International Day for Biosphere Reserves

Syllabus: GS3/Environment

In News

• International Day for Biosphere Reserves is observed every year on November 3.

What are Biosphere Reserves?

• They  are areas identified by national governments for conserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable development. 
• They protect natural habitats, maintain ecological balance and promote the sustainable use of biological resources. 
• They cover approximately 5% of Earth’s terrestrial surface, yet sustain over 60% of the world’s terrestrial vertebrate species richness.
• The first biosphere reserves were designated in 1976. Biosphere reserves are found on every continent. except Antarctica.
  • Mata Atlantica Biosphere Reserve is the largest biosphere reserve in the world. It is located in Brazil
• As per the Map of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves 2025-26, about 40% of Biosphere reserves may face more extreme climate events by 2050 and more than 50% of all biosphere reserves overlap with another international designation.

Zones of Biosphere reserves

• Core Area: The core area provides the highest level of protection for ecosystems and biodiversity.
  • It conserves habitats, species and genetic diversity while maintaining essential ecological processes. Human activities are strictly limited, with compatible research and monitoring supporting long-term conservation.
• Buffer Zone: The buffer zone surrounds or adjoins the core zone.
  • It accommodates activities compatible with conservation, including environmental education, scientific research and regulated ecotourism. 
  • These activities improve ecological understanding while helping reduce pressures on strictly protected areas.
• Transition Area: The transition area supports settlements, livelihoods and sustainable economic activities.
  • Communities can practise responsible agriculture, sustainable forestry, ecotourism and other locally appropriate activities.
  •  This area promotes livelihoods while encouraging the sustainable use of natural resources.

Functions of Biosphere Reserves

• Conservation: Protect biodiversity, genetic resources, ecosystems and landscapes, including associated cultural diversity.
• Sustainable Economic Development: Encourage economic and social activities that respect ecological limits and local cultural values.
• Scientific Support: Underpin scientific research, environmental monitoring, education, training and knowledge exchange to improve conservation practices.
• Achieving Global Goals:  They help in achieving global development targets such as those set by the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, inter alia, on protecting and restoring significant portions of the Earth’s ecosystems by 2030.

Various Steps 

• UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme : It was launched in 1971 and it promotes scientific approaches to improving relationships between people and their environment.
  • It comprises 797 biosphere reserves across 145 countries.

India’s Status 

• India’s Biosphere Reserve network represents its varied ecosystems and diverse ecological heritage.
• The country has 18 notified Biosphere Reserves, of which 13 belong to UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR). 

Note: An (*) indicates Biosphere Reserves included in UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR).

Source : PIB