What are the three zones of biosphere reserves and their significance?
A biosphere reserve is divided into three zones: Core, buffer and manipulation.
(i) Core Zone:
In core or natural zone human activity is not allowed. This area is legally protected and undisturbed ecosystem.
(ii) Buffer zone:
The immediate surrounding area of core zone is buffer zone. Here limited human activities live like research, education and research strategy is permitted.
(iii) Manipulation zone:
Manipulation or transition zone is the outermost or peripheral area of biosphere reserve. With the cooperation of reserve management and local people several human activities like settlements, cropping, recreation, and forestry are carried out without disturbing the environment. Buffer zone has different parts like forestry, agriculture, tourism and restoration regions. Through the restoration activities selected degraded area called restoration region is restored to natural form.
Importance of Biosphere Reserve :
1. Conservation:
Biosphere reserves conserve genetic resources, species, ecosystems and landscapes without uprooting inhabitants. Rather the traditional life style and traditional resources of the local people are maintained.
2. Development:
Sustainable economic, cultural, social and ecological developments are ensured.
3. Restoration:
Biosphere reserve helps to rebuild any damage caused to ecosystems and habitats.
4. Education and Research:
Biosphere reserve provides a lot of scientific information for specific scientific studies and research. Exchange of information on restoration, conservation and development of biosphere can be made at national and international levels.