Biosphere Reserves are areas nominated by national governments and designated under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme.
They seek to fulfil three complementary functions: -
To contribute to the conservation of landscapes, ecosystems & species;
to foster economic & human development; and
to provide support for research, monitoring, education & information exchange.
England has three Biosphere Reserves: North Devon
, Moor House/Upper Teesdale
, and North Norfolk coast
.
They are areas of terrestrial and coastal/marine ecosystems where the conservation of ecosystems and their biodiversity is combined with the sustainable use of natural resources for the benefit of local communities. All three reserves are of importance for both landscape and biodiversity values.