Biosphera reserves: the beginnings, the present, and the future challenges
This paper recalls the origins and the objectives of the biosphere reserve concept within the Man and the Biosphere Program of UNESCO. It outlines the ideal biosphere reserve zonation into a central core area, a buffer zone and a transition area. The first years of application of the concept are described, noting that while the numbers of biosphere reserves have incrased since 1976 to 266 in 70 countries as of mid-1987, there has been less progress in improving the qualitative aspects. A review of biosphere reserves was made at the First International Biosphere Reserve Congress in 1983, which gave rise to the Action Plan for Biosphere Reserves and to the establishment of the Scientific Advisory Panel for Biosphere Reserves. This latter Panel was able to refine the biosphere reserve concept and establish guidelines for the selection of future reserves, as well as revise the biosphere reserve nomination form. A biosphere reserve survey by means of a questionnaire was launched by the Panel to obtain more information and to identify means for improving the network. Some signs of progress in the application of the biosphere reserve concept are described, including the increasingly important role biosphere reserves are having within the MAB Program. Some challenges for the future are outlined, including making the concept better known, establishing "model" biosphere reserves, making the network really functional, improving the quality of scientific work within biosphere reserves, and strengthening the role of biosphere reserves in conserving biological diversity. Biosphere reserves can thereby offer a means for truly integrating conservation, science and society.
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | biblioteca |
| Published: |
Atlanta, Georgia (EUA)
1989
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| Subjects: | ZONIFICACION, RESERVA DE LA BIOSFERA, |
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| Summary: | This paper recalls the origins and the objectives of the biosphere reserve concept within the Man and the Biosphere Program of UNESCO. It outlines the ideal biosphere reserve zonation into a central core area, a buffer zone and a transition area. The first years of application of the concept are described, noting that while the numbers of biosphere reserves have incrased since 1976 to 266 in 70 countries as of mid-1987, there has been less progress in improving the qualitative aspects. A review of biosphere reserves was made at the First International Biosphere Reserve Congress in 1983, which gave rise to the Action Plan for Biosphere Reserves and to the establishment of the Scientific Advisory Panel for Biosphere Reserves. This latter Panel was able to refine the biosphere reserve concept and establish guidelines for the selection of future reserves, as well as revise the biosphere reserve nomination form. A biosphere reserve survey by means of a questionnaire was launched by the Panel to obtain more information and to identify means for improving the network. Some signs of progress in the application of the biosphere reserve concept are described, including the increasingly important role biosphere reserves are having within the MAB Program. Some challenges for the future are outlined, including making the concept better known, establishing "model" biosphere reserves, making the network really functional, improving the quality of scientific work within biosphere reserves, and strengthening the role of biosphere reserves in conserving biological diversity. Biosphere reserves can thereby offer a means for truly integrating conservation, science and society. |
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