Reviewing Biosphere Reserves globally: effective conservation action or bureaucratic label?

摘要: The Biosphere Reserve (BR) model of UNESCO's Man and the Programme reflects a shift towards more accountable conservation. Reserves attempt to reconcile environmental protection with sustainable development; they explicitly acknowledge humans, human interests in conservation landscape while still maintaining ecological values existing protected areas. Conceptually, this is attractive, 610 sites currently designated globally. Yet practical reality implementing dual 'conservation' 'development' goals challenging, few examples successfully conforming model's full criteria. Here, we review history from first inception 1974 current status quo, examine suitability designation as an effective model. We track spatial expansion globally, assessing influence Statutory Framework World Network Seville strategy 1995, when BR concept refocused its core objectives on development. use comprehensive range case studies discuss conformity Programme, social consequences associated implementation designation, challenges aligning Given that 'Biosphere Reserve' label relatively unknown public arena, also provides details popularising brand, well prospects for further research, unexploited, but implicit designation.