The Biosphere Reserves
Biosphere Reserves are genuine sustainable development laboratories, combining the function of conserving the ecological values of the territory, the enhancement of its natural/identity specificities and the promotion of eco-sustainable activities, in particular the traditional ways of land use in harmony with the environment.
MAB designated areas have a particular responsibility to raise awareness, engage and challenge their local communities towards the practice of human-nature coexistence models in order to preserve the existing biodiversity and promoting, through sustainable development, the enhancement of well-being and quality of life for all.
Biosphere reserves have three interrelated zones that aim to fulfill three complementary and mutually reinforcing functions:
- the core area includes strictly protected environments and contributes to the conservation of landscapes, ecosystems, species and genetic variation;
- the buffer zone surrounds the core areas and is used for activities compatible with sound ecological practices that can enhance scientific research, monitoring, training and education;
- the transition zone is the part of the Reserve where the greatest activity is allowed, fostering economic and human development that is socioculturally and ecologically sustainable.