Biosphere

reserves Biosphere reserves are protected natural and cultural areas, established under the UNESCO Man and Biosphere Programme for the conservation of biodiversity, research in ecology and sustainable development. These areas are selected for their natural beauty and scientific importance; they also provide a framework for researching the effects of human activities on the environment. Biosphere reserves are unique to each region and are made up of core protected areas, buffer zones and transition areas. The core protected area is the core area of the reserve where the most important ecosystems and natural landscapes are maintained. The buffer zone is the area that provides a protective barrier between the core area and additional activities. The transition area is the area where traditional human activities such as agriculture, forestry, and fishing are encouraged with an emphasis on sustainable practices. Biosphere reserves are important sites for global conservation, providing an important opportunity to maintain ecosystems and the species they support while promoting sustainable development.