UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) added biosphere reserves from countries like Colombia, etc. under the Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme.
- WNBR now totals 759 sites in 136 countries.
- Also, for the first time, two trans-boundary biosphere reserves were added.
- It includes Kempen-Broek (Belgium and Netherlands) and Julian Alps (Italy and Slovenia)
About MAB Programme
- Launched in 1971 as an intergovernmental scientific programme.
- Aim: To establish a scientific basis for enhancing the relationship between people and their environments.
- Combines the natural and social sciences with a view to improving human livelihoods and safeguarding natural and managed ecosystems.
- Promotes economic development that is socially and culturally appropriate and environmentally sustainable.
- Out of 18 biosphere reserve in India, 12 are recognised under it (refer to map).
- Niligiri Biosphere Reserves was first to be recognized.
About Biosphere Reserves (in situ conservation)
- Areas representing diverse natural and cultural landscapes across terrestrial, coastal, or marine ecosystems.
- Consists of three main zones-
- Core areas: Comprise a strictly protected zone
- Buffer zones: Used for activities compatible with sound ecological practices that can reinforce scientific research, etc.
- Transition area: Communities foster socio-culturally and ecologically sustainable activities.