Biosphere reserve

A biosphere reserve is an international conservation designation given by UNESCO under its Programme on Man and the Biosphere (MAB). The World Network of Biosphere Reserves is the collection of all 531 biosphere reserves in 105 countries (as of May, 2008).

According to “The Statutory Framework of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves,” biosphere reserves are created “to promote and demonstrate a balanced relationship between humans and the biosphere.” Under article 4, biosphere reserves must “encompass a mosaic of ecological systems,” and thus consist of combinations of terrestrial, coastal, or marine ecosystems.

Through appropriate zoning and management, the conservation of these ecosystems and their biodiversity is sought to be maintained.

The design of the reserve must include a legally protected core area, a buffer area where non-conservation activities are prohibited, and a transition zone where approved practices are permitted. This is done with regard for the sustainable use of natural resources for the benefit of local communities. This effort requires relevant research, monitoring, education and training.

All the above are tools for implementing Agenda 21, the Convention on Biological Diversity and other international agreements.

For a full list of all Biosphere Reserves, see World Network of Biosphere Reserves.

ee also

*Environmentalism
* List of Conservation topics
*List of Environmental issues

External links

* [http://www.unesco.org/mab/ UNESCO - MAB Programme]
* [http://www.unesco.org/mab/wnbrs.shtml UNESCO - The World Network of Biosphere Reserves]
* [http://www.biodiversitygovernance.de Research Group GoBi - Assessing Biodiversity Governance and Management Approaches]
* [http://www.biosphere-tour.org/en/ Biosphere Tour - a bicycle journey from Europe to Asia, leads from one Biosphere Reserve to the next, and explores their characteristics]