Question

Examine the importance of biosphere reserves in the present scenario of exploitation of wildlife.

Answer 1

1. Conservation of biodiversity: Biosphere reserves preserve natural environments for various species, including endangered and indigenous ones. This contributes to biodiversity, critical for ecosystem stability and resilience to environmental change.
2. Sustainable Use of Resources: These reserves encourage sustainable development by allowing local populations to use natural resources responsibly and environmentally. This helps to alleviate the load on wildlife and habitats, balancing conservation with human needs.
3. Prevention of Habitat Destruction: Biosphere reserves help prevent deforestation, urbanisation, and industry from encroaching on wildlife areas, limiting habitat loss, which is a primary cause of extinction.
4. Research and Education: Biosphere reserves serve as locations for scientific research and monitoring. They provide significant information on ecosystems, climate change, and human influences on animals, resulting in more informed conservation plans. Educational activities also enhance awareness of the value of wildlife protection.
5. Buffer Against Exploitation: Biosphere reserves include core, buffer, and transition zones. The core zone is carefully protected, while the buffer zone allows very minimal human activity, lessening the impact of exploitation and creating a controlled habitat for wildlife to thrive.