Ms Malak CHALBI
Ecosystem and Wildlife Management Specialist
Sahara and Sahel Observatory
Man shares, with other living beings, a planet among an infinite number of heavenly bodies in the universe, or even the multiverse. Man, a "great ape" more evolved than his hominoid cousins, thinks he is the sole owner of this planet. Well, this self-absorbed creature is rather naïve since he is only a tiny “thing” in such a vast matrix.
All other living species coexist in harmony and naturally maintain a balance between them. How about adding one more species? Our relationship with nature must be reconsidered to find this balance and ensure true sharing.
On the bright side, some men are endeavoring to put a halt to the harm caused to the environment and biodiversity. The concept of biosphere reserves is thus emerging as a promising action and reminds us that it is sometimes necessary to see the reality of things. Let's talk about it...
Biosphere reserve... What does it truly mean?
What is this designation that we often hear? We don't always pay attention, do we. But it is not just a simple "title".
Civilizations have been integrated into ecosystems for ages. Nowadays, even if we only see the destructive game he plays, Man has an essential role in the protection of nature. Lucky for us, we have seen this, in particular, during the Covid-19 crisis that gave nature a break due to the cessation of human activities but which was also a disaster for wildlife due to the increase in poaching linked mainly and in certain places, to the absence of authorities, conservationists and local populations. It is therefore necessary to find a compromise, a balance. Such a compromise is visible in particular in biosphere reserves.
To emphasize the inseparable relationship between Man and nature, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) created the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Program in 1971. Biosphere reserves are territories established by countries and recognized under the MAB Program to promote sustainable development by relying on the efforts of local communities and on a solid scientific basis, and to study the interactions between social and ecological systems, with a view to combining human well-being and sustainable management of natural resources. In other words, these areas are models of a smooth life between humans and nature that bring to light local solutions such as agroecology, renewable energies, eco-tourism, etc.
Three main integrated functions are therefore required: Conservation of biological and cultural diversity, Sustainable socio-economic development and Logistical support for development through research, monitoring, education and training… These functions are found geographically across the main zones of a biosphere reserve, namely, the strictly protected core zone, the buffer zone and the transition zone. Now, for a site to integrate the MAB Program, it must meet these three functions. Other criteria involved in UNESCO’s decision include the support and understanding of the concept by local communities and key stakeholders, being aware of its benefits for them and for the environment. On the other hand, the core zone must have significant importance for biodiversity and be representative of its biogeographical region.
What about Africa?
According to the UNESCO World Map of Biosphere Reserves (https://www.unesco.org/en/mab/map?hub=66369), there are 759 sites designated as biosphere reserves. 118 of them are found in Africa and spread across 41 countries.
The African context of the MAB presents a number of specificities such as the isolation (distance, communication, transport) of biosphere reserves, the lack of funding, qualified human resources and technological support for conservation and monitoring and a weak implementation of conservation policies.
Since 1996, an African network of biosphere reserves called AfriMAB has aimed to foster regional cooperation in biodiversity conservation and sustainable development through transboundary projects based in biosphere reserves. The initiatives it puts forward include zoning and improving the functioning of biosphere reserves, involving local communities, sharing revenues, etc.
Anyway, whether they are terrestrial, marine or coastal, these places of learning about sustainable development contribute to testing interdisciplinary approaches to better manage recurring issues, including conflict prevention and biodiversity management.
Let us have a look at the W-Arly-Pendjari Complex (WAP) (Benin, Burkina Faso, Niger): the transboundary biosphere reserve where nature unites countries
Several sites join UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves each year, which represents all the biogeographic regions of the world. In 2020, the WAP complex area was designated a transboundary biosphere reserve, resulting from the merger of national biosphere reserves, in the hope of aligning management tools. It is home to vulnerable and endangered species such as the cheetah, elephant, lion, leopard and vulture. It is also a place where approximately 4 million humans spread across the three countries, namely the Gourmantché and the Peul. These cultural groups maintain traditional rituals to ensure the success of their harvests and the sustainability of their livestock, which are their main sources of income. They prosper thanks to the ecosystem services provided by the reserve, which are of great value for the management of the reserve. This area even represents a barrier against the advance of desertification.
Despite the challenges it currently faces due to human pressures and crime, this area remains a significant territory for elephant conservation and the last sanctuary for lion conservation in the entire West African sub-region. The privileged position of the WAP provides natural protection to the endemic freshwater species of its basins. Due to its size and the diversity of its landscapes, the WAP complex is a considerable refuge for the conservation of biodiversity and the most important natural and cultural heritage of Sudano-Sahelian Africa.
PS: Are you interested in designating a new biosphere reserve? Check the link below:
Member States can submit sites by following the designation process. Biosphere reserve nominations are submitted by the relevant national governments. Biosphere reserves remain under the sovereign jurisdiction of the States in which they are located.
https://www.unesco.org/en/mab/wnbr/designation?hub=66369