shared value
THE BENEFITS OF A BIOSPHERE
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Biosphere reserves help ensure the environmental, economic, and social sustainability of the region,
by encouraging wise use of natural and human resources.
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They provide practical ways to resolve land use conflicts and to protect biological diversity.
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A biosphere reserve area gains access to information, expertise, support and funding through
national and international networks.
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Biosphere reserves encourage diverse local economies to revitalize rural areas.
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The biosphere concept can be used as a framework to guide and reinforce projects that enhance
people’s livelihoods.
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Biosphere reserves attract academic and government research activity that addresses local issues
and problems.
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Biosphere reserves serve as learning sites to explore and demonstrate approaches to conservation
and sustainable development providing lessons which can be applied elsewhere.
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Biosphere reserves highlight the distinctiveness of the area and help foster a sense of place amongst
residents and visitors.
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Designation of a biosphere reserve can raise awareness among local people, citizens, and
government authorities on environmental and development issues.
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A biosphere reserve provides a focus for stakeholder cooperation and volunteer involvement
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WHAT A BIOSPHERE SUPPORTS AND ENABLES
THE GREEN ECONOMY
which refers to two interlinked developmental outcomes for the South African economy:
- Growing economic activity in the green industry sector (which leads to investment,
jobs and competitiveness); - A shift in the economy towards cleaner industries and sectors with a low
environmental impact compared to its socio-economic impact.
RESPONSIBLE TOURISM
which is about “making better places for people to live in and better places for people to visit.” Responsible Tourism requires that operators, hoteliers, governments, local people and tourists take responsibility and take action to make tourism
more sustainable.
PAYMENT FOR ECOSYSTEM SERVICES (PES)
is a cost-effective means to improve environmental management and improve livelihoods by rewarding people for their efforts in providing ecosystem services, such as watershed protection, soil stabilization etc.
CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION
Positive and transformative climate change adaptation requires inclusive and participatory policies at national level, as well as in provinces and municipalities.