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From a historical concept to a tool
Since farming economies appeared five centuries ago, the human population
has increased more than 10,000-fold. Demographic growth and increasing
consumption have made severe pressures on all ecosystems and risk
causing the collapse of the earth's life support system. UNESCO
believes that utilization and conservation of land and water resources
should go hand in hand, and that an interdisciplinary approach and
long term vision are key. Biosphere reserves are much like laboratories
where new and optimal practices to manage nature and human activities
are tested and demonstrated. They outpace traditional confined conservation
zones, combining core protected areas with zones where sustainable
development is fostered by local dwellers and enterprises. Their
governance systems are often highly innovative. In some cases, new
legislation can be introduced. Biosphere reserves have three inter-connected
functions:
- Conservation: landscapes, ecosystems, species and genetic variation
- Development: economic and human and culturally adapted
- Logistic support: research, monitoring, environmental education
and training
They generate knowledge and experience which can be used in the
wider land and seascape. They are tools to help countries implement
the results of the WSSD and in particular the Convention on Biological
Diversity and its Ecosystem Approach. They are "learning sites"
for the UN Decade on Education for Sustainable Development.
Living laboratories for people and nature
Explore the wealth of biosphere reserves. Search a site and access
information such as contacts, descriptions, links etc.
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