Characteristic features of a biosphere reserve include:
- Zonation: Biosphere reserves are typically divided into three zones:
- Core Zone: This is a legally protected area where human intervention is strictly prohibited to preserve natural ecosystems.
- Buffer Zone: This zone surrounds the core area and permits limited human activities, research, and environmental education.
- Transition or Manipulation Zone: This outermost zone allows sustainable human activities and development, with a focus on balancing conservation and development.
- Biodiversity Conservation: Biosphere reserves are designed to conserve and protect a wide range of habitats and biological communities, promoting the conservation of biodiversity.
- Research and Monitoring: These reserves serve as living laboratories for scientific research and monitoring of ecosystems, species, and environmental processes.
