9:26 AM - 9:51 AM
★ [O06-02] Nature parks as a tool for local sustainable community
Keywords:UNESCO, MAB, biosphere reserve
AbstractBiosphere reserve (BR) of UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme seeks balance between sustainable use of natural capitals and biodiversity conservation, rather than protection of primeval nature. In the early stage of the MAB programme, BR encouraged academic research in the site and usually consisted of core area and buffer zone. Forest Ecosystem Reserve of Japan follows the concept of BR zoning. Since 1995, BR consists of core, buffer and transition areas. Transition area supports sustainable use of natural capitals (Figure 1). Therefore, BR becomes a good arena of development of local economy. Also global trend of environmental movement shifts from protection of primeval nature to conservation of natural resources. BR recommends involvement of all actors in management and decision-making processes. New forms of institutional cooperation and links between different levels of economic and political decision making. Aya BR, designated in 2013 as the 5th Japanese BR, is recognized as one of the best models of participatory approach for BRs in the world. Bokova (Director-General of UNESCO) said, "From the Luberon-Lure BR in France and the Aya BR in Japan to the Dana BR in Jordan, local communities are developing bio-products that meet both local and global needs, and in ways that contribute to a healthy environment and reduce waste."Fig. 1 Role of core, buffer and transition areas in biosphere reserves