Reserva Biosfera Canarias

La Palma and the Canary Islands are also part of these protected areas. And how important it is that all of us, those who work in the economy as well as the inhabitants and consumers, become aware of this and try to move in this direction.

And how to integrate in a considerate and responsible way.

What is a biosphere reserve and what are its functions?

Brief description:

Protective function

The aim is to contribute to the preservation of natural processes and biodiversity. Negative developments, such as the rapid advance of species extinction, must be counteracted. This includes preserving the landscape and its ecosystem functions, safeguarding genetic resources and the diversity of ecosystems. It is also about the sustainable use of available natural resources, such as water, soil and air.

Development function

The aim of promoting sustainable development is to foster the social and economic development of the region. This includes the establishment of regional value chains and the natural and place-based management of the landscape. As model regions, biosphere reserves offer the opportunity to break new ground, test innovative environmentally friendly technologies and develop sustainable forms of land use.

Logistical support

Human-nature interaction: The interaction between economic utilisation and the development of near-natural habitats is important for environmental research and education. The effects of anthropogenic influences on representative ecosystem types should be investigated through monitoring. This offers the inhabitants of the region the opportunity to actively contribute to shaping the model biosphere reserve region.

GENERAL INFORMATION

The numerous transnational biosphere reserves demonstrate that natural areas and cultural landscapes are not limited by borders. The European Union (EU) succeeded in creating the first transboundary biosphere reserve in 1998: the “Biosphere Reserve of the Northern Vosges (Vosges du Nord)” in France and the “Biosphere Reserve of the Palatinate Forest” on the German side became the “Biosphere Reserve of the Palatinate Forest-Northern Vosges” with a total area of 310,500 hectares.

As model regions, biosphere reserves represent a wide variety of natural and cultural landscapes on a global scale. The number of biosphere reserves worldwide is constantly growing. Currently, 669 model landscapes in 120 countries (as of June 2017) are recognised by UNESCO as biosphere reserves.

La Palma Biosphere Reserve: https://lapalmabiosfera.es/

Biosphere reserves are designated by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) under the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) programme. They are representative model regions of national and international importance that strive to preserve the cultural and natural landscape and, at the same time, develop and test the coexistence of man and nature in an exemplary way.

Unspoilt nature is rarely found in these areas; rather, the landscapes of biosphere reserves show characteristics of many years of anthropogenic use. The aim is to create a balance between human use of landscapes and their natural cycles. Biosphere reserves are therefore an important instrument for securing, developing and implementing sustainable and future-proof landscape use.

Source: https://nationale-naturlandschaften.de/

“It fills me with enthusiasm and joy to be part of a company that embarked on this path of sustainability 16 years ago.”

The more we see each other and collaborate as a community, the easier it will be to achieve these goals together.

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If you want to know more or get involved in projects, write to me at: contacto@outdoorcanarias.es

I look forward to hearing from you.