Biosfäärialueiden

Biosfäärialueet, known in English as Biosphere Reserves, are areas designated by UNESCO under its Programme on Man and the Biosphere (MAB). These reserves serve as living laboratories for sustainable development, aiming to reconcile biodiversity conservation with its sustainable use. They are recognized internationally for their value in research, monitoring, education, and community engagement.

The concept of biosphere reserves is not to create strict nature reserves but to protect landscapes and ecosystems while promoting sustainable human activities within them. Each biosphere reserve is intended to fulfill three core functions: conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems, fostering sustainable economic and social development, and supporting research, environmental education, and capacity building.

Biosphere reserves are typically structured into three zones: a core area, a buffer zone, and a transition area. The core area is strictly protected for conservation purposes. The buffer zone surrounds the core area and is used for research and education activities, as well as for limited, low-impact economic uses. The transition area is a wider region where local communities engage in sustainable development activities.

The designation of a biosphere reserve by UNESCO is a voluntary process. Countries nominate sites that meet specific criteria. While biosphere reserves are governed by national legislation, their international recognition under the MAB program encourages collaboration and the sharing of best practices across the globe. They represent a commitment to balancing human needs with the preservation of the planet's natural heritage.