Biosphere Reserve (Prelims & Mains- Environment)

What are Biosphere Reserves?

The idea of biosphere reserves was initiated by UNESCO in 1973-74 under its Man and Biosphere (MAB) programme.

Biosphere reserves are ‘learning places for sustainable development’. They are sites for testing interdisciplinary approaches to understanding and managing changes and interactions between social and ecological systems, including conflict prevention and management of biodiversity.

They are places that provide local solutions to global challenges. Biosphere reserves include terrestrial, marine and coastal ecosystems. Each site promotes solutions reconciling the conservation of biodiversity with its sustainable use.

About Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve:The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR) is an International biosphere reserve located in the Western Ghats and was the first biosphere in India established in 1986