Write short notes on the following.
Biosphere reserves
A Biosphere Reserve is a special ecosystem with flora and fauna that require protection and nurturing. These reserves are managed and studied for the conservation of various life forms found here. According to UNESCO, “Biosphere reserves are areas of terrestrial and coastal ecosystems promoting solutions to reconcile the conservation of biodiversity with its sustainable use. They are internationally recognized, nominated by national governments and remain under the sovereign jurisdiction of the states where they are located”. The Indian government has established 18 biosphere reserves in India, which protect larger areas of natural habitat (than a National Park or Animal Sanctuary), and often include one or more National Parks or preserves, along with buffer zones that are open to some economic uses. Protection is granted not only to the flora and fauna of the protected region, but also to the human communities who inhabit these regions, and their ways of life.