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
Happy 60th anniversary to the Betty’s Bay Hack Group
The Betty’s Bay Hack Group, the oldest in South Africa, recently celebrated its 60th anniversary. It all started in February 1963 when Denys Heesom challenged Betty’s Bay residents to join him in tackling the alien vegetation encroaching on the Betty’s Bay fynbos.
A community comes together to protect our wildlife
On Sunday 4 April, the Kogelberg Biosphere Wildlife Rescue (KBWR) team, with the assistance of the Overstrand Municipality, members of the public and Betty’s Bay
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.