1.
Que-5. "Biosphere reserves are internationally
recognised areas established to promote and demonstrate a balanced relationship
between Humans and the Biosphere.” Elaborate this statement in the context of
conservation of nature?
Biosphere reserves are internationally
recognised areas established to promote and demonstrate a balanced relationship
between humans and the biosphere. They highlight the value of nature conservation
within a particular natural region and reconcile the conservation of biological
diversity with sustainable use. Consequently they are ideally suited to meet
today’s conservation needs when human populations are increasing and the
practicality of leaving aside large areas to protect pristine natural wild
lands is decreasing, despite the fact that more people than ever before are
dependent on wild species and natural ecosystems for their well-being.
The programme of Biosphere Reserve was
initiated under the Man and Biosphere (MAB) programme by UNESCO in 1971.
Biosphere Reserves programme is intended to conserve representative ecosystems
as opposed to only species or habitat conservation. It provides in-situ
conservation under natural conditions, long-term conservation of plants,
animals and micro organisms. The purpose of the formation of the Biosphere
Reserve is to conserve in-situ all forms of life, along with its support
system, in its totality, so that it could serve as a referral system for monitoring
and evaluating changes in natural ecosystems. The first biosphere reserve of
the world was established in 1979, since then the network of biosphere reserves
has increased to 425 in 95 countries in the world (MAB - 2003). Presently,
there are 18 designated biosphere reserves in India. India’s first Biosphere
Reserve was the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
Nature reserves are hubs of biodiversity and
they should be left as such so ecosystem can function properly.
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