What is a Biosphere Reserve?
A biosphere reserve as defined by UNESCO, a United Nations organization, is an area of great natural, cultural and/or historical importance. Classifying an area as a biosphere reserve is an excellent way of land use planning, which promotes sustainable development and conveys international prestige upon the area whilst seeking and integrating collaboration with the local population. UNESCO's thematic and regional networks of biosphere reserves facilitates the study of the workings of eco-systems and how best to responsibly manage the natural resources of the area.
There are currently around 450 biosphere reserves throughout the world, among them the Galapagos Archipelago, the Brazilian Mata Atlantica and large parts of the tropical rainforest in Costa Rica. They are special areas where economic and social development of a high quality is promoted through the intelligent use of natural resources.
Every biosphere reserve is divided into three zones:
- Core Zone: is an area of wilderness, which has a higher a particular biodiversity and is therefore of global interest. In the core zone scientific, conservational and educational activities predominate.
- Buffer Zone: is designed to shelter the Core Zone from outside influences. The main activities in this area are investigation and experimentation involving native species, ecotourism, recreation, education and traditional fishing all of which are compatible with conservation.
- Transition Zone: is the outermost area in a Biosphere Reserve in which human settlements are located and where activities take place which are exemplary in their sustainable use of natural resources.
