Biospheres explore local solutions to global challenges. These biopheres are designated under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme. They seek answers on how to create a sustainable future for people and nature.
So in fact, biosphere are living experiments, helping the world to survive into the future.
COUNTRIES
They’ve been around a while: in fact, back in the 1930s, UNESCO (United Nations Education, Science and Cultural Organisation) first planned to create a world-wide network of biospheres, to try to find ways of addressing the threats to the ‘living biosphere’ (plants, animals and micro-organisms) and healthy ecosystems, while helping to still meet the needs of people.
Today there are 669 biospheres across 120 countries. Together they bring 680 million hectares of land, coastline and sea into areas seeking to find solutions to reconcile nature and people.
BiosphereS are guided by these strategic objectives, as set out in the MAB Programme:
These biospheres have 3 zones: core, buffer and transition areas.
In these areas, biospheres integrate biological and cultural diversity, recognising the role of traditional and local knowledge in managing ecosystems. They are based on a multi-stakeholder approach. Key here is involving local communities in management and governance.
1.
To conserve biodiversity, restore and enhance ecosystem services, and foster the sustainable use of natural resources.
2.
To contribute to building sustainable, healthy and equitable societies, economies and thriving human settlements in harmony with the biosphere.
3.
To facilitate biodiversity and sustainability science, education for sustainable development and capacity building.
4.
To support mitigation and adaptation to climate change and other aspects of global environmental change.
Here there are no fences keeping nature in and people out.
In fact, biospheres capture the commitment of communities to conservation to ensure their generations to come will enjoy a healthy environment and live a sustainable lifestyle.
LATEST NEWS
Your neighbours are wild – tips to live in a biosphere
If you live in the Kogelberg Biosphere, chances are you’ve had a first-hand encounter in your home, garden or community space with some more unusual members of our wonderful wildlife.
Animal patients flood into Western Cape’s first rescue centre
Already a number of injured and vulnerable animals – in desperate need of help – have received essential care at the Kogelberg Biosphere Wildlife Rescue and Training Centre. The centre, situated in the Kogelberg Biosphere, received its permit from CapeNature in December.
Biosphere Living
Become a Kogelberg Biosphere member – and enjoy benefits specially designed to assist you and/or your business.
You can take the next step, to become even more involved in the Kogelberg Biosphere.
And remember to include us in your social media posts, by using the hashtag: #BiosphereLiving.