UNESCO Designates 11 New Biosphere Reserves | 09 Jul 2024

Source: UNESCO

Why in News?

Recently, UNESCO has approved the designation of 11 new Biosphere Reserves (BR) in 11 countries.

• The World Network of Biosphere Reserves thus now comprises 759 sites across 136 countries.

What are the New Additions to the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve List?

• Kempen-Broek Transboundary Biosphere Reserve (Belgium, Kingdom of the Netherlands)
• Darién Norte Chocoano Biosphere Reserve (Colombia)
• Madre de las Aguas Biosphere Reserve (Dominican Republic)
• Niumi Biosphere Reserve (Gambia)
• Colli Euganei Biosphere Reserve (Italy)
• Julian Alps Transboundary Biosphere Reserve (Italy, Slovenia)
• Khar Us Lake Biosphere Reserve (Mongolia)
• Apayaos Biosphere Reserve (Philippines)
• Changnyeong Biosphere Reserve (Republic of Korea)
• Val d'Aran Biosphere Reserve (Spain)
• Irati Biosphere Reserve (Spain)

What is a Biosphere Reserve?

• About: 
  • It is an international designation by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for representative parts of natural and cultural landscapes extending over a large area of terrestrial or coastal/marine ecosystems or a combination of both.
  • Biosphere Reserves tries to balance economic and social development and maintenance of associated cultural values along with the preservation of nature.
  • These are special environments for both people and nature and are living examples of how human beings and nature can co-exist while respecting each other’s needs.
• Criteria for Designation of BR:
  • A site must contain a protected and minimally disturbed core area of value of nature conservation.
  • The core area must be a bio-geographical unit and should be large enough to sustain a viable population representing all trophic levels.
  • The involvement of local communities and use of their knowledge in biodiversity preservation.
  • Area's potential for preservation of traditional tribal or rural modes of living for harmonious use of the environment.

  • Conservation: Managing Biosphere Reserve’s genetic resources, endemic species, ecosystems, and landscapes.

    • Along with the wildlife, culture and customs of tribals are also protected.
  • Development: Promoting economic and human growth that is sustainable on a sociocultural and ecological level. 

    • It seeks to strengthen the 3 pillars of sustainable development which are social, economic and protection of the environment.Functions of BR:

  • Logistic support:

    • Promoting research activities, environmental education, training and monitoring in the context of local, national and international conservation and sustainable development.

What is the Biosphere Reserve Project?

• The Government of India started the Biosphere Reserve scheme in 1986.
  • This is guided by the UNESCO MAB programme, as India is a signatory to the landscape approach supported by MAB.
• Under this scheme, financial assistance is provided in a 90:10 ratio to the North Eastern Region States and 3 Himalayan states, and in a 60:40 ratio to other states for the maintenance, improvement, and development of certain items within the biosphere reserves.
• The State Government prepares the Management Action Plan for the biosphere reserves, which is then approved and monitored by the Central MAB Committee.
• This scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

What are the 3 Zones of Biosphere Reserve?

• Core:
  • It is the most protected area of a biosphere reserve. It may contain endemic plants and animals.
  • They conserve the wild relatives of economic species and also represent important genetic reservoirs having exceptional scientific interest.
  • A core zone is a protected region, like a National Park or Sanctuary/protected/regulated mostly under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. 
  • It is kept free from human interference.
• Buffer Zone:
  • It surrounds the core zone, and its activities are managed such that it help in the protection of the core zone in its natural condition.
  • It includes restoration, limited tourism, fishing, grazing, etc., which are permitted to reduce its effect on the core zone.
  • Research and educational activities are to be encouraged.

• Transition Zone:
  • It is the outermost part of the BR. It is the zone of cooperation where human ventures and conservation are done in harmony.
  • It includes settlements, croplands, managed forests and areas for intensive recreation and other economic uses characteristics of the region.

What are the Biosphere Reserves in India?

• As of 2024,  India has 18 notified biosphere reserves in India (12 recognized by UNESCO’s MAB).

What is the International Status of Biosphere Reserve?

• UNESCO has introduced the designation ‘Biosphere Reserve’ for natural areas to minimise conflict between development and conservation.
• Biosphere Reserves are nominated by the national government which meets a minimal set of criteria under the Man and Biosphere (MAB) Reserve Program of UNESCO. 
• Total number of World Network of Biosphere Reserves is 759 located in 136 countries and covers a total of 7,442,000 square kilometers.
• There are about 275 million people living in biosphere reserves worldwide.
• There are a total 12 BR of India recognized internationally under MAB Reserve Programme.