“Pockets of Hope” featured on the occasion of the International Day for Biological Diversity
Today, on the occasion of the International Day for Biological Diversity, UNESCO New Delhi released a public information brochure entitled Pockets of Hope: Biosphere Reserves in India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
The brochure depicts the 19 terrestrial, coastal and marine UNESCO Biosphere Reserves currently recorded in the region. They are described as ‘Pockets of Hope’ reconciling the conservation of biodiversity with its sustainable use. The Biosphere Reserves test interdisciplinary approaches to live in harmony with nature and their experiences are meant to be shared for the benefit of all.
With this publication, UNESCO aims to generate awareness and enthusiasm about Biosphere Reserves amongst different stakeholders in the countries of South Asia, as part of its effort to spread awareness on biodiversity issues.
As the world is grappling to come out of the unprecedented pandemic, environmental health has been recognized as the key to sustainable and resilient recovery. Therefore, human survivability absolutely depends on Living in Harmony with Nature.
The UN has proclaimed 22 May the International Day for Biological Diversity to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues. The theme this year is “Building a shared future for all life”, which highlights that biodiversity is the answer to several sustainable development challenges, and that biodiversity is the foundation upon which we can build back better.
Biosphere Reserves contribute to the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration by enlarging the total area for nature conservation via restoration projects, scientific research, monitoring and education, and raising the awareness of the general public.
UNESCO established the Man and the Biosphere (MaB) programme in 1971. It is an intergovernmental scientific programme that aims to establish a scientific basis for enhancing the relationship between people and their environments. It combines the natural and social sciences with a view to improving human livelihoods and safeguarding natural and managed ecosystems, thus promoting innovative approaches to economic development that are socially and culturally appropriate and environmentally sustainable.
The World Network of Biosphere Reserves currently counts 727 sites in 131 countries all over the world, including 22 transboundary sites.
To download the brochure click here