Biosphere Reserves

Biosphere reserves are areas of natural significance that are designated under the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization's (UNESCO) Man and the Biosphere Program. A reserve may comprise a terrestrial or coastal ecosystem or, in some cases, encompass multiple types of ecosystems. A biosphere reserve may be a national park or other type of protected area that is recognized either nationally or internationally. Biosphere reserves collectively form a World Network, the purpose of which is to share information relating to conservation, development, and logistics.

Biosphere reserves are different from other protected areas in three ways. First, they are part of the designated UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Program. Second, the outer boundary is more flexible than legally defined. Third, the water and land contained in ...