘Biosphere Reserves’ are designated natural sites, comprising terrestrial or marine or coastal or combined ecosystems.
- Biosphere Reserves promote the conservation of biodiversity and minimizes the conflict between the development and nature conservation.
- ‘Biosphere Reserve’ was introduced by MAB International Co-ordinating Council (ICC) of UNESCO in November 1971.
Man And Biosphere (MAB) Programme
- MAB is an intergovernmental scientific programme launched in 1971
- Its objective is to establish a scientific basis for the improvement of relationships between nature and human.
- Biosphere Reserves (BR) are nominated by the national government for inclusion in the world network of biospheres.
- The committee of MAB programme recognises the BRs after fulfilling the criteria.
- There are currently 714 sites in 129 countries in World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) of the Man and Biosphere (MAB) programme.
- Out of these, 12 Biosphere Reserves are from India.
Criteria for the Biosphere Reserve
- A site must contain protected and minimally disturbed core area of value of nature conservation.
- Core zone should be large enough to sustain viable populations representing all trophic levels in the ecosystem.
- Management authorities to ensure local community involvement to bring the variety of knowledge and experiences 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.
Structure of the Biosphere Reserve
Biosphere reserves are demarcated into following three zones.
Core Zone
- This zone is the heart and soul of the Biosphere Reserve.
- The core contains the maximum diversity of various species which are endemic to the region.
- Core zone is the legally protected area like the National park, sanctuaries under Wildlife Protection Act 1972.
- Management and research activities are allowed to some extent without affecting ecological diversity and wildlife.
- Grazing, human settlement are not allowed in the core zone, which is always free from human encroachment.
Buffer Zone
- Buffer zone surrounds core zone. It acts like the blanket to the core part.
- Grazing, fishing, research & education, tourism are allowed under strict regulations without affecting ecological diversity.
Transition Zone
- This zone is the outermost cover of the biosphere reserve.
- This zone contains least diversity and density of animal and trees.
- It is an example of ‘Human- Nature Coexistence’, that means, human settlements, agriculture, forests etc. exist in this zone.
Functions of Biosphere Reserve
There are three main functions of the biosphere reserve:
- Conservation: Conservation of diversity and integrity of plants and animals within natural ecosystems
- Development: Sustainable use of natural resources for the Cultural, Social, Economic development of local community
- Logistics Support: Provide areas and facilities for multi-faceted research and monitoring
List of Biospheres in India
In India, there are 18 biosphere reserves, 12 of which are also part of the UNESCO Man and Biosphere Programme.
S. No. | Biosphere Reserve in India | Indian Biosphere Reserves in UNESCO MAB Program | State |
1 | Nilgiri Biosphere | Nilgiri Biosphere | Tamilnadu, Kerala & Karnataka |
2 | Gulf of Mannar | Gulf of Mannar | Tamilnadu |
3 | Sundarban | Sundarban | West Bengal |
4 | Nanda Devi | Nanda Devi | Uttarakhand |
5 | Nokrek | Nokrek | Meghalaya |
6 | Simlipal | Simlipal | Odhisha |
7 | Agasthyamalai | Agasthyamalai
| Kerala |
8 | Khangchendzonga | Khangchendzonga | Sikkim |
9 | Great Nicobar | Great Nicobar | Andaman & Nicobar |
10 | Pachmarhi | Pachmarhi | Madhya Pradesh |
11 | Achanakamar- Amarkantak | Achanakamar- Amarkantak | Madhya Pradesh & Chattisgarh |
12 | Panna | Panna (added in 2020) | Madhya Pradesh |
13 | Kachch | - | Gujarat |
14 | Cold Dessert | - | Himachal Pradesh |
15 | Seshachalam Hills | - | Andhra Pradesh |
16 | Dehang-Dibhang | - | Arunachal Pradesh |
17 | Dibru-Saikhowa | - | Assam |
18 | Manas | - | Assam |
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