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Biosphere Zonation Map

The UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) requires each biosphere reserve to have appropriate zonation that includes:

  • a legally constituted core area or areas devoted to long-term protection, according to the conservation objectives of the biosphere reserve, and of sufficient size to meet these objectives;
  • a buffer zone or zones clearly identified and surrounding or contiguous to the core area or areas, where only activities compatible with the conservation objectives can take place; and
  • an outer transition area where sustainable resource management practices are promoted and developed.

The land designations and zonation have evolved over the years to meet the conservation and cultural needs of the region. More information about the biosphere zonation and its evolution can be read in our 2020 Periodic Review.