A Biosphere Area is an area in which people work to balance the conservation of biodiversity with its sustainable use.
They are internationally recognised within the framework of UNESCO's Programme on Man and the Biosphere (MaB).
They are nominated by national governments and must fulfil three basic functions:
A conservation function - to preserve genetic resources, species, ecosystems and landscapes;
A development function - to foster sustainable economic and human development;
A logistic function - to support research, monitoring, education and information exchange related to local, national and global issues of conservation and development.
In March 2008, DEFRA published a report of research into "The potential for Biosphere Reserves to achieve UK social, economic and environmental goals". It quotes the 2008 Madrid Action Plan, defining Biosphere 'Reserves' as "sites of excellence to foster harmonious integration of people and nature for sustainable development through participation, knowledge, well-being, cultural values and society’s ability to cope with change, thus contributing to the [Millennium Development Goals]”.
© 2007 Dyfi Biosphere