Question

Write short notes on the following.
Biosphere reserves.

Answer 1

Hint: It is a type of special ecosystem. Great Bear Lake biosphere reserve in Canada is the world’s largest biosphere that is recognized by UNESCO.

Complete answer: A Biosphere Reserve is a special ecosystem containing flora and fauna that requires protection and nurturing to protect them from extinction or endangerment.
1. These reserves are managed and studied for the conservation and protection of the various life forms. The definition given to biosphere reserves by UNESCO is that they are areas of terrestrial and coastal ecosystems promoting solutions to reconcile the conservation of biodiversity with its sustainable use.
2. They are recognized internationally and nominated by the national governments.
3. They remain under the sovereign jurisdiction and control of the states where they are located.
4. The Indian government has established 18 biosphere reserves across various states.
They protect larger areas of natural habitats that are greater than that of a National Park or an animal sanctuary. They often include one or more National Parks or reserves which is surrounded by large areas known as buffer zones.
5. Buffer zones are open to some economic uses that are under strict supervision, it is a mode of protection of the biodiverse core.
6. Protection is not only granted to the flora and fauna of the protected region, but also to the indigenous and tribal human communities who inhabit these regions.

Note: Nilgiri biosphere reserve in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka, Gulf of Manna biosphere reserve in Tamil Nadu, Sunderbans biosphere reserve in West Bengal, Nanda Devi biosphere reserve in Uttarakhand are some of the biosphere reserves in India.