UNESCO Designates 11 New Biosphere Reserves

Context

The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has recently designated 11 new biosphere reserves, recognising their importance for conserving biodiversity and cultural heritage.

About

• The new designations are in Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Gambia, Italy, Mongolia, Philippines, South Korea and Spain.  
• Additionally, and for the first time, the list consists of two transboundary reserves, spanning Belgium and the Netherlands, and Italy and Slovenia.
• The 11 newly unique biosphere reserves are:
  • Kempen-Broek Transboundary Biosphere Reserve (Belgium, Netherlands)
  • Darien 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 (South Korea)
  • Val d’Aran Biosphere Reserve (Spain)
  • Irati Biosphere Reserve (Spain).

What are Biosphere Reserves?

• Biosphere reserves are particular under the intergovernmental MAB Programme through the Director-General of UNESCO following the choices of the MAB International Coordinating Council (MAB ICC). Their reputation is recognised across the world.
• The Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme, launched in 1971, is an international scientific initiative that aims to foster a harmonious relation between people and their environment.
• They combine three main functions:
  • Conservation of biodiversity and cultural range.
  • Economic development that is socio-culturally and environmentally sustainable.
  • Logistic help, underpinning development through studies, tracking, education.
• Biosphere Reserves’ three fundamental zones:
  • Core Areas: It contains a strictly protected zone that contributes to the conservation of landscapes, ecosystems, species and genetic version
  • Buffer Zones: It surrounds or adjoins the center area, and is used for activities like minded with sound ecological practices which can beef up scientific research, tracking, schooling and training.
  • Transition Area: It is in which groups foster socio-culturally and ecologically sustainable monetary and human activities.
• India has 18 biosphere reserves, 12 of which can be identified under this program, with the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve being the first.

Significance of Biosphere Reserve

• Biosphere reserves play an critical scientific position, serving as a site for studies and monitoring, presenting treasured information and insights that can inform environmental management and coverage selections.
• Furthermore, they assist in accomplishing international development targets such as the ones set via the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, inter alia, on protecting and restoring widespread quantities of the Earth’s ecosystems through 2030.
• They also promote particular region sustainable development ideas, guard biodiversity, and combat climate change.

Source: The Indian Express

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Q. The most important strategy for the conservation of biodiversity together with traditional human life is the establishment of (2014)

(a) Biosphere reserves

(b) Botanical gardens

(c) National parks

(d) Wildlife sanctuaries

Ans: (a)

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