Integration of Conservation Strategies of Plant Genetic ... - Genres

2.3 Transition Zone
Core and buffer are surrounded by a transition zone which is primarily determined by human
activity. The concept aims at preservation and/or further development of primarily traditional land
use systems according to the potential of the relevant area. In devastated areas, the focus of
measures is recultivation. Special attention is given to the traditional cultivation methods of the
indigenous population. Due to the cultivation of biosphere reserves sometimes lasting for
centuries, cultural landscapes (managed) have evolved as a result of the various uses. Due to their
enormous biodiversity in general they belong to the ecologically most precious regions of the
world. In these areas possible solutions can be achived only in cooperation among administrations,
regional population, scientists and private enterprises to optimise land use and preserve natural
resources at the same time. The target is development and implementation of sustainable
management which meets needs of man and nature at the same time. These managed areas which
are primarily used traditionally have a significant aesthetic value. This aspect is of great
importance for the development of tourist industries. The promotion of "soft" tourism which
contributes to the conservation of the environment and nature is of great importance.
3. Purpose of Biosphere Reserves
In 1983, the USSR hosted the "First International Congress on Biosphere Reserves" in Minsk.
UNESCO organised together with UNEP and the participation of FAO and IUCN the meeting.
The consultations resulted the "International Action Plan for Biosphere Reserves" (UNESCO
1984). It calls upon the participating countries and international organisations to initiate concrete
steps
- to improve and expand the global network of biosphere reserves,
- to support the compilation of basic knowledge on measures to protect ecosystems,
biodiversity and genetic ressources and
- to use biosphere reserves as instruments to protect and/or develop landscapes.
3.1 Protection of ecosystems, biodiversity and genetic ressources
There seems to be general agreement that it will be impossible to preserve the entire diversity of
organisms and ecosystems globally and forever. However this shall be achieved in a basic number
of ecosystems designated as biosphere reserves. The concept of a biosphere reserve is that of an
open protected system. It provides for areas of undisturbed natural and/or natural-like ecosystems
to be surrounded by areas determined by human activities. The latter are to be managed in such
a way that they fullfill long-term conservation of these ecosystems. In this context, the term
"reserve" stands for an ecologically representative landscape in which measures for total
protection extensive or intensive but sustainable use are being combined. This graded zoning of
the landscape makes it possible to take account of the individual regional circumstances into the
concept of the individual biosphere reserve.
Each biosphere reserve represents a majority of the indigenous fauna and flora; hence, they
represent an important reservoir of genetic material. These resources are becoming increasingly
useful for the development of new medical drugs, industrial chemicals, construction materials,
food and other products that might contribute to increasing human well-beeing. Moreover, they
serve as a pool of genetic material for the repatriation of indigenous species in those areas where