Biosphere Reserve

What are they?

Biosphere reserves are a non-statutory designation made by the United Nations Education, Science and Culture Organisation (UNESCO) under its 'Man and the Biosphere' ecological programme launched in 1970 (Project No. 8).  More information about biosphere reserves is available on the UNESCO Science  website.

Where are they?

Currently there are three biosphere reserves in Scotland. They overlap national nature reserves at (1) Cairnsmore of Fleet, Merrick Kells and Silver Flowe, (2) Beinn Eighe, (3) Loch Druidibeg.

A proposal is being developed to expand the Cairnsmore of Fleet etc Biosphere Reserve in to a wider Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Reserve  .

How are they selected and designated?

Biosphere reserves may be proposed by any community or by organisations such as Scottish Natural Heritage.  Proposals are made to UNESCO via the Scottish Government and Defra, UK Government.  UNESCO considers proposals and reviews existing sites every 5 years.

Implementation and management are the responsibility of the communities.

How are they protected and managed?

Biosphere reserve designation is a tool to promote the integrated and sustainable management of an area.  They require the application of two approaches: 

(1) the use of a zonation approach with a protected core area and a buffer area within which sustainable development may be promoted; and,

(2) participation of the local community.