Biosphere Reserves
Study notes
A biosphere reserve is a large area designed to conserve biodiversity while supporting sustainable development, research, education and monitoring. India's biosphere reserve programme began in 1986.
UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, launched in 1971, promotes biosphere reserves as sites for combining conservation and sustainable human activity. Inclusion in UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves is separate from national designation.
Three zones of a biosphere reserve
1. Core zone
Strictly protected area for conserving ecosystems, species and genetic diversity. Human activities are highly restricted.
2. Buffer zone
Surrounds or adjoins the core and supports activities compatible with conservation, such as research, monitoring, environmental education and carefully regulated use.
3. Transition zone
Outer area where communities, livelihoods and sustainable economic activities are developed alongside conservation objectives.
Examples of biosphere reserves in India
Biosphere reserve | State/region | Important feature |
|---|---|---|
Nilgiri | Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka | Western Ghats biodiversity |
Nanda Devi | Uttarakhand | Himalayan ecosystems |
Gulf of Mannar | Tamil Nadu | Marine biodiversity, coral reefs and seagrass |
Sundarbans | West Bengal | Mangroves and tiger habitat |
Similipal | Odisha | Forest ecosystems and tiger habitat |
Pachmarhi | Madhya Pradesh | Central Indian highlands and forests |
Great Nicobar | Andaman and Nicobar Islands | Island and coastal biodiversity |
Achanakmar-Amarkantak | Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh | Forest and watershed ecosystems |
Key pointers
The biosphere reserve concept links conservation, sustainable development and logistical support such as research and monitoring.
The core zone has the strictest conservation role.
The transition zone accommodates sustainable human activity.
Biosphere reserves may contain national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and inhabited landscapes.
Not every Indian biosphere reserve is part of UNESCO's World Network. National designation and UNESCO recognition are different.
MCQs
Q1. Which international programme is associated with biosphere reserves?
Ramsar Convention
Man and the Biosphere Programme *
Montreal Protocol
Basel Convention
Answer: 2) Man and the Biosphere Programme
Explanation: UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Programme promotes biosphere reserves as areas for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
Q2. Which zone of a biosphere reserve receives the strictest protection?
Transition zone
Buffer zone
Core zone *
Industrial zone
Answer: 3) Core zone
Explanation: The core zone is intended to protect ecosystems and biodiversity with minimal disturbance.
Q3. Which biosphere reserve extends across Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka?
Nilgiri *
Nanda Devi
Similipal
Pachmarhi
Answer: 1) Nilgiri
Explanation: The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve spans parts of all three southern Indian states.
Q4. Which biosphere reserve is especially associated with marine biodiversity and seagrass beds?
Pachmarhi
Gulf of Mannar *
Nanda Devi
Achanakmar-Amarkantak
Answer: 2) Gulf of Mannar
Explanation: The Gulf of Mannar in Tamil Nadu is important for coral reefs, seagrasses, dugongs and other marine life.