Pockets of Hope: Biosphere Reserves in India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives

Biosphere Reserves contribute to the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration by enlarging the total area for nature conservation via restoration projects, scientific research, monitoring and education, and by raising the awareness of the general public.

 

Biosphere Reserves are places to apply, test and demonstrate best practices for human living in harmony with nature. They aim to enhance nature conservation, reduce the environmental footprint and keep the ecological carrying capacity of our natural ecosystems intact.

 

It is not easy to have a site listed as a Biosphere Reserve. All sites are externally examined and checked before they are approved. Globally, there are 727 properties, 168 in Asia and the Pacific, 12 in India, 4 in Sri Lanka and 3 in the Maldives. The success with which India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives are actively participating in the World Network is based on the countries’ dedication and hard work.

 

UNESCO invites scientists, biologists, botanists, zoologists, climatologists, environmental engineers and sciencetechnology specialists to support Biosphere Reserves. Universities should use them as outdoor laboratories to improve air quality, apply clean energies, reduce pollution, enhance water availability, redress biodiversity loss and test methods for climate resilience.

 

UNESCO encourages governments, foundations, the private sector and philanthropists to support the establishment of new additions to the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.