Daily Current Affairs : 6-November-2023
World Biosphere Reserve Day, observed annually on November 3, commemorates the vital role of biosphere reserves in environmental conservation and sustainable development. Established by UNESCO in 2022, this day aims to raise awareness, share conservation best practices, and recognize the achievements of biosphere reserves worldwide.
Objectives of World Biosphere Reserve Day
- Raise awareness about the importance of biosphere reserves.
- Share best practices in conservation and sustainability.
- Highlight achievements of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR).
UNESCO’s Collaboration for Environmental Sustainability in South and Central Asia
In collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, UNESCO organized the 10th South and Central Asian Biosphere Reserve Network Meeting (SACAM) in Chennai, India. The event, themed “Ridge to Reef,” emphasized holistic environmental practices and promoted sustainable collaboration among nations in South and Central Asia.
Biosphere Reserves: Learning Places for Sustainable Development
Biosphere reserves serve as interdisciplinary sites for managing social and ecological systems. They offer local solutions to global challenges and reconcile biodiversity conservation with sustainable use. These reserves include terrestrial, marine, and coastal ecosystems, involving local communities and stakeholders in planning and management.
Main Functions of Biosphere Reserves
- Conservation: Protect landscapes, ecosystems, species, and genetic variation.
- Economic Development: Promote socio-culturally and environmentally sustainable economic activities.
- Logistic Support: Support development through research, monitoring, education, and training.
Status of Biosphere Reserves in India
India boasts 18 biosphere reserves covering 60,000 square kilometers. The Nilgiris, spanning Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala, was the first biosphere reserve in India. Dibru-Saikhowa (Assam) is the smallest, while the Gulf of Kachchh (Gujarat) is the largest.
International Recognition of Biosphere Reserves
Under UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere Reserve Program, 738 biosphere reserves exist in 134 countries, including 22 transboundary sites. Spain, Russia, and Mexico have the highest number of such sites. This program combines natural and social sciences to enhance the relationship between people and their environments, fostering sustainable economic development.
Important Points:
- World Biosphere Reserve Day is celebrated annually on November 3 to highlight the importance of biosphere reserves in environmental conservation and sustainable development.
- Established by UNESCO in 2022, the day aims to raise awareness, share best practices, and recognize achievements of biosphere reserves worldwide.
- The 10th South and Central Asian Biosphere Reserve Network Meeting (SACAM) in Chennai emphasized holistic environmental practices and sustainable collaboration among nations in South and Central Asia.
- Biosphere reserves serve as interdisciplinary sites for managing social and ecological systems, offering local solutions to global challenges and reconciling biodiversity conservation with sustainable use.
- Biosphere reserves include terrestrial, marine, and coastal ecosystems, involving local communities and stakeholders in planning and management.
- The main functions of biosphere reserves include conservation, economic development, and logistic support through research, monitoring, education, and training.
- India has 18 biosphere reserves covering 60,000 square kilometers, with the Nilgiris being the first biosphere reserve and the Gulf of Kachchh being the largest.
- Internationally, there are 738 biosphere reserves in 134 countries, including 22 transboundary sites, recognized under UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere Reserve Program.
- Spain, Russia, and Mexico have the highest number of biosphere reserves, and the program combines natural and social sciences to enhance the relationship between people and their environments, promoting sustainable economic development.
Why In News
The second anniversary of International Biosphere Reserve Day, celebrated on November 3, annually highlights the critical importance of biosphere reserves (BR) in safeguarding our environment and promoting sustainability, emphasizing the need for global collaboration and proactive conservation efforts to address the challenges posed by climate change and biodiversity loss.
MCQs about World Biosphere Reserve Day
-
What is the primary objective of World Biosphere Reserve Day?
A. To celebrate New Year’s Day
B. To raise awareness about the importance of biosphere reserves
C. To promote fast food consumption
D. To honor famous scientists
-
What does the transition area in biosphere reserves represent?
A. Strictly protected zone
B. Area for sustainable economic and human activities
C. Area for scientific research only
D. Area for recreational activities
-
How many biosphere reserves are there internationally, according to UNESCO?
A. 50
B. 738
C. 1000
D. 200
-
Which country has the highest number of biosphere reserves?
A. India
B. Russia
C. China
D. Brazil
Boost up your confidence by appearing our Weekly Current Affairs Multiple Choice Questions
