Abstract
Biosphere reserves, designated under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, are now regarded as key mechanisms to achieve global imperatives such as the Sustainable Development Goals. The concept of biosphere reserves has evolved significantly from the 1970s to include a larger number of functions and zones, as well as the inclusion of stakeholders in governance, as codified in the 1996 Statutory Framework for the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Its implementation has led to the reterritorialisation of 66 biosphere reserves, as they have been extended beyond the protected areas that form their ‘core areas’. One example is Wester Ross in northwest Scotland. This region has been nationally recognised for its high biodiversity and landscape values since the late 1940s, and a small biosphere reserve was established in 1976. In the current decade, as required by theMAB Programme, this biosphere reserve was extended to over 100 times its original area through a participatory process which is
described in detail. Following re-territorialisation, this biosphere reserve, like others, both represents opportunities and faces challenges. These are discussed with regard to four requirements: effective communication, stakeholder engagement, participatory governance, and funding.
described in detail. Following re-territorialisation, this biosphere reserve, like others, both represents opportunities and faces challenges. These are discussed with regard to four requirements: effective communication, stakeholder engagement, participatory governance, and funding.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 30-40 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Environmental Science and Policy |
Volume | 72 |
Early online date | 7 Mar 2017 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 7 Jun 2017 |
Keywords
- Biosphere reserve
- Periodic review
- Man and the biosphere programme
- Wester Ross
- Scotland
- Participation
- 25ref2021
Fingerprint
Dive into the research topics of 'The re-territorialisation of Biosphere Reserves: the case of Wester Ross, Northwest Scotland'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Profiles
-
Martin Francis Price
- UHI Perth - Emeritus Professor, Centre for Mountain Studies
- Centre for Mountain Studies
Person: Academic - Research and Teaching or Research only