Biosphere Reserves: Definition, Structure, Importance, FAQs

What is a Biosphere Reserves?

Biosphere reserves play a very important role in biodiversity conservation, conflict resolution and also approaches towards managing the interaction between social and ecological systems.

These biosphere reserves also act as a testing ground for balancing the conservation of biodiversity with its sustainable use. Some of the basic facts about biosphere reserves are discussed below:

• Biosphere reserves serve as an area which is designed to explore sustainable ways of living that benefit both nature and human communities.

• It helps in focusing on the interaction between human activities and biodiversity which helps in solving environmental conflicts.

• These reserves also include different ecosystems such as terrestrial Marine, and coastal and with different habitats for wildlife.

• These biosphere reserves are governed by the National authorities of the country.

• Biosphere reserves are submitted by Member States and designated by UNESCO's MAB ICC, reflecting their role in addressing both local and international environmental challenges.

Functions of Biosphere Reserves

Some important functions of biosphere reserve are discussed below:

• Conservation of cultural diversity and biodiversity.

• Sustainable development in terms of society, culture, and the environment.

• Supporting development through research, monitoring, teaching, and training while providing logistical support.

Zones of Biosphere Reserves

Biosphere reserves are divided into three different zones which are designed to fully film the function to balance conservation, development and research. The zoning system also allows human interaction with nature to a certain degree to ensure that biodiversity-protected and sustainable practices are exhibited. All three zones are discussed below with their major highlights.

Importance of Biosphere Reserves

Biosphere reserves are important for several reasons such as balancing out nature, providing all the essential requirements and it also gives you a certain level of interaction with the environment. Some of the major importance of biosphere reserve is discussed below:

• Without impacting the occupants, biosphere reserves protect the species, ecosystems, genetic diversity, and landscapes.

• It assures that economic, cultural, social, and economic developments are all sustainable.

• The biosphere reserves repair any harm done to the habitats and ecosystems.

• These locations offer a wealth of knowledge on how to grow, protect, and repair the ecosystem.

• Together, the landowners, government organisations, farmers, scientists, businesses, and conservation organisations in these places can search for holistic land management.

• By limiting soil erosion, safeguarding water springs, and preserving the decomposers to maintain the soil's quality, they aid in the maintenance of healthy ecosystems.

Biosphere Reserves in India

There are 18 biosphere reserves in India. These are mentioned below:

Benefits of a Biosphere Reserve

Biosphere reserves act as learning sites for the sustainable development of the environment. Due to this understanding, we know the limit of interference that we can do with nature. Some of the major benefits are discussed below:

• The region's environmental, economic, and social sustainability is aided by biosphere reserves by promoting the wise use of its resources, both natural and human.

• They provide practical options for addressing land use conflicts and protecting biological diversity.

• Through national and international networks, a biosphere reserve region can access information, expertise, assistance, and financing.

• The idea of the biosphere can serve as a framework for initiatives that improve people's quality of life.

• The goal of biosphere reserves is to explore and demonstrate methods for conservation and sustainable development while offering lessons that may be applied elsewhere.

• Biosphere reserves draw attention to the region's unique qualities and aid in fostering a feeling of place among locals and tourists. The designation of a biosphere reserve can increase awareness of environmental and development issues among residents, citizens, and government officials.

• A biosphere reserve serves as a focal point for volunteerism and stakeholder collaboration.

Criteria for Biosphere Reserve Selection

Primary Criteria

• A site that must contain an effectively protected and minimally disturbed core is a value of nature conservation and should include additional land and water suitable for research and demonstration of suitable methods of research and management.

• The core area should be typical of a biogeographical unit and large enough to sustain viable populations representing all trophic levels in the ecosystem.

Secondary Criteria

• Areas having rare and endangered species.

• Areas having diversity of soil and micro-climatic conditions and indigenous varieties of biota.

• Areas potential for preservation of traditional tribal or rural modes of living for harmonious use of the environment.

Biosphere Reserves NEET MCQs

Q1. The region of Biosphere Reserve which is legally protected and where no human activity is allowed is known as:

1. Core Zone

2. Buffer Zone

3. Transition Zone

4. Restoration Zone

Correct answer: 1) Core Zone

Explanation:

The region of the biosphere reserve which is legally protected and where no human activity is allowed is known as the core zone. It serves as a sanctuary for the conservation of biodiversity, including endangered species and their habitats. The core zone is strictly monitored to maintain ecological balance and prevent any anthropogenic disturbances. It often functions as a reference area for scientific research and environmental monitoring.

Hence, the correct answer is option 1) Core zone.

Q2. Wetlands are conserved internationally through an effort called as

1. Basel Convention

2. Rio Convention

3. Montreal Convention

4. Ramsar Convention

Correct answer: 4) Ramsar Convention

Explanation:

Wetlands are conserved internationally through an effort called the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty that was established in 1971 and is named after the city of Ramsar in Iran, where the convention was adopted.

The goal of the Ramsar Convention is to promote the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands worldwide. It provides a framework for the identification, protection, and wise use of wetlands, recognizing their ecological importance and the valuable services they provide, such as water purification, flood control, and habitat for numerous plant and animal species.

Countries that join the Ramsar Convention commit to designating and managing wetlands of international importance, known as Ramsar Sites, within their territories. These sites are selected based on their significance for biodiversity, hydrology, and other ecological criteria. The convention also encourages cooperation among countries for the conservation and wise use of shared wetland resources.

Through the Ramsar Convention, countries collaborate to conserve wetlands, raise awareness about their importance, promote scientific research and knowledge exchange, and implement sustainable management practices.

Hence, the correct answer is option 4) Ramsar convention.

Q3. In the following questions, a statement of assertion (A) is followed by a statement of reason (R)

Assertion: In-situ conservation is the on-site conservation of genetic resources in natural populations of plant or animal species.

Reason: In India, ecologically unique and biodiversity-rich regions are legally protected as biosphere reserves, national parks, sanctuaries, reserved forests, protected forests and nature reserves.

1. If both Assertion & Reason are true and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion, then mark A

2. If both Assertion & Reason are true but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion, then mark B

3. If Assertion is true statement but Reason is false, then mark C

4. If both Assertion and Reason are false statements, then mark D

Correct answer: 1) If both Assertion & Reason are true and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion, then mark A

Explanation:

In-situ conservation is the on-site conservation of genetic resources in natural populations of plant or animal species. In India, ecologically unique and biodiversity-rich regions are legally protected as biosphere reserves, national parks, sanctuaries, reserved forests, protected forests and nature reserves. India now has 18 biosphere reserves, 104 national parks and 500 wildlife sanctuaries. Plantation, cultivation, grazing, felling trees, hunting and poaching are prohibited in biosphere reserves, national parks and sanctuaries.

Hence, the correct answer is Option 1) Both Assertion & Reason are true and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.

Also Read:

• MCQs on In-situ and Ex-situ Conservation

• Productivity in Ecosystem

• Ecosystem Services