Biosphere Reserves

Biosphere Reserves (BRs) are representative geographical areas of major Eco-system types of the world, set apart exclusively for long term conservation.

These sites are natural and cultural landscapes extending over large areas of terrestrial or coastal/marine ecosystems or a combination thereof and are special environments for both people and the nature and are living examples of how human beings and nature can co-exist while respecting each others' needs.

The concept of Biosphere Reserves was introduced by UNESCO under its Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme in 1971. The concept was further refined in 1974 and during 1st International BR Congress convened in Minsk (Belarus) in 1983, Action Plan for BRs were refined. During the Seville (Spain) Conference held in 1995, a statutory framework was formulated for World Network of BRs which calls for recognition of BRs on World Network by UNESCO in accordance with the framework. Although the framework has no legal status, was formally accepted by UNESCO General Assembly in the same year. As on February, 2008, there were 531 Biosphere Reserves on World Network in 105 countries recognized by UNESCO which include Nilgiri, Sunderbans, Gulf of Mannar and Nanda Devi BRs from India. The Network facilitates International Cooperation and periodic review of such BRs is an essential feature, to be carried out after every 10 years of being designated.

Nearby pages
Biospheric, Biostatistical, Biostatistician, Biostratigrapher, Biostratigraphic, Biostratigraphical