Biosphere Reserves Are Evolving As Pockets Of Hope
Source: The Hindu, November 3, 2023
World Biosphere Reserve Day
- Celebration and Purpose: Every year on November 3, people celebrate World Biosphere Reserve Day. It is a day to learn about biosphere reserves. It’s also a day to help protect them.
- Core and Buffer Zones: In a biosphere reserve, there is a core zone. This zone is protected. It saves the homes of plants and animals. It also keeps the air, water, and land clean. Around the core zone is the buffer zone. People live there with nature. Scientists work there too. They study the environment.
- Transition Zone and Sustainable Practices: The transition zone is the last ring around a biosphere reserve. People there use the land in ways that don’t hurt the environment. They use good practices to work and live.
- UNESCO and Support: UNESCO names places as biosphere reserves. They focus on three things: saving nature, helping people live better, and doing research. Other groups give support too. These include the United Nations agencies and the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
- Impact: There are 748 biosphere reserves in 134 countries. This includes 22 places that are shared by two or more countries. These places are important. Over 250 million people live in them. For example, India has 12 sites.
The Importance of Biosphere Reserves
Biosphere reserves are critical for our planet’s future. They show how nature can thrive alongside human activity. These places support many ecosystems, such as tropical jungles and dry, high-altitude areas.
- Ecosystems and Biodiversity: Many different species live in biosphere reserves. This includes plants and animals that are rare or at risk. The reserves help protect these species. They also make sure we use natural resources in a way that will last.
- Sustainable Development and Climate Action: Reserves help local economies grow in a way that doesn’t harm the environment. They have become key in tackling climate change too. This is because they contain carbon sinks like forests and oceans. These sinks take in carbon dioxide, which helps us manage and adapt to climate change.
Local Conservation Efforts
- Sundarban and Gulf of Mannar Initiatives: Local communities in India’s Sundarban Biosphere Reserve are safeguarding mangrove forests. They aim to preserve the area’s diverse species. Nearby, the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve sees similar action. Here, self-help groups, involving women, focus on conservation. Young people are promoting eco-tourism.
- UNESCO Recognition and Plastic Checkpoints: The Gulf of Mannar Reserve’s management gained the UNESCO Michel Batisse Award in 2023. One innovative strategy they’ve implemented is ‘plastic checkpoints’. These ensure that any plastic waste from vehicles or tourists is collected. Later, it’s recycled and used in road construction.
Global Challenges and Threats
- The Importance of Biosphere Reserves: Biosphere reserves are vital for tackling global issues. They include climate change, biodiversity loss, and the quest for sustainable development. These reserves are essential ecosystems that play a critical role in protecting the natural environment.
- The Pressures They Face: Yet, these havens face dangers. Deforestation, invasive species, and land-use changes pose significant threats. Activities like mining are disrupting these sites. As urban areas expand and the global population grows, human exploitation continues to increase.
SACAM Meeting in Chennai
- Reflecting on World Biosphere Reserve Day: World Biosphere Reserve Day marks two years. It’s a time to think about how we’ve cared for these key ecosystems.
- UNESCO and Partners’ Initiative: UNESCO, the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, and the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management have finished the 10th SACAM. This event happened in Chennai, India, from November 1-3.
- Meeting Theme and Goals: The meeting’s theme was “Ridge to Reef.” It aimed to share knowledge. It also wanted to start partnerships for the environment in South and Central Asia.
- The Role of MAB Programme: The MAB programme combines sciences. Its goal is to harmonize nature and human societies. This improves lives, protects nature, and supports sustainable development.