BIOSPHERE

RESERVES

PART 1
UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) is
an Intergovernmental Scientific Programme that
was launched in 1971.

It proposes interdisciplinary research, demonstration and

training in natural resources management.

It is World Network of Biosphere Reserves currently

counts 621 biosphere reserves in 117 countries all
over the world.
 BIOSPHERE RESERVES
DEFINITION
A Biosphere Reserve is a unique and representative ecosystem of terrestrial and coastal areas
which are internationally recognized,
within the framework of UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere (MAB) programme.

The biosphere reserve should fulfill the following three objectives:

- In-situ conservation of biodiversity of natural and semi-natural ecosystems and landscapes
- Contribution to sustainable economic development of the human population living
within and around the Biosphere Reserve
- Provide facilities for long term ecological studies, environmental education and training
and research and monitoring.

In order to fulfill the above objectives, the Biosphere Reserves are classified into zones
like the core area, buffer area.
The system of functions is prescribed for each zone.
 ZONATION OF BIOSPHERE RESERVE
One or more core zones
Securely protected sites for conserving biological diversity
Monitoring minimally distributed ecosystems
Undertaking non-destructive research and other low-impact uses
(such as eco-tourism and education)

A well defined buffer zone

Usually surrounds or adjoins the core zones and is used for cooperative activities compatible
with sound ecological practices
including environmental education, recreation and applied and basic research

A flexible transition area or area of cooperation

May contain a variety of agricultural activities, settlements and other uses
in which local communities, management agencies, scientists, non-governmental organizations, cultural
groups, economic interests and other stakeholders work together to manage and sustainably develop
the area’s resources
To fulfill the main objectives of a Biosphere Reserve,
the local people’s support is essential.

In 1994, UNESCO recommended 10 important

points for this purpose.
(not discussing here)
 SELECTION CRITERIA OF BIOSPHERE
RESERVES
The concept of Biosphere Reserves, especially its zonation, into
- Core Area(s) (dedicated to conservation)
- Buffer Area(s) (sustainable use)
- Transition Area(s) (equitable sharing of benefits)
were later broadly adopted under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) process which entered into force on 29th
December, 1993.

Primary Criteria
A site that must contain an effectively protected and minimally disturbed core area of value of nature conservation and
should include additional land and water suitable for research and demonstration of sustainable methods of research and
management.
The core area should be typical of a biogeographical unit and large enough to sustain viable populations
representing all trophic levels in the ecosystem.

Secondary Criteria
Areas having rare and endangered species
Areas having diversity of soil and micro-climatic conditions and indigenous varieties of biota
Areas potential for preservation of traditional tribal or rural modes of living for harmonious use of environment.
LIST OF BIOSPHERE RESERVES IN INDIA
North to South
1. Cold Desert Himachal Pradesh
2. Nanda Devi Uttarakhand
3. Sunderbans West Bengal
4. Dibru-Saikhowa Assam
5. Manas Assam
6. Dehang-Dibang Arunachal Pradesh
7. Nokrek Meghalaya
8. Khangchendzonga Sikkim
9. Great Rann of Kutch Gujarat
10. Pachmarhi Madhya Pradesh
11. Panna Madhya Pradesh
12. Achanakamar – Amarkantak Madhya Pradesh and Chhattishgarh
13. Simlipal Orissa
14. Seshachalam Hills Andhra Pradesh
15. Nilgiri Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka
16. Gulf of Mannar Tamil Nadu
17. Agasthyamalai Kerala and Tamil Nadu
18. Great Nicobar Andaman And Nicobar Islands