UNESCO Biosphere Reserves - model areas of sustainability
What is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve?
Biosphere Reserves are areas of terrestrial or coastal ecosystems that are internationally recognized by UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme because they demonstrate a balanced relationship between people and nature. The MAB Programme was launched in 1976 in response to the growing threats to Earth's biosphere. It assumes that the preservation of biological diversity is necessary for the survival of the planet and that environmental protection is only achievable when it is connected with cultural values and the aims of local peoples. Biosphere Reserves are the only model of conservation that connects the protection of biodiversity with the livelihood of local people.
What are the Purposes of a Biosphere Reserve?
Biosphere Reserves have three main functions:
- Conservation of Biodiversity - Biosphere Reserves ensure the conservation of ecosystems, species and genetic biodiversity.
- Sustainable Development - Biosphere Reserves foster development that is socially, culturally and ecologically sustainable.
- Logistic Support - Biosphere Reserves support demonstration projects, environmental education and training, and research and monitoring related to local, national and global issues of conservation and development.
Why are areas in a Biosphere Reserve zoned?
In order to fulfil their functions, Biosphere Reserves are divided into various zones in which human activity is limited through legal means and land management practices: a core area that provides long-term protection of biodiversity, a buffer zone where activities are permitted providing they're compatible with conservation objectives and a transition zone where sustainable economic activity are promoted and developed. Areas are zoned because some human activities are incompatible with others (e.g., industrial logging and ecotourism) and some human activities diminish biodiversity.
How are Biosphere Reserves established?
Biosphere Reserves are designated by an international MAB Programme committee, based on an application form submitted to the Paris headquarters of MAB by a national government and prepared by an appropriate coordinating authority with the involvement and input of the inhabitants of the area as well as all the agencies and stakeholders with tenure and interests in the area.
The 30-page, 25-question application form has to prove that the area meets the criteria of the MAB Programme including adequate core protection, local involvement in management, rules to ensure ecologically sustainable resource use and the cooperation of all stakeholders. It must present a map and plan for the zoning, plans for management and sustainable development, and programmes for research, education, training and monitoring. The Biosphere Reserve must be secured by appropriate procedues, agreements and laws and it must have a responsible management board with a designated mechanism to implement the Biosphere Reserves plans and programmes.
Biosphere Reserve designation itself cannot resolve land use controversies, but the process of stakeholders developing, agreeing to and implementing a Biosphere Reserve plan can foster cooperation and diminish conflict.
How many Biosphere Reserves exist?
There are currently 325 Biosphere Reserves in 83 countries covering 218 million hectares planet-wide. Canada has six Biosphere Reserves: Waterton (Alberta), Riding Mountain (Manitoba), Niagara Escarpment (Ontario), Long Point (Ontario), Charlevoix (Quebec) and Thousand Islands-Mont St. Hilaire (Quebec). Although Biosphere Reserves are very different information is exchanged between them because they have a common interest in seeking concrete solutions to reconcile the conservation of biodiversity with the sustainable use of resources for the benefit of local people.
