Biosphere Reserves: Definition, Structure, Importance, FAQs

A biosphere reserve is a place where the local flora and wildlife are conserved, and various scientific studies are conducted on them. They consist of terrestrial, marine, and coastal ecosystems, promoting strategies for both ecological protection and sustainable development. Biosphere reserves are topics in Biology and they carry a weightage of 2-3% in NEET and 4-5% in CBSE and other Paramedical Exams.

What are Biosphere Reserves?

Biosphere reserve at the area which play a very important role in biodiversity conservation conflict resolution and also approaches towards managing the interaction between social and ecological systems.

These biosphere reserves also act as a testing ground for balancing the conservation of biodiversity with its sustainable use. Some of the basic facts about biosphere reserves are discussed below:

• Biosphere reserves serve as an area which is designed to explore sustainable ways of living that benefit both nature and human communities.

• It helps in focusing on the interaction between human activities and biodiversity which helps in solving environmental conflicts.

• These reserves also include different ecosystems such as terrestrial Marine, and coastal and with different habitats for wildlife.

• These biosphere reserves are governed by the National authorities of the country where they are located.

• Biosphere reserves are submitted by Member States and designated by UNESCO's MAB ICC, reflecting their role in addressing both local and international environmental challenges.

Read More:

• MCQ Practice on Ecosystem

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• Biodiversity and Conservation

Functions of Biosphere Reserves

Some important functions of biosphere reserve are discussed below:

• Preservation of cultural diversity and biodiversity.

• Sustainable economic growth in terms of society, culture, and the environment.

• Supporting development through research, monitoring, teaching, and training while providing logistical support.

Zones of Biosphere Reserves

Biosphere reserves are divided into three different zones which are designed to fully film the function to balance conservation, development and research. The zoning system also allows human interaction with nature to a certain degree to ensure that biodiversity-protected and sustainable practices are exhibited. All three zones are discussed below with their major highlights.

Importance of Biosphere Reserves

Biosphere reserves are important for several reasons such as balancing out nature, providing all the essential requirements and it also gives you a certain level of interaction with the environment. Some of the major importance of biosphere reserve is discussed below:

• Without impacting the occupants, biosphere reserves protect the species, ecosystems, genetic diversity, and landscapes.

• It assures that economic, cultural, social, and economic developments are all sustainable.

• The biosphere reserves repair any harm done to the habitats and ecosystems.

• These locations offer a wealth of knowledge on how to grow, protect, and repair the ecosystem.

• Together, the landowners, government organisations, farmers, scientists, businesses, and conservation organisations in these places can search for holistic land management.

• By limiting soil erosion, safeguarding water springs, and preserving the decomposers to maintain the soil's quality, they aid in the maintenance of healthy ecosystems.

Biosphere Reserves in India

Some of the important biosphere reserves of India are mentioned below:

• Nilgiri (1986): Bandipur and Madumalai, Silent Valley, Siruvani Hills, Nagarhole, Bandipur, and Wayanad (Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka).

• In 1988, Nanda Devi was a portion of the Chamoli, Pithoragarh, and Bageshwar districts (Uttarakhand).

• Nokrek (1988): One of the Garo Hills' sections (Meghalaya).

• Andaman and Nicobar's southernmost islands, Great Nicobar, 1989 (A&N Islands)

• Gulf of Mannar (1989): The Gulf of Mannar between India and Sri Lanka (Tamil Nadu).

• In 1989, the districts of Kokrajhar, Bongaigaon, Barpeta, Nalbari, Kamrup, and Darang included the district of Manas (Assam).

• The Sundarbans, which are a part of the Ganges and Brahmaputra river delta, were first identified in 1989. Western Benga

• In 1994, Simlipal, a district in Simlipal (Orissa)

• Dibru-Saikhowa – 1997: A section of the Tinsukia and Dibrugarh districts (Assam).

• Dehang-Dibang – 1998: The valleys of Siang and Dibang in Arunachal Pradesh.

• Pachmarhi struck parts of the Madhya Pradesh districts of Betul, Hoshangabad, and Chhindwara in 1999

• Khangchendzonga – 2000: Khangchendzonga Hills and Sikkim.

• Kerala's Neyyar, Peppara, and Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuaries, as well as the areas around them, were the focus of Agasthyamalai's 2001 artwork.

• Achanakmar (Amarkantak) has been covering portions of the Anuppur and Dindori districts in M.P. as well as the Bilaspur districts in Chhattisgarh State since 2005.

• As of 2008, it was a part of the Gujarat State civic districts of Kachchh, Rajkot, Surendra Nagar, and Patan.

• Cold Desert – 2009: Himachal Pradesh's Chandratal, Sarchu, and Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary; Pin Valley National Park and surroundings.

• Seshachalam Hills – 2010: The Seshachalam Hill Ranges are found in parts of the Chittoor and Kadapa districts of Andhra Pradesh.

• In 2011, a portion of the Panna and Chhattarpur districts in Madhya Pradesh.

Benefits of a Biosphere Reserve

Biosphere reserves act as learning sites for the sustainable development of the environment. Due to this understanding, we know the limit of interference that we can do with nature. Some of the major benefits are discussed below:

• The region's environmental, economic, and social sustainability is aided by biosphere reserves by promoting the wise use of its resources, both natural and human.

• They provide practical options for addressing land use conflicts and protecting biological diversity.

• Through national and international networks, a biosphere reserve region can access information, expertise, assistance, and financing.

• The idea of the biosphere can serve as a framework for initiatives that improve people's quality of life.

• The goal of biosphere reserves is to explore and demonstrate methods for conservation and sustainable development while offering lessons that may be applied elsewhere.

• Biosphere reserves draw attention to the region's unique qualities and aid in fostering a feeling of place among locals and tourists. The designation of a biosphere reserve can increase awareness of environmental and development issues among residents, citizens, and government officials.

• A biosphere reserve serves as a focal point for volunteerism and stakeholder collaboration.

Types of Questions Asked from Biosphere Reserve

During exam preparation, different types of questions about the Biosphere Reserve are asked. The table below contains the different patterns of questions asked in different exams.

Tips, Tricks, and Strategies for Biosphere Reserve

It takes effort to remember everything in a single go. We made the entire problem easy. Some of the tricks regarding Biosphere Reserve are given below which you can use to memorise the important points.

Functions of Biosphere Reserves

"CDL: Conservation, Development, Logistic Support"

• C: Conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems.

• D: Development of sustainable economic and human activities.

• L: Logistic support for research, monitoring, and education.

Zoning in Biosphere Reserves

"CBT: Core, Buffer, Transition"

• C: Core Zone – Strictly protected, no human interference.

• B: Buffer Zone – Limited human activity supporting conservation.

• T: Transition Zone – Area for sustainable human activity and settlements.

Criteria for Biosphere Reserve Selection

"BEA: Biodiversity, Ecosystems, Adaptation"

• B: Biodiversity – Must conserve biodiversity and genetic resources.

• E: Ecosystems – Includes terrestrial, marine, or coastal ecosystems.

• A: Adaptation – Must serve as a site for sustainable development strategies.

Benefits of Biosphere Reserves

"REELS: Research, Education, Eco-tourism, Livelihood, Sustainability"

• R: Research – Supports scientific research.

• E: Education – Promotes environmental education.

• E: Eco-tourism – Encourages sustainable tourism.

• L: Livelihood – Provides resources for local communities.

• S: Sustainability – Focuses on sustainable development.

Global Recognition of Biosphere Reserves

"MAB: Man and the Biosphere"

• M: Man – Focus on human interaction with the environment.

• A: And – Connecting people with nature.

• B: Biosphere – Protecting the biosphere through global initiatives under UNESCO’s MAB Programme.

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