AIPMT-NEET Biology Aspirants, read out the next AIPMT-NEET Biology Study material/ Notes of Biosphere Reserves. In this we will learn about zones of biosphere reserves and their objectives, important for AIPMT-NEET Biology. Free online notes for AIPMT-NEET. 

Concept of Biosphere Reserves came into existence under the guidance of UNESCO for conservation and rational use of resources of the biosphere in 1968, under the programme MAB (Man and the Biosphere Programme).

Biosphere reserves fulfills three basic objectives: 1) Conservation of biological diversity through protected areas, which also help in preserving genetic resources in vivo.

2)  Harmonious coexistence of local population with ecosystem.  Local rural population helps to protect biodiversity through traditional and cultural practices and biodiversity is the main source of income for them.

3) To provide permanent field sites for research purpose work.

• There are total 669 biosphere reserves all around the world.
• Biosphere reserves comes under the category of In-situ conservation (on-site conservation). 
• Biosphere reserve consists of 3 zones: Core area, Buffer zones, & Transition area.

Core area: is meant for long-term protection and no human activity is allowed.

Buffer zones: it is the area surrounding the core area. Only limited activities like research, education, tourism, resources use, non-destructive activities etc. are allowed in this area, until they don’t harm biodiversity and are compatible with it. Buffer zones can be one or more.

Transition area:  it is the flexible outer region where sustainable resource management practices are promoted. Local population helps to manage biosphere.

• In India, 14 biosphere reserves are present, like Sunderbans (West Bengal), Nanda Devi (Uttarakhand), Nilgiri (Tamil Nadu) etc.

Zones of Biosphere Reserve