Biosphere Reserves in India
About Biosphere:
- It is the region of the Earth where life is most abundant. It is the area of the earth where life is able to exist.
There are three other spheres on Earth:
- the environment
- the lithosphere
- the hydrosphere.
- The biosphere is the collective term for the areas or zones that support life.
- The whole of Earth’s ecosystems is known as the biosphere.
- The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has designated it as an international designation for representative sections of natural and cultural landscapes that span significant regions of terrestrial or coastal/marine ecosystems, or both.
- Biosphere Reserves work to strike a balance between the preservation of the natural environment, associated cultural values, and economic and social growth.
- Biosphere Reserves are unique settings where people and the natural world coexist. They serve as real-world examples of how people and the natural world may get along while respecting one another’s needs.
- UNESCO biosphere reserves are undiscovered gems that improve climate resilience, prevent pollution, and preserve wildlife.
Actions for conserving the biosphere:
- Schoolchildren in the African nation of Sao Tome and Principe have been provided with stainless steel water bottles for drinking.
- so it is quite possible to prevent the everyday production and use of single-use plastic bottles.
- Every year on November 3, the world observes World Biosphere Reserve Day to promote the conservation and sustainable use of biosphere reserves and to increase public understanding of their significance.
Localised conservation:
- Local communities in India’s Sundarban Biosphere Reserve collaborate to manage mangrove forests and save the area’s biodiversity.
- Within the Indian Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, women are organising self-help groups to support conservation efforts, while young people are participating in eco-tourism.
- The idea of “plastic checkpoints” was first proposed by the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve Trust.
- Locals search every car and visitor for plastic debris, which is gathered, recycled, and utilised to build roadways.
Why Biosphere Reserves Are Important:
- Core zones of biosphere reserves that are strictly protected; they provide as habitat for many plant and animal species and safeguard the ecosystem’s water, soil, air, and biota.
- buffer zone encircling the core zone, where humans coexist peacefully with the environment
- It serves as a training and teaching facility as well as a laboratory for scientists studying nature.
- Communities in a transitional zone engage in socioculturally and environmentally beneficial human activities.
- Other United Nations agencies promote biosphere reserves.
- As an illustration, consider the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the United Nations Environment Programme, and the United Nations Development Programme.
- There are presently 748 biosphere reserves spread over 134 nations, including 22 transboundary sites, which strengthen cordial ties and foster cooperation between neighbours, according to UNESCO.
- They support a diverse range of ecosystems, from alpine deserts to tropical rainforests, and as a result, provide as a haven for several rare and endangered species of both plants and animals.
- They are essential to maintaining biodiversity and making sure that natural resources are used sustainably.
- They offer chances for long-term, steady economic growth.
- The preservation of biosphere reserves is now essential to the fight against climate change.
- Many of the global carbon sinks that remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere are found there.
- Similar to forests and the ocean, carbon sinks offer answers for putting adaptation plans against climate change into action.
The Way Ahead:
- Biosphere reserves are essential to the planet’s future.
- They serve as a living example of how resilient nature is and how it can coexist peacefully with human activity.
- The importance of biosphere reserves increases during times of global issues like climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable development.
- Even though these areas are the most important ecosystems for preserving nature, there are still dangers to these oasis, including invasive species, mining, and changes in land use.
- Human exploitation is growing as a result of growing urbanisation and global population expansion.
- On this World Biosphere Reserve Day, which is in its second year, it is crucial to consider the strides made in the preservation and sustainable use of these essential ecosystems.
- Through the integration of environmental and social sciences, the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) initiative improves the link between humans and the environment, protecting ecosystems, and advancing sustainable economic growth.
