What is a BIOSPHERE RESERVE?
A biosphere reserve is an area which fosters the conservation of biodiversity and natural resources and their sustainable use. Biosphere reserves promote sustainable economic and demographic developments, environmental education, interdisciplinary exchange of information, research and monitoring as well as conservation of natural and cultural diversity. The territories of biosphere reserves encompass terrestrial, coastal and marine ecosystems subject to participatory management which stresses the importance of local communities, conflict resolution and human activities leading to positive sustainable use of the natural resources within the cultural landscape.
In 1970 UNESCO launched the worldwide Man and the Biosphere Programme that aimed to promote sustainable use of natural resources and improve the relationships between people and their environments. Biosphere reserves, which promote the conservation of biodiversity and natural resources while supporting sustainable socio-economic development, were used as tools to achieve this aim. As of today, six biosphere reserves have been designated on the territory of the Czech Republic.