International Day for Biosphere Reserves 2024, Overview, Zones, & First BR

International Day for Biosphere Reserves 2024

Every year on November 3, people worldwide celebrate the International Day for Biosphere Reserves. This special day was created by UNESCO in 2022. It helps us understand and appreciate Biosphere Reserves (BR) and why they’re so important in keeping a balance between nature and culture.

Understanding Biosphere Reserves (BR)

Overview of BR

Biosphere Reserves, designated by UNESCO, represent integral parts of natural and cultural landscapes spanning extensive terrestrial or coastal/marine ecosystems, or a combination of both. These reserves aim to harmonize economic and social development, the preservation of cultural values, and the protection of nature. BRs are nominated by national governments and remain under the sovereign jurisdiction of the respective states.

Designation Process

To become a Biosphere Reserve, there’s a process led by the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme. People at UNESCO decide based on what the MAB International Coordinating Council suggests.

Scientific Foundation

The MAB Programme is a global effort using science to make sure people and the environment get along well. It focuses on saving biodiversity.

International Recognition

The status of Biosphere Reserves is internationally recognized, emphasizing their crucial role in global conservation efforts.

Three Main Zones of a Biosphere Reserve

Core Areas

These are super-protected zones, helping to save landscapes, ecosystems, species, and genetic variety.

Buffer Zones

Areas around the super-protected zones. Here, we do things that won’t hurt nature, like research, training, and education.

Transition Area

This is where people do things in a way that’s good for both culture and nature.

Status of Biosphere Reserves in India and Worldwide

In India

India has 18 Biosphere Reserves, covering a big area. Places like Nilgiris, Gulf of Kachchh, Sunderbans, and Cold Desert are part of this.

1. Cold Desert, Himachal Pradesh
2. Nanda Devi, Uttarakhand
3. Khangchendzonga, Sikkim
4. Dehang-Debang, Arunachal Pradesh
5. Manas, Assam
6. Dibru-Saikhowa, Assam
7. Nokrek, Meghalaya
8. Panna, Madhya Pradesh
9. Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh
10. Achanakmar-Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh-Chhattisgarh
11. Kachchh, Gujarat (Largest Area)
12. Similipal, Odisha
13. Sundarban, West Bengal
14. Seshachalam, Andhra Pradesh
15. Agasthyamala, Karnataka-Tamil Nadu-Kerala
16. Nilgiri, Tamil Nadu-Kerala (First to be Included)
17. Gulf of Mannar, Tamil Nadu
18. Great Nicobar, Andaman & Nicobar Island

Worldwide Presence

UNESCO knows 738 Biosphere Reserves in 134 countries. Europe and North America have the most, then Asia, the Pacific, Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, and Arab states.

World’s First 5-Country Biosphere Reserve

In 2021, UNESCO declared the first-ever 5-country Biosphere Reserve in Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Hungary, and Serbia. It covers three rivers and is often called the ‘Amazon of Europe.’

International Status of Biosphere Reserves

For natural areas, UNESCO uses the term “Biosphere Reserve” to avoid problems between development and saving nature. There are 738 of them in 134 countries. Spain, Russia, and Mexico have the most.

Man and Biosphere Programme

The MAB programme is an intergovernmental scientific initiative combining natural and social sciences to establish a scientific basis for enhancing the relationship between people and their environments. This program aims to improve human livelihoods, safeguard ecosystems, and promote innovative, socially and culturally appropriate, and environmentally sustainable economic development.

In conclusion, the International Day for Biosphere Reserves serves as a reminder of the importance of these reserves in maintaining the delicate balance between human development, cultural preservation, and environmental protection. As we celebrate this day, let us reflect on the need to expand and support these designated areas to ensure the preservation of our shared heritage for generations to come.

3rd November 2024 Special Day

On November 3rd, people around the world look forward to the International Day for Biosphere Reserves. This new special day created by UNESCO helps us understand Biosphere Reserves (BR) and why they are important. The date, November 3rd, is perfect for appreciating how BRs keep a balance between nature and people. The upcoming day in 2024 brings back appreciation for how BRs protect ecosystems. It also brings hope that in the next year, BRs will keep preserving nature, supporting communities, and finding solutions to help the environment. The goal is a future where all life can thrive together.

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