Biosphere Reserve Research Articles

The trace of the trees: a historically situated geospatial assessment of deforestation in Bosawas biosphere reserve

ABSTRACT Deforestation is often framed as one of Nicaragua’s most pressing ecological challenges. Historically, the country has addressed the issue by relying on fence-and-control approaches to conservation. This is the case of Bosawas, the largest biosphere reserve in Central America. Despite advancements in remote sensing data, few spatially explicit attempts have been made to assess how this type of conservation scheme interacts with the country’s deforestation trends. This research combines two independently generated high-resolution land cover maps and agrarian census data to assess the extent of deforestation that has taken place in Bosawas from 1990 to 2022. Our findings indicate that the establishment of the biosphere reserve has proven ineffective in preventing deforestation and evidence that its current trend is closely related to the encroachment of capitalistic agrarian-based modes of production. This encroachment is rooted in a long history of state-led interventions, which has led to the gradual dissolution of local customary social orders, allowing the penetration of new ones that privilege individualistic and profit-oriented forms of land tenure and resources exploitation. Hence, conservation strategies that neglect the historical and political-economic roots of deforestation in Bosawas risk aggravating territorial conflicts and facilitating land dispossession modalities affecting mostly local inhabitants.

Impact of Agricultural Activities on Soil Particle Size, pH, and Organic Matter in the Dimonika Biosphere Reserve, Mayombe (Republic of Congo)

Land-use change disrupts several soil physico-chemical parameters. This study aimed to analyze the influence of agricultural activities, topography, and localities on soil texture, pH, and organic matter in the Dimonika Biosphere Reserve. To achieve this, 90 soil samples were collected using an auger based on land use types, topography, and localities. Analyses of soil texture, pH, total organic carbon (TOC), and total nitrogen (TN) were conducted at the IRSEN laboratory in Pointe-Noire. The results showed that clay texture predominates in the studied area, which is related to the nature of the soils. The Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA test highlighted a significant effect of agricultural activities on soil acidity, with an acidic pH ranging from 4.2 to 5 in cultivated areas, compared to a very acidic pH (3.5 to 4.2) in mature forests. However, neither topography nor localities affected pH. Total organic carbon significantly decreased in old plantations (1.3±0.3%) and fallows (1.5±0.5%) compared to mature forests (1.9±0.5%) and savannahs (2.3±0.6%), while total nitrogen showed no notable variations. Topography also had no influence on organic status (TOC, TN). However, at the local level, the Makaba area stood out with significantly higher TOC (2±0.5%) and TN (0.2±0.03%) compared to Les Saras (0.14±0.03%) and Kayes (0.16±0.2%). The C/N ratio, influenced only by agricultural activities, was below 15, indicating rapid organic matter mineralization and a low TOC content. Several potential solutions were proposed for sustainable soil management.

Soutpansberg Mountain: a spider hotspot in the Limpopo Province of South Africa (Arachnida, Araneae)

The Soutpansberg Mountain (SM) range in the northern part of the Limpopo Province within the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, is a refuge for high diversity of organisms due to its geological history and location. As part of the South African National Survey of Arachnida (SANSA), the spider diversity of the Soutpansberg Mountain was determined over 27 years: 58 families, 293 genera, and 585 species were recorded. The Salticidae with 85 species, followed by Thomisidae (81 species), Araneidae, and Gnaphosidae, with 45 species each, are the most species-rich, while 11 families are represented by single species. Global distributions, endemicity, and conservation assessment are provided for each species using IUCN criteria. Most species (516, 88.1%) are widely distributed with no known threats and are of Least Concern, whereas eight species (1.4%) are of special concern. Of these, five species are Rare and one each is Critically Rare, Vulnerable, and Near Threatened. Twenty-five new species have been described from the SM since 1997, but 17 species (2.9%) are still Data Deficient, and 44 species were not evaluated due to unresolved taxonomy. The SM represents a spider biodiversity hotspot in the Limpopo Province, representing 25.4% of the total spider fauna of South Africa and 64.3% of the known spider fauna of the Limpopo Province.

Description of Trichophoromyia macrisae, a new phlebotomine sand fly species (Diptera: Psychodidae) from Manu Biosphere Reserve, Peru

Phlebotomine sand flies are a highly diverse group of insects capable of transmitting Leishmania parasites. Therefore, the identification of vector species is important to understand local leishmaniasis dynamics. Among the Neotropical sand fly species, the genus Trichophoromyia is predominantly found in the Amazon. A new species of this genus, Trichophoromyia macrisae sp. nov., is described. Specimens were collected using Katchy light traps in forested areas of Manu Biological Station, located within the Manu Biosphere Reserve, in southern Peru. Morphological description was based on 10 male specimens. The disposition of setae in the gonocoxite and the shape of the paramere allows Th. macrisae sp. nov. to be distinguished from other species of genus that have aedeagal ducts > 4 times the length of the sperm pump. The description of Th. macrisae sp. nov. brings the number of species of Trichophoromyia in the Americas to 47 and in Peru to 15.

Understanding Ecosystem Services through Managers' Perspectives: Insights from the Portuguese Biosphere Reserves

Defined as the benefits derived from nature to humans, the Ecosystem Services (ES) concept clarifies how ecosystems contribute to human well-being. Despite its relevance, integrating this concept into decision-making processes remains a challenge. Participatory approaches have proven crucial in developing mechanisms for managing, conserving, sustainably using and valuing ES. This work aimed to analyse the perceptions of Portuguese Biosphere Reserves’ (BR) managers regarding the ES provided by these territories through a participatory workshop. During the workshop, each participant specified the most relevant ES provided by the BR. The study identified three key ES: "Cultivated terrestrial plants (including fungi, algae) grown for nutritional purposes", "Characteristics of living systems that enable scientific investigation or the creation of traditional ecological knowledge" and "Characteristics of living systems that enable education and training". Additionally, participants discussed perceived threats, opportunities and potential solutions to enhance the value of these key ES in these areas. "Climate change" and "Pollution" were identified as the most significant threats, while "Climate adaptation", "Quality of life" and "Sustainable agriculture" emerged as the main opportunities. Solutions to address threats and maximise opportunities include the establishment of a closer, systematic and articulated relationship within BR to promote sustainability and resilience. Overall, the workshop was positively evaluated and deemed productive. It was also considered a powerful tool to foster collaboration towards a more holistic promotion of BR' sustainable governance, benefitting the environment, communities and the economy.

Unveiling the Hidden Causes: Identifying the Drivers of Human–Elephant Conflict in Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Western Ghats, Southern India

Since the human population is growing beyond the earth’s ability to sustain it, more people are being brought into contact with wildlife, leading to increasing human–wildlife conflict. The Asian elephant, a wide-ranging megaherbivore, is being increasingly threatened by human–elephant conflict [HEC]. Its conservation depends on identifying the causes of HEC and implement measure to mitigate the HEC effectively. We studied the drivers of HEC among five forest divisions in Western Ghats, India, that support a high density of elephants across Asia. Comparing the last six years’ data on HEC with 26 ecological covariates in the GLMM framework, we identified spatiotemporal variations and drivers of crop, and property damages and human casualties. Spatially, HEC was highest in the territorial division and lowest in those declared as Protected Areas earlier. The comparison of crop damage with covariates showed that crop damage decreased with the grass biomass index, elephant density, extent of dry-thorn, and deciduous habitats, and forest range area, while it increased with adult male % and forest range perimeter. Similarly, the property damage by elephants increased with crop damage frequency and human settlement/cultivation area, but decreased with grass biomass, forest range area, and deciduous habitat area. Human casualties due to elephants increased with property damage, ambient temperature, and forest range perimeter, but decreased with grass biomass. Overall, the decrease in HEC with grass biomass, and the increase in HEC with human settlement and forest range perimeter indicate that anthropogenic pressure that decreases the grass biomass and degrades the habitat is the likely root cause of HEC, and minimizing it would reduce overall HEC.

Assessing climatic change impacts on mangrove structural dynamics on the northern coasts of the Persian Gulf

Abstract. Monitoring long-term trends in structural changes within mangrove ecosystems is essential for understanding their response to climate change and devising effective adaptation strategies in coastal regions. This study examines changes in mangrove patchiness within the Hara Biosphere Reserve (HBR) along the northern coasts of the Persian Gulf (PG) over a 31-year period (1986-2017), focusing on variations in rainfall patterns and drought occurrences. Employing a 35-year time series of monthly Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) values alongside satellite imagery analysis, trends in both the number of patches (NP) and the Largest Patch Index (LPI) were assessed at the mangrove stand level. The analysis reveals a significant correlation between structural changes in mangroves and drought events. Pre-1998, characterized by wetter conditions, witnessed a decrease in both NP and LPI, indicating patch expansion and habitat extension. Conversely, post-1998, during drought periods, both indices increased, indicating habitat degradation due to heightened drought intensity. Pre-1998 structural changes in the HBR signify habitat expansion, with increased patch extent and core areas reflecting enhanced structural integrity. However, post-1998, a concerning trend of habitat degradation emerged, with increased NP and LPI attributed to intensified droughts. These findings highlight a transitional period marked by favourable conditions for mangrove growth followed by habitat degradation linked to increased drought intensity. This underscores the vulnerability of mangrove ecosystems to climate change impacts, particularly exacerbated droughts, necessitating urgent efforts for conservation and management to preserve biodiversity and ecosystem services in coastal regions.

Desert landscape features influencing the microgeographic genetic structure of Nelson's pocket mouse Chaetodipus nelsoni.

Elucidating the factors that drive the genetic patterns of natural populations is key in evolutionary biology, ecology and conservation. Hence, it is crucial to understand the role that environmental features play in species genetic diversity and structure. Landscape genetics measures functional connectivity and evaluates the effects of landscape composition, configuration, and heterogeneity on microevolutionary processes. Deserts constitute one of the world's most widespread biomes and exhibit a striking heterogeneity of microhabitats, yet few landscape genetics studies have been performed with rodents in deserts. We evaluated the relationship between landscape and functional connectivity, at a microgeographic scale, of the Nelson's pocket mouse Chaetodipus nelsoni in the Mapimí Biosphere Reserve (Chihuahuan desert). We used single-nucleotide polymorphisms and characterized the landscape based on on-site environmental data and from Landsat satellite images. We identified two distinct genetic clusters shaped by elevation, vegetation and soil. High elevation group showed higher connectivity in the elevated zones (1250-1350 m), with scarce vegetation and predominantly rocky soils; whereas that of Low elevation group was at <1200 m, with denser vegetation and sandy soils. These genetic patterns are likely associated with the species' locomotion type, feeding strategy and building of burrows. Interestingly, we also identified morphological differences, where hind foot size was significantly smaller in individuals from High elevation compared to Low elevation, suggesting the possibility of ecomorphs associated with habitat differences and potential local adaptation processes, which should be explored further. These findings improve our understanding of the genetics and ecology of C. nelsoni and other desert rodents.

Diversity and availability of edible caterpillar host plants in the Luki biosphere reserve landscape in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Edible caterpillars are an important food and economic resource for rural African people. However, they are subject to a number of threats; in particular, their host plants are threatened. The Luki Biosphere Reserve landscape is a region of the Democratic Republic of Congo where the practice of eating caterpillars is a recent phenomenon; however, rural communities have reported their scarcity. This study assessed the diversity and availability of host plants of the edible caterpillars in the Luki Biosphere Reserve (LBR) landscape. Botanical inventories were conducted in eleven ha plots of each of the following habitats: forest, savannah under protection, fallow, and inhabited areas, covering an area of 44 ha. The coverage-based rarefaction and extrapolation method and the iNEXT online software were used to calculate the true diversity of edible caterpillar host plants. The diameter structure of the edible caterpillar host plant species was assessed by counting the number of individuals in each diameter class. The results revealed that in the Luki Biosphere Reserve landscape, edible caterpillars rely on 15 main plant host species (Spondias mombin L., Petersianthus macrocarpus (P.Beauv.) Liben, Croton sylvaticus Hochst. ex Krauss, Hymenocardia acida Tul., Lannea welwitschii (Hiern) Engl., Macaranga spinosa Müll.Arg., Celtis mildbraedii Engl., Coelocaryon botryoïdes Vermoesen, Albizia gummifera (J.F.Gmel.) C. A. Sm, Bridelia atroviridis Müll.Arg, Ficus mucuso Welw. ex Ficalho, Funtumia elastica (P.Preuss) Stapf, Lannea welwitschii (Hiern) Engl., Milicia excelsa (Welw.) C.C. Berg., and Terminalia superba Engl. & Diels). The habitats exhibited low species diversity of the edible caterpillar host plants. Moreover, several of these species are becoming scarce or are locally threatened with extinction. The trend in the diametric structure is similar to species evolving in a disturbed environment.The results of this study suggest potential habitat instability linked to human activities that could lead to biodiversity loss and, thus, a decline in edible caterpillars in the LBR landscape. A better understanding of the unfavourable conditions that influence the nutritional support for the edible caterpillars would help promote appropriate strategies that can be applied in local development plans for community lands at a landscape scale.

Mapping the Distance: An Analysis of Visitor Travel Distance to German National Parks and Biosphere Reserves

The ecologically valuable and unique natural and cultural landscapes of protected areas are popular nature tourism destinations. From a spatial perspective, travellers visit protected areas by moving from their place of origin to the destination for a temporary stay. This paper analyses the travel distances of day visitors and overnight guests to German national parks and biosphere reserves. National parks position themselves as both regional and national destinations. In contrast, biosphere reserve tourism is more regionally concentrated due to the proximity of biosphere reserves to urban centres, which are the primary places of origin for visitors. On average, visitors travel 278.6 km by car to visit a national park, taking 172.1 minutes (02:52 hours). Opting for public transport increases the average travel distance to 312.5 km, with a travel time of 284.5 minutes (04:43 hours). Visitors to German biosphere reserves travel 208.7 km by car, requiring 134.7 minutes (02:15 hours). When using public transport to visit biosphere reserves, the average distance increases to 234.0 km, with a travel time of 239.1 minutes (03:59 hours). The automated, GIS-supported distance analyses offer an innovative approach for assessing nature tourism catchment areas and the accessibility of protected areas, serving as a basis for effective spatial planning, development, and regional marketing.

Study of the importance of plants with tubers and edible roots in the life of local populations in the Nimba Mountains Biosphere Reserve

This study focusing on root and tuber plants in the riverside villages of Nimba aims to promote the importance of roots and tubers in the lives of people living near the UNESCO heritage site, Nimba Mountains Biosphere Reserve. . The method of collecting data from resource people and the focus group through a questionnaire developed using the Kobocollect tool was used. The survey concerned 190 people including 79 women or 41.58% who were grouped into age groups with an interval of 5 years and the age group over 20 years was the most interested with 143 people or 75 .26% of respondents. Among all agricultural productions, cassava ranks first (42%), followed by taro (30%), sweet potato (18%) and yam (10%) the least cultivated due to lack of knowledge of its cultivation method, which allows us to affirm that roots and tubers have a primordial place in the nimba zone. The adaptation of these crops to the difficult conditions of the area, their nutritional energy value and their economic contribution deserve the encouragement of these crops despite the difference in yield between these four crops. So for the development of these cultures, authorities at all levels, NGOs, businesses etc. must strengthen the technical and financial capacity of producers, by forming groups or cooperatives, providing them with improved seeds and inputs.

Light-demanding canopy tree species do not indicate past human disturbance in the Yangambi rainforest (Democratic Republic of the Congo)

Key messageIn a former paper, we investigated whether the presence of light-demanding tree species in the forest canopy of the Yangambi Biosphere Reserve (central Congo basin) might be a result of past human disturbances (Luambua et al., Ecol Evol 11:18691–18707, 2021). We focussed on the spatial distribution of the most abundant light demanders, but this approach did not yield conclusive results. In the present study, we focus on all species in the forest and conclude that light demanders are not a transient feature of successional tropical forests but an intrinsic component of old-growth forests in Yangambi.ContextCentral African rainforests are characterised by an abundance of light-demanding tree species, which are aggregated in the canopy but underrepresented in the understorey. A popular explanation is that these forests are recovering from slash-and-burn farming activities preceding the relocation of settlements during the colonial era. In a former paper, we showed that the abundance of light-demanding tree species in the Yangambi Biosphere Reserve (central Congo basin) cannot be unambiguously attributed to past human disturbances, using an approach that focused on the spatial distribution of the most abundant light demanders (Luambua et al., Ecol Evol 11:18691–18707, 2021).AimsAs the former study was inconclusive, the present study aims to further test the assumptions behind the ‘recovery from human disturbance hypothesis’, by considering all species in the forest of Yangambi. We addressed four specific research questions: (i) do light demanders occur in large ‘pockets’ occupying large areas of forest? (ii) Are light demanders abundant? (iii) Do they exhibit a regeneration deficit? (iv) Is species composition in pockets of light demanders different from the surrounding forests?MethodsWe identified the location and size of pockets of light demanders in several transects cumulating to 50 km. We installed permanent inventory plots within and outside these pockets and calculated the diameter and age distributions of light demanders within each pocket. We assessed whether pockets of light demanders are different from surrounding forests, using plot clustering analysis.ResultsOur results showed that light demanders were aggregated, but the pockets were small, scarce, and represent a minor fraction of the total forest area. Furthermore, light demanders were not abundant, even in pockets where they were aggregated. Their age distributions did not show a regeneration deficit. Finally, species composition in pockets of light demanders did not differ substantially from surrounding forests where they were scarce or absent.ConclusionsWe conclude that light-demanding canopy species do not indicate past human disturbance in Yangambi and that they are an intrinsic component of old-growth forests rather than a transient feature of successional forests. Our insights show that the large carbon sink observed in mature forests in this region is not driven by successional forest dynamics.

Theme: Assessment of anthropogenic pressure on Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) in the central area of the Nimba Mountains Biosphere Reserve – Republic of Guinea

The general objective of this research is to evaluate the influence of (NTFP) harvesting in the Nimba Mountains Biosphere Reserve as well as their valuation. The Accelerated Participatory Research Method was used for semi-structured interviews around the knowledge, importance and use of NTFPs. This allowed us to identify 39 species of NTFPs of plant origin and 32 of animal origin. Men exploit NTFPs at 85% while women exploit 15%. Regarding the reasons, NTFPs are exploited for the family economy 42%, followed by 23% for medicinal treatment and 18% for food, while 17% for crafts. The exploitation methods are as follows: climbing (25%), gathering (20%), hunting (15%), extraction of bark and roots (13%), piezes (10%), stem cutting (10%) and felling (7%). The proposed mitigation measures are: domestication of certain species (Piper guinneensis, Xylopia aethiopica, Garcinia cola, Raphia vinifera etc.), education and awareness of the population, development of livestock farming. However, these mitigation measures take into account the different actors involved in the use and management of Non-Wood Forest Products.

The Biosphere Reserves Institute at Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development. Advancing science in, with and for UNESCO Biosphere Reserves

The new Biosphere Reserves Institute (BRI) at Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development (HNEE) represents a pioneering effort to promote sustainable development and transformation. As an UNESCO Category 2 Institute, the BRI serves as an international think tank that advances science, technology and innovation in UNESCO Biosphere Reserves.

Correction: Biosphere Reserves as model regions for transdisciplinarity? A literature review

Correction: Biosphere Reserves as model regions for transdisciplinarity? A literature review

Potential Distribution and Carbon Sequestration of Rhizophora mangle L. in El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve, Baja California Sur, Mexico

Mangroves are a type of vegetation distributed in warm areas of the planet. Despite their importance, this flora is seriously threatened by both human activities and climate change. One of the main benefits provided by mangroves is carbon capture and storage, which is key for climate change mitigation. The main objective of this study was to identify the potential distribution and carbon sequestration potential of Rhizophora mangle L. in El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve. Potential distribution models were obtained for Baja California Sur, Mexico, using the MaxLike algorithm. For each projection, we used bioclimatic variables from the WorldClim project for current and future conditions (2050 and 2070), two Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5) and three General Circulation Models (ACCESS-CM2, EC-Earth3-Veg and MPI-ESM1-2-HR). The potential distribution models were developed within the perimeter of El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve as a case study to establish the potential for carbon sequestration under different climate change scenarios. Our results show a possible future carbon sequestration from 10,177,174 Mg of CO2 and up to 14,022,367 Mg of CO2 for the ACCESS-CM2 SSP5-8.5 to 2070 and MPI-ESM1-2-HR SSP2-4.5 to 2070 projections, respectively. Mangrove species such as Rhizophora mangle can be an important part of climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Sources Affecting Microplastic Contamination in Mountain Lakes in Tatra National Park

The global atmospheric transport of microplastics (MPs) plays a crucial role in the contamination of remote, especially higher-elevation, environments. Precipitation is considered the main source of MP pollution. Meanwhile, plastic waste generated from, for example, tourism activities can be a local source of MP pollution. In this study, we specify which of the mentioned sources of MP, global or local, have a higher impact on the pollution level in the high-elevation oligotrophic lakes of Tatra National Park in Poland. Due to its unique natural value, it is listed by UNESCO as an international biosphere reserve and meets the criteria for Natura 2000 areas. We comprehensively analyzed the morphometric and anthropogenic features of 11 lakes in terms of the contamination level, color, shape, and polymer type of the MPs found in the surface waters. MP fibers were found to be present in all studied lakes, with contamination ranging from 25 to 179 items/m3. Polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and natural or semi-natural cellulose fibers—black or red in color with a length of 0.2–1.0 mm—predominated, which corresponds with other studies conducted on remote mountain ecosystems. We did not find any correlation of the number of MPs with local anthropogenic pressure characteristics. In turn, the significant correlation with lake area, coastline length, lake volume, and catchment area indicated airborne sources, including global transport of MPs to the lakes with reduced water outflow.

Illicit Resilience: Revisiting Political Ecologies of Conservation Noncompliance in the Context of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework

Over the past several decades, the spatial extent of national parks, forest reserves, and other protected areas has expanded rapidly, encompassing more than 16 percent of the Earth’s terrestrial and inland water area in 2024. This expansion of protected areas has often led to population displacements and heightened restrictions on access to land and natural resources for indigenous peoples and other local communities, at times precipitating various conflicts, contestations, and broader forms of noncompliance with conservation regulations. Despite ongoing challenges in resolving trade-offs between conservation and livelihood objectives, the recently established Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) seeks to achieve even more ambitious conservation targets. These include GBF Target 3—sometimes referred to as the “30 × 30” target—of encompassing 30 percent of all terrestrial and marine ecosystems in protected areas or other effective area-based conservation measures by 2030. The GBF’s vision for achieving Target 3 implicitly assumes, however, that widespread challenges related to noncompliance in conservation governance can largely be resolved in their present manifestation(s), and prevented from reemerging as the scale of the global conservation estate increases. Seeking to deepen our understanding of the emergence and recurrence of illicit or otherwise non-rule-complying behaviors in everyday practices of conservation governance, we draw on a case study of the Manas Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve in the India-Bhutan borderlands region, northeastern India. Highlighting key findings from this case study, we foreground the concept of illicit resilience to encompass a suite of informal factors and dynamics that lead to the persistence of de facto land uses and management regimes in ways that often strikingly diverge from de jure prescriptions for resource conservation within protected areas. These dynamics include (1) long-term insurgency and political unrest; (2) collusive corruption, patronage, and local politics; and (3) elite-driven processes of informal resettlement and subsequent occupation of forestland. In short, we argue that a deeper understanding of such forms of illicit resilience and their underlying drivers will be crucial for more accurately conceptualizing both feasibility constraints on, and socioenvironmental justice implications of, efforts to rapidly upscale the spatial remit of conservation areas by 2030 and beyond.

Mobilizing Global Change Science for Effective Multi-Actor Governance in the Laguna San Rafael and Guayaneco Biosphere Reserve

The 1950s initiated transformative shifts in human interactions and societal behaviors, exacerbating global environmental challenges—notably, biodiversity loss. The post-2020 Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) addressed these challenges with ambitious plans to halt and reverse biodiversity losses. Supported by initiatives like UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere program, the GBF seeks to enhance sustainability through country-level strategies that will mainstream nature-positive policies and expand multi-actor conservation governance. This study supports the local-level implementation of the GBF through a roadmap for the initial phase of the knowledge-action network creation. Through a case study of the Laguna San Rafael and Guayaneco Biosphere Reserve (LSRGBR) in Chilean Patagonia, this research explores the potential for inexpensive, readily available methods to support local decision makers by increasing access to and the visibility of relevant sustainability research. The study analyzes two decades of global change (GC) research within LSRGBR zones to understand spatial trends and identify applied insights with the potential to inform governance and management strategies. Findings highlight where GC research has occurred, areas of GC research interest, how applied content has manifested, and how existing research can inform and support governance action plans. Ultimately, this research proposes an adaptable knowledge mobilization framework for the LSRGBR that can be applied to a variety of place-based needs and contexts to mobilize science for broader sustainability objectives and enhance the potential for multi-actor collaboration and governance.

Application of Protection Features to a Biosphere Reserve for the Control and Development of Tourist Activities: The Case of the Gêres–Xurés Park

In this study, we consider the importance of applying legal protection and management measures to natural tourist areas. We assess the sensitivity of these areas with respect to tourist demand, which drives the need for protective and corrective measures, such as carrying capacities controlled via admissions; in particular, we analyse the protective features that exist in a transboundary biosphere reserve, the Gêres–Xurés Baixa Limia Reserve, which occupies territory in northern Spain, southern Galicia (Spain) and northern Portugal. Our objective is to assess the relevance and effectiveness of the features used by both countries to protect their natural spaces while guaranteeing sustainability and environmental development. These measures ensure that the value of their resources is not compromised for future generations or negatively affected by tourist use. To carry out the analysis, we first conducted a geographical study of the area to characterize the different areas found in this biosphere reserve. Subsequently, we analysed the regulatory norms used for protection in both countries, and we explain the management mechanisms that have been implemented in both countries. This approach enables us to compare the relative importance assigned by each country for the sustainable management of the chosen territory and tourist space. Furthermore, we can compare the use of control measures for sustainable and respectful tourism planning, such as guiding plans, use plans and management and protective regulations.