Public Understanding and Appreciation of the Biosphere Reserve Concept

Abstract

The Biosphere Reserve concept potentially appears to be an extremely important basis for enhancing global land protection—particularly, although not exclusively, in developing countries. Far more clarification and education will be required, however, to produce the level of public appreciation that will be necessary to make this concept an effective force for conservation. It may be argued that a clear delineation of the Biosphere Reserve concept is less important than an adequate public understanding of the values to be derived from this land protection strategy. While this distinction may be useful, it would seem that the potential benefits of the Biosphere Reserve would be considerably enhanced by far more precise public appreciation of the meaning and intent of this land designation category.