Biosphere reserves are areas of terrestrial and coastal ecosystems promoting solutions to reconcile the conservation of biodiversity with its sustainable use. They are internationally recognised, nominated by national governments and remain under the sovereign jurisdiction of the states in which they are located.
Biosphere Reserves facilitate concrete partnerships among local stakeholders; local communities, conservation agencies, scientists, civil associations, cultural groups, private enterprises and others agree to work together to manage and sustainably develop the area's resources for the benefit of the people who live there.
Each biosphere reserve is intended to fulfil three basic functions:
To contribute to the conservation of landscapes, ecosystems, species and genetic variation;
To foster economic and human development which is socio-culturally and ecologically sustainable; and
To provide support for research, monitoring, education and information exchange related to local, national and global issues of conservation and development.
The biosphere reserves serve as working examples that encapsulate the objectives of Agenda 21 and are a potential valuable operational tool for the implementation of outcomes from the World Summit on Sustainable Development.
Measurable results and specific
targets:
As of May 2002, 94 countries have established 408 biosphere reserves - please see website for details for each biosphere reserve.
A Statutory Framework was drawn up in 1995, which sets out the "rules of the game" for the World Network of Biosphere Reserves and foresees a periodic review of biosphere reserves.
Implementation mechanisms
and further application:
The main tool of the programme is the World Network of Biosphere Reserves which fosters exchanges amongst biosphere reserves - for example, co-operative activity, exchanges of information material, and twinning arrangements.
A major obstacle to reconciling environment with development is the sectoral structure of our institutions. Biosphere reserves provide opportunities for conflict resolution among stakeholders which could be applied in other land and water development issues.
Through education and communication activities, biosphere reserves demonstrate to the world community practical ways to resolve land-use conflicts and to ensure protection of biological diversity. They offer opportunities for education, recreation and tourism, and help create a consciousness of solidarity among all peoples of the world to sustainably manage the biosphere.
At the international level, many international governmental and non-governmental organisations as well as private enterprises are associated with the functioning of the World Network and the application of the concept at the local level.
