BIOSPHERE RESERVES
BALANCING BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE
Biosphere Reserves — Models of Stewardship
Biosphere reserves are recognized internationally for demonstrating
practical approaches to balancing biodiversity conservation and
sustainable human use of the land. They are excellent examples of
initiatives that protect our natural environment while ensuring the
continued prosperity of the local economy in an ecologically sustainable
way. Biosphere reserves reflect our commitment to work together as
good stewards of the land we hope to pass on to future generations.
UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere Program
A biosphere reserve is an area proposed by its residents, ratified by
a national committee, and designated by UNESCO’s [United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization] Man and Biosphere
Program [MAB], which demonstrates innovative approaches to living
and working in harmony with nature. One of the primary objectives
of MAB is to achieve a sustainable balance between the goals of
conserving biological diversity, promoting economic development,
and maintaining associated cultural values.
Photo: Kim Pearson/NCC
Three Functions of a Biosphere Reserve:
Conservation, Development, and Logistic Support
Each biosphere reserve is intended to fulfill three basic
functions, which are complementary and mutually
reinforcing:
Conservation of Biodiversity – to contribute to the
conservation of landscapes, ecosystems, species and
genetic variation.
Sustainable Development – to foster economic and
human development which is socio-culturally and
ecologically sustainable.
Support for Logistics – to provide support for
research, monitoring, education and information
exchange related to local, national and global issues of
conservation and development.
The term ‘biosphere’ refers to all of the land, water and atmosphere that
supports life on earth. The word ‘reserve’ means that it is a special area
recognized for balancing conservation with sustainable use. The term
‘reserve’ does not mean that these places are set aside from human use
and development. In fact, human activity and the health of people and
communities is an essential part of the biosphere reserve program.
Biosphere reserves bring residents together to build awareness,
share information, and encourage sustainable land management in
ways that benefit us all. They are excellent examples of communitybased initiatives that protect our natural environment while ensuring
the continued healthy growth of the local economy.
Each biosphere reserve demonstrates practical approaches
to balancing conservation and human use of an area. Here,
we seek to understand how environmental, social and
economic components of an ecosystem interconnect and
support each other.
Biosphere reserves recognize that quality economies require quality environments,
and that conservation is important for both...
www.watertonbiosphere.com
What a biosphere is not …
I t is not a new level of bureaucracy.
It is not a World Heritage Site.
It does not create new protected areas.
Photo: Parks Canada, Simon Lunn
The World Biosphere Reserve Network currently consists of 580 reserves in 114
countries, each a celebrated part of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Program.
Three Zones: The Core, Buffer and Transition
To carry out the complementary activities of biodiversity
conservation and sustainable use of natural resources, biosphere
reserves are traditionally organized into three interrelated zones,
known as the core area, the buffer zone, and a transition zone or
‘area of cooperation.’
The zone concept is designed to be flexible and may be used in a
variety of ways to address local needs and conditions. Ownership
arrangements in a biosphere reserve may vary as well. The core areas
of biosphere reserves are often public lands with legal protection,
such as a previously designated national park, wilderness area or
wildlife refuge. However, the core area may be privately owned or
belong to non-governmental organizations.
1. Core area – includes protected areas, as they act as reference points on
the natural state of the ecosystems represented by the biosphere reserves.
Information from these core areas may be used to assess the sustainability
of activities, or the maintenance of environmental quality, in surrounding
areas. Managers of the core areas may contribute resources to projects
developed with residents, businesses and other partners of the biosphere
reserve.
2. Buffer zone – surrounds or is contiguous to the core area. Activities
support the conservation objectives of the core area, and help to
protect it. The buffer zone might be an area for experimental research,
exploring ways to manage natural vegetation, agricultural land,
It does not create any new regulations.
It does not restrict the right of citizens.
The biosphere reserve program is entirely voluntary.
Authority over land and water use does not change
when a biosphere reserve is designated in Canada.
Government jurisdictions and private ownership
rights remain as they were before designation.
Photo: Kim Pearson/NCC
3. Transition Zone or Area of Cooperation – the
large outer area of a reserve where people live
and work, using the natural resources of the
area in a sustainable manner. The term ‘area of
cooperation’ underscores the role of cooperation
as the main tool to achieve the objectives of
the biosphere reserve. It is here that the local
communities, conservation agencies, scientists, civil
associations, cultural groups, businesses and other
stakeholders agree to work together to manage
and use the area in a sustainable way that will
benefit the people who live there.
forests, fisheries or ranchland to enhance the quality of production
while conserving natural processes and biodiversity. Human use is
usually less intensive than what might be found in the transition zone.
Photo: Marlene Baier
The Canadian Biosphere Reserves Association [CBRA] is a non-profit charitable organization
that provides support and facilitates communication and collaboration among Canada’s 16
biosphere reserves. Visit www.biospherecanada.ca to learn more.
Waterton Biosphere Reserve Association P.O. Box 7, Pincher Creek, Alberta T0K 1W0
Email: [email protected]
www.watertonbiosphere.com