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International Day for Biosphere Reserves
What’s the News?
- On November 3, the world observes the International Day for Biosphere Reserves, celebrating regions where nature and communities coexist in harmony.
- These reserves serve as living laboratories that demonstrate practical models of sustainable development, environmental conservation, and community well-being.
- Designated by UNESCO, the day underscores the importance of biosphere reserves as vital platforms for advancing scientific research, preserving ecological and cultural diversity, and fostering a balanced relationship between people and the planet.
What are Biosphere Reserves?
- Definition: BRs are designated by UNESCO as 'learning places for sustainable development'.
- Purpose: They serve as sites for testing interdisciplinary approaches to understand and manage the conflicts between human activities and biodiversity conservation.
- Global Network: The World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) currently includes 748 sites in 134 countries, including 22 transboundary sites.
- They function through a three-zone model:
- Core Area(s):
- This is a strictly protected zone dedicated to conserving landscapes, ecosystems, species, and genetic variation.
- Buffer Zone(s):
- It surrounds or adjoins the core area(s).
- Activities are organized here that are compatible with sound ecological practices, such as scientific research, monitoring, training, and eco-tourism.
- Transition Area(s):
- The outermost part of the reserve where communities foster socio-culturally and ecologically sustainable economic and human activities.
- Core Area(s):
India’s Biosphere Reserves Recognised by UNESCO
- India has 19 biosphere reserves, of which 12 are now part of the World Network.
- Key UNESCO-recognised reserves include:
- Nilgiri (Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka) - First BR in India
- Gulf of Mannar (Tamil Nadu)
- Sundarbans (West Bengal)
- Nanda Devi (Uttarakhand)
- Nokrek (Meghalaya)
- Pachmarhi (Madhya Pradesh)
- Simlipal (Odisha)
- Great Nicobar (Andaman & Nicobar Islands)
- Achanakmar-Amarkantak (Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh)
- Agasthyamala (Kerala, Tamil Nadu)
- Khangchendzonga (Sikkim)
- Panna (Madhya Pradesh)
- These reserves represent diverse ecological zones – from mangroves to Himalayan ecosystems – supporting endangered species and indigenous communities.
Additional Info
- Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme:
- Launched by UNESCO in 1971.
- Aims to establish a scientific basis for improving relationships between people and their environments.
- As of 2025, there are 759 biosphere reserves in 136 countries.
- Legal and Policy Framework in India:
- Governed under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
- Coordinated by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
- Supported by schemes like Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH).
- Selection Criteria:
- Rich biodiversity and endemism.
- Presence of traditional ecological knowledge and sustainable livelihood systems.
- Representative of major biogeographic zones.