introduction - unesco...vocational training imparted to 1902 persons as health assistant, computer...

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INTRODUCTION:

30th.Session of the International Co-ordinating Council of the Man and

the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, consisting of 34 Member States are

meeting at Palembang, Indonesia from 23-28 July, 2018.

ICC apart from guiding and supervising the MAB Programme, reviews the

progress made in the implementation of the National MAB Programme. The

MAB ICC also decides upon new biosphere reserves and takes note of

recommendations on periodic review reports of biosphere reserves.

In this context, Director General, UNESCO vide Ref:

SC/EES/MAB/ICC/18/1450 dt.24.04.2018 invited Indian National MAB

Committee, Government of India for participation in the 30th.Session of

International Coordinating Council(ICC) as Observer and submit written

reports on the activities of Indian National MAB Committee.

India, with an area of 329 million hectares, is the seventh largest

country in the world. The diverse topography marked by mountainous

regions covering an area close to 100 million hectares, arid and semi-

arid zones spreading over 30 million hectares and long coast line of

over 7500 kms, coupled with varied precipitation provides a rich

landscape diversity. All these features and many more, have resulted

in diversity of habitats which harbour and sustain immense biological

diversity at all levels. With only 2.4% of world’s land area, India

accounts for 7-8% of recorded species of the world. The geographical

location of India between 8°4’ N and 37°6’N provides a wide

latitudinal spread and permits a vast range of variations in climatic

conditions. Broadly, India consists of: (i) Two ‘Realms’- the

Himalayan region represented by Palaearctic Realm and the rest of the

sub-continent by Malayan Realm;

(ii) Five Biomes-

(a) Tropical Humid Forests;

(b) Tropical Dry or Deciduous Forests;

(c) Warm Deserts and Semi-Deserts;

(d) Coniferous Forests, and

(e) Alpine meadows; and

(iii) Ten Bio-geographic Zones

(1-Trans Himalaya, 5.6%; 2-Himalaya, 6.4%; 3-Desert, 6.6%; 4-Semi-

arid, 16.6%; 5-Western Ghats, 4.0%; 6-Deccan Peninsula, 42%;

7-Gangetic Plains, 10.8%; 8-Coasts, 2.5%; 9-North East, 5.2%;

10-Islands, 0.3%) and Twenty eight Bio-geographic provinces.

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India has now 10 of the 18 biosphere reserves under the World Network

of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) of UNESCO as listed below:

BIOSPHERE RESERVES IN INDIA

NAME OF Biosphere Reserve DATE OF DESIGNATION

Domestic/ International

1) Nilgiri BR(5520sq.km) 01.08.1986(10/11/2000)

2) Nanda Devi(5860.69sq.km) 18.01.1988(29/10/2004)

3) Great Nicobar BR (885 sq.km) 06.01.1989(30/05/2013)

4) Gulf of Mannar BR(10500sq.km) 18.02.1989(10/11/2001)

5) Sundarban BR (9630sq.km) 29.03.1989(10/11/2001)

6) Similipal BR (4374sq.km) 21.06.1994(26/05/2009)

7) Nokrek BR(820sq.km) 01.09.1998(26/05/2009)

8) Pachmarhi BR (4981.72sq.km) 03.03.1999(26/05/2009)

9) Achanak Amarkantak(3835.51sq.km) 30.03.2005(11/07/2012)

10) Agashtiyamala BR (3500.36sq.km) 02.11.2001(19.03.2016)

11) Manas BR((2837sq.km) 14.03.1989

12) Dibru-Saikhowa BR (765sq.km) 28.07.1997

13) Dehang-Dibang BR(5111.5sq.km) 02.09.1998

14) Khangchendzonga BR(2931.12sq.km) 07.02.2000

15) Cold Desert BR(7770sq.km) 28.08.2009

16) Seshachalam BR(4755sq.km) 20.09.2011

17) Panna BR(2998sq.km) 25.08.2011

18) Kachchh BR(12454sq.km) 29.01.2008

Definition:

Biosphere Reserve (BR) is an international designation by UNESCO for

representative parts of natural and cultural landscapes extending over

large area of terrestrial, coastal/marine ecosystems or a combination

thereof. BRs are designated to deal with one of the most important

questions of reconciling the conservation of biodiversity, the quest

for economic and social development and maintenance of associated

cultural values. BRs are thus special environments for both people and

the nature and are living examples of how human beings and nature can

co-exist while respecting each others needs. These areas are

internationally recognized within the framework of UNESCO’s Man and

Biosphere (MAB) programme and the world’s major ecosystem types and

landscapes are represented in this network.

The Indian National Man and Biosphere (MAB) Committee constituted by

the Central Government reviews progress of the programme, advises the

Government and recommends potential sites for designation as Biosphere

Reserves as per UNESCO’s guidelines and criteria. The proposal for

establishment of Biosphere Reserves in India was considered by the

Committee of Secretaries in 1983 and the Committee recommended for

creation of a scheme on establishment and management of Biosphere

Reserves. Nilgiri was the first protected area to be designated as

Biosphere Reserve in 1986. Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate

Change, Government of India and its MAB Committee in coordination with

UNESCO initiated the establishment of South and Central Asia

MAB(SACAM)Network in 2001 and the first SACAM meeting was held at

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Dehradun, India from 22-25 February,2001. Since then SACAM has met 8

times. Last meeting was held in Almaty, Kazakhstan on 24-25 October,

2016. SACAM Network provides an institutional mechanism for South and

Central Asian countries to work together in MAB programme areas

particularly in the effective management of Biosphere Reserves and it

also promotes exchange of information concerning institutional and

administrative arrangements for the management of Biosphere Reserves.

It also facilitates inter-regional cooperation with similar networks

in other parts of Asia and in the World. List of Indian National MAB

Committee is at Annexure ‘B’.

Distribution of Indian BRs across Bio-geographic provinces

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ACTIVITIES BY INDIAN NATIONAL MAB COMMITTEE

A. National level:

i. National MAB Committee meets annually and the representatives from the

implementing authorities viz. State Governments, Non Government

organisations and other stakeholders actively participate in the

deliberations.

ii. Meeting cum workshop was held in Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve from 20-

21 February, 2017 to bring out the National Action Plan on the basis

of Lima Action Plan. Proceedings of this workshop brought out the

National Action Plan towards Agenda 2030 and are annexed at “A”.

iii. Last five years allocation of funds by the Federal Government for MAB

activities in the 18 BRs stood at US$460 million. Activities in the

Biosphere Reserves are taken up in the Core, Buffer and the transition

areas. Some of the activities implemented by the BRs are value

addition activities, sustainable use of threatened resources,

rehabilitation of landscapes of threatened species, ecosystems, socio-

economic upliftment of local communities, compensation, maintenance

and protection of corridor areas, development of communication system,

networking and development of eco-tourism.

iv. National MAB Committee in consultation with the state government shall

be submitting a new proposal “Thar Desert National Park” from

Rajasthan for its designation and inclusion in the World Network of

Biosphere Reserve. Indian National MAB committee is in the process of

preparing the proposal for inclusion of its 7 domestic Biosphere

Reserves in the WNBR.

v. India being the global host for this year’s World Environment Day with

the Theme ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’, all 18 Biosphere Reserves have

been advised to declare the Biosphere Reserve as plastic free zone.

Most of the Core zones in the Biosphere Reserves are already plastic free and

to make all the three zones of the Biosphere Reserves plastic free- number of

workshops, meetings and brainstorming sessions are being organised.

vi. Research and monitoring is an important aspect of the Biosphere Reserve

programme to understand changes taking place in these unique

ecosystems. Research and monitoring in existing Biosphere Reserves

and Potential sites is not only crucial but constitutes the very

basis of designing development strategies and solutions for

management of relevant problems. Some of the notable research

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projects in Biosphere Reserves have been completed by the lead

institutes and are as below:

1) Ecological Evaluation, Mapping and Conservation

Prioritization of Floristic Diversity of the Spiti Valley

in the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve by Dr.S.S.Samant,

GBNIHESD,

2) Biodiversity Monitoring Expedition of Nanda Devi

Biosphere Reserve by WII,

3) Identification of Critical Himalayan musk deer (Moschus

chrysogaster) and Black musk deer (Moschus fuscus)

habitat, population estimation and conservation in Sikkim

Himalaya”, Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve,

4) Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report of Khangchendzonga

Biosphere Reserve by Forest Department, Sikkim

5) Littoral Faunal Diversity of Great Nicobar Biosphere

Reserve and

6) Faunal Diversity of Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve by

Zoological Survey of India

vii. Periodic Review as mandated by MAB, UNESCO has been carried out and

reports submitted to MAB UNESCO for Nilgiri(2013), Gulf of

Mannar(2013), Sundarban(2013) and Nanda Devi Biosphere

Reserves(2016).

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B. State Level:

i. Sundarban Biosphere Reserve

Joint Forest Management Committee (JFMC) and Self Help Groups(SHGs)

have been set up to reduce the dependency of the villagers on the

forest resources and river for livelihood.

JFMC and SHGs have played important role in bringing options of

alternative livelihood, knowledge and skill development to the

villagers thereby empowering the villagers socially, economically

and technologically.

Women participation in livelihood Duckery as alternative livelihood

activities

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Percentage of Housing structure

Number of forest visits and food security in a month

Blood Honey Collection Lab Testing and Brand

Collection from Apiary Boxes Manual Honey Processing Unit

90%

10%

Previous

Mud house

Concrete House

40%

60%

Present

Mud house

Concrete House

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

Forest Visit Food Security

30

10 10

25

Previous

0

20

40

60

80

100

Previous Present

95

15

% of female forest goers

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Quality testing of the Honey from Sundarban BR

Nylon Net fencing to avoid Man-animal conflict

Royal Bengal Tiger Panthera tigris

Achievements:

89 persons were trained on Pisciculture, animal husbandry, Food

processing etc. as alternative livelihood. People have already

started earning ₹40 to 60thousand.

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Honey collected from the BR is processed locally and sold as

produce of Sundarban Biosphere Reserve.

Net fencing with the support of e-patrolling (by mobile

application “Hejje”) in the core area of Sundarban Biosphere

Reserve has drastically minimised the human-Tiger conflict.

ii. Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve- The first Biosphere reserve in

India established in the year 1986. It is located in the Western

Ghats and spreads across 2 of the 10 bio-geographical provinces of

India. A wide range of ecosystems and species diversity is found in

this region. The total area of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is

5,520 sq. kms. and is located in the Western Ghats between 76°-

77°15‘E and 11°15‘ - 12°15‘N. The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve

encompasses parts of TamilNadu, Kerala and Karnataka. The annual

rainfall of the reserve ranges from 500 mm to 7000mm with

temperature ranging from 0°C during winter to 41°C during summer.

Initiatives/ Actions on SDG 17:

Ecotourism activity in lake Baralikadu Promotion of sports activity

Eco-tourism initiative is successful with nearly 200 tribal both

men and women getting employed and remuneration.

Annual revenue from eco-tourism stands at ₹12 million.

iii. Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve –

The coastal areas along the Gulf of Mannar has more than 225 fishing

villages having population of about two lakh, 118 fish landing

centres, 3961 mechanized vessels, 12681 country crafts and 8586

catamarans and they depend on fishing for their livelihood. It is

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necessary to provide alternate livelihood options to them, ensure

sustainable fishing so as to reduce their dependency on Gulf of Mannar

Biosphere Reserve.

Micro credits for livelihood

Table shows the improvement in Livelihood of the stakeholders

Sl. No. Housing Condition 2015 2005

1 Pucca 51.39% 13.48%

2 Semi Pucca 33.33% 43.96%

3 Kutcha 15.28% 44.23%

Source: Report by Institute of Sustainable Development, Chennai March 2017

Achievements:

Vocational training imparted to 1902 persons as health assistant,

computer application, tailoring, driving, welding, basic

electrical and plumbing technology. Out of 1902, 707 persons got

suitable employments in India and abroad.

3 person who underwent computer training is now employed as

Project officer in People’s Action for Development(PAD) an NGO.

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252 Village Marine Councils(VMC)/Eco Development Committees(EDC)

set up in coastal villages of two districts

Micro credits provided to the members for alternate income

generation activities.

Corpus fund of ₹80.8million has now grown to ₹120million.

15 Self Help Groups (SHG) comprising 186 members have benefited

and the illegal hunting of marine animals completely stopped.

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iv. Agasthiyarmalai Biosphere Reserve –

The Agasthyarmalai Biosphere Reserve (ABR) is located in the

southernmost end of the Western Ghats with a towering Agasthiyar peak

of 1868MSL. ABR has been recognized as World Natural Heritage Site in

2012 and the Biosphere Reserve has been included in the World Network

of Biosphere Reserves in 2016.

Biogeographically Agasthyamalai is one of the important ‘Hot Spots’ in

the Western Ghats and is an epicentre of plant diversity and endemism.

Initiatives/ Actions on SDG 17 - Partnership to achieve goals:

Community & Officials interactions Creation of Carbon sinks

in a common platform

Achievements:

57 participatory people’s institutions constituted in the

villages located within 5 km from the boundaries of Biosphere

Reserve.

21,960 forest dependent Village Forest Committee members have

undertaken alternate income generation activities and this

measure has eliminated their dependency on fuel wood, fodder and

NTFP collection from the Biosphere Reserve.

2281 forest dependents have been imparted with skill development

training for undertaking alternate income generation activities.

Implementation of Eco development initiatives with active

participation of people. Improvement in education has seen 9019

students getting educational assistance.

Awareness creation and community mobilization programmes

conducted in the fringe villages of the Biosphere Reserve by

Arumbugal Trust, a Tirunelveli based NGO.

More than 100 biotic pressure trails on the eastern boundary of

the Biosphere Reserve got restored with indigenous vegetation.

Grazing has been reduced totally.

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v. Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve –

The Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve lies between latitude 22011' to 22

050'

N and 77047' to 78

052' E longitude in central part of India covering

parts of Hoshangabad, Chhindwara and Betul districts of Madhya

Pradesh.

Training to beneficiaries Agroforestry in Nissen village

Trekking during nature camp Students and teachers at nature camp

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Smokeless chullah

Activities towards SDGs 3, 7 and 13

Installation of smokeless chullha in 140 homes of Nishan village,

Chhindwara district

Successful implementation of Agro-forestry thereby assuring a

sustainable source of income and fuel.

Vi. Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve –

Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve is located in Sikkim state in the

north-eastern region of India, bordering Nepal in the West and China

(Tibet) in the north-west.

Total area of the Biosphere Reserve is 2619.92 Km2, which includes

1784 Km2 of Khangchendzonga National Park forming the core zone 835.92

Km2 around the Park forming the buffer zone, and 311.20 Km2 of

Transition Zone

KBR comprises of unique geomorphic features of high mountains and

peaks, glaciers and lakes. Khangchendzonga BR comprises of glaciers,

mountains and lakes and is endowed with one of the highest eco-systems

in the world.

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Organic farming Distribution of LPG

Musk Deer (Moschus chrysogaster) in KBR

Actions towards SDGs

Supporting and encouraging alternative employment through

ecotourism, organic farming, piggery etc.

Substituting firewood use by LPG, low fuel consuming cooking

devices, encouraging solar light etc

Organizing health camps, cattle immunization programmes etc.

Discouraging open defecation and encouraging personal hygiene by

building toilets, providing safe drinking water through provision

of water tanks etc

Encouraging income generating activities by sanctioning loan and

training the stakeholders, so as to lessen the dependency on

forest and also to have a decent income to sustain their

livelihood

Afforestation programmes to reforest and to improve the quality

of degraded forest

Habitat management programmes to reduce the pressure on habitat

Garbage management system to lessen the garbage in the high

altitude areas

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Garbage bins Promoting alternative livelihood

Free medical camp

Public conveniences in the KBR

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vii. Similipal Biosphere Reserve –

Similipal is the largest contiguous Sal forest in India covering an area of 5569 square kilometers. More than 1200 villages comprising

of various ethnic tribal groups depend on Similipal hills for their

socio-economic and cultural needs. The reserve management has

identified various alternate livelihood opportunities like organic

farming, horticulture, apiculture, pisci-culture and animal husbandry

to support the sustenance of the tribal groups and conserve the local

biodiversity.

Similipal is known for its population of the rare melanistic Tiger

Achievements:

During the year 2017-18 450 persons have been provided with LPG

and solar lights in their houses.

Alternative livelihoods has benefited more than 900 persons and

this include Pisciculture, Agriculture, Animal Husbandry etc.

More than 500 people participated in the awareness campaign

organised by the authorities.

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Eco tourism orientation training in Similipal Biosphere Reserve

Awareness campaign in the Similipal Biosphere Reserve

viii. Nokrek Biosphere Reserve-

Nokrek Biosphere Reserve (NBR) is the second smallest of 18 BRs in

India, which got its status in 1988 from the Government of India and

included in UNESCO Man and Biosphere World Network on 26th May, 2009. Nokrek Biosphere Reserve is located in the North-Western part of

Meghalaya comprises of parts of East, West and South Garo Hill

districts and lies between 90°13’ to 90°35’ E Longitude and 25°20’ to

25°29’ N Latitude.

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Pristine forests of Nokrek Biosphere Reserve

Hoolock gibbon(Hoolock hoolock) in Nokrek Biosphere Reserve

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Shifting cultivation

Promoting & enhancing the Tribal performing Wangala dance

socio-economic status of

the local people

Achievements:

Area of shifting cultivation in Nokrek BR has decreased, whereas

the horticulture output has gone up.

Solar lamp supply to 250 Houses and provision of improved

chullahs to 110 families.

Empowering education with the supply of desks and benches to 75

schools

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CONCLUSION

Keeping in mind the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the

SDGs – the Biosphere Reserve programme of India emphasizes its

commitment for the implementation of Man and Biosphere (MAB) programme

toward achieving the long term conservation and sustainable

development goals enshrined within the concept of Biosphere Reserves

(BRs). A step towards implementing Lima Action Plan(LAP) – National

Action Plan have been prepared and is under implementation - the

strategy includes the WNBR as models for sustainable development

thereby increasing the number of WNBR from 10 to 18, effective

engagement of wide variety of stakeholders, enhanced synergies between

Biosphere Reserves and this includes the data sharing and good

communication strategy. Creation of Trans Boundary Reserve (TBR) of

Biosphere Reserves and adequate resources for the MAB programme and

WNBR shall further pave the way for SDGs.

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Annexure A

NATIONAL ACTION PLAN

FOR

INDIAN BIOSPHERE RESERVES (INCLUDING THOSE UNDER THE WNBR)

BASED ON LIMA ACTION PLAN

Outcome Actions Outputs Responsibility Time Range Performance indicators

Strategic Action Area A. Indian Biosphere Reserves including those under the WNBR consisting of effectively functioning models for sustainable development.

A1. Biosphere Reserves (BRs) recognized as models contributing to the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs)

A1.1 BRs annual action plans aligned to the achievement of SDGs and CBD (Convention on Biodiversity)

BRs have aligned their action plans to the achievement of SDGs and CBD

National MAB Committee, BRs, Lead Institutes

2017-2025 Number of BRs with specific actions to achieve SDGs and CBD goals and targets

A1.2 The alliances with multi stakeholders and relevant agencies at local, national and international levels established. The rights of indigenous people and benefits to local communities addressed.

BRs have established alliances with multi stakeholders and agencies and have addressed issues related to the benefits of communities including indigenous people’s rights

National MAB Committee, BRs, Local authorities

By the end of 2018

Number of BRs with alliances for conservation and development

A1.3 Long term monitoring sites for research on climate change identified and established within BRs.

BRs used as priority sites and observatories for ecosystem-based climate change action

National MAB committee, BRs, Lead Agencies

By the end of 2020

Number of climate change-related projects implemented in BRs, number of national climate change strategies

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acknowledging the role of BRs

A1.4 BRs adopt green economic initiative/green enterprises

Green economic initiatives promoting sustainable development implemented in BRs

MoEFCC, BRs, Community groups and Business sector

2017-2025 Number of green economic initiatives undertaken and promoted in BRs

A1.5 Long term conservation of socio-ecological systems within various BRs promoted.

Socio-ecological systems in BRs conserved and maintained

Lead agencies, BRs

2017-2025 Number of conservation initiatives for socio-ecological systems are in place.

A2. Open and participatory selection, planning and implementation of BRs

A2.1 Open and participatory mechanism ensured for selecting, designing, planning and nominating BRs, taking into account local and indigenous practices, traditions and cultures, and based on sound science. It will be applied to the periodic review of BRs.

BR nomination and review processes are produced and implemented through participatory approaches, considering local and indigenous practices, traditions and cultures, and based on sound science

National MAB Committee, national and state governments, BRs, all concerned stakeholders

2017-2025 Number of national guidelines and/or policies for the process leading to nomination of BRs; number of BRs with open and participatory periodic review processes

A2.2 Effective communication plans and strategies will be developed and implemented in all the BRs.

BRs will develop communication plans and mechanisms to ensure communication between their managers and both stakeholders and MAB

Individual BRs, National MAB committee, MoEFCC

2017-2025 Number of BRs with communication plans

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networks

A3. Integration of BRs into relevant legislation, policies and/or programmes complemented by support for the functioning of BRs

A3.1 BRs related provisions included into relevant national and state legislations and policies

BRs integrated into national and regional development, territorial planning, environment and other sectoral legislation, policies and/or programmes

Concerned Government agencies, National MAB Committee/BRs

2017-2025 Number of references to BRs in policies and/or programmes

A3.2 Effective governance and management structures supported in each BR as per relevant national and international guidelines and statutes

Financial and human resources provided to the BR managers and lead institutes

MoEFCC, National MAB Committee/BRs

2017-2025 Number of BRs with adequate annual budgets and staff

A4. Research, practical learning and training opportunities that support the management of BRs and sustainable development in BRs

A4.1 Partnerships with academic/research/ training institutions will be established. UNESCO Chair on Biosphere Reserve will be set up in an identified research organization/ university.

Partnerships established, maintained, and reinforced. Setting up of a UNESCO Chair.

National MAB Committee, BRs, partner universities, research institutions, etc.

By the end of 2020

Number of partnerships with academic/research/training institutions Creation of a UNESCO Chair on BR

A4.2 Good practices for sustainable development will be identified and shared with all the BRs.

Good practices identified through research and shared to other BRs

National MAB Committee, BRs, lead institutes

2017-2025 Number of good practices identified and shared

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A4.3 Research proposals will be developed by the lead institutes in collaboration with BR managers who will integrate it in management plans.

Collaborative research projects undertaken. Results of research integrated in management plans

National MAB Committee, Lead institutes, BRs

2017-2025 Number of research proposals developed and integrated in BR management plans

A5. Financial sustainability of BRs

A5.1 Effective business plan for each BR will be developed and implemented to generate financial resources

With common consensus of partner organizations and MAB committee, BR business plan developed and implemented

National MAB committee, BRs

By 2018 Number of BRs with business plan and sustained funding

A6. The effective functioning of the WNBR, with all BRs complying with its Statutory Framework

A6.1 An effective periodic review process as defined in the Statutory Framework and adaptive management processes will be implemented

Periodic review process implemented in line with the Statutory Framework. Adaptive management processes applied by BRs


2017-2025 Number of BRs that comply with Statutory Framework on the basis of periodic review reports submitted on time. Number of BRs that apply adaptive management principles, as evidenced by periodic review reports

A7. BRs recognized as sources and stewards of ecosystem services

A 7.1 Assessment of ecosystem services for each BR should be made on priority and their provision should be encouraged

Ecosystem services are assessed and actions to facilitate their provision is implemented


2017-2025 Quality and quantity of ecosystem services provided by BRs, as indicated in periodic reviews

A 7.2 Guidelines for the payment of Ecosystem services, will be developed in

Guidelines for Payment of ecosystems services developed


2017-2025 Number of BRs with payment of ecosystem services mechanisms established

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consultation with the stakeholders

A 7.3 Both in situ and ex situ conservation of economically and culturally important species will be implemented in respective BRs

Ex situ and in situ conservation initiatives implemented in BRs

State Govt, National MAB committee, & BRs, in collaboration with lead institutes

2017-2025 Number of initiatives per BR targeted to improve the status of species of economic and/or cultural value


Strategic Action Area B. Inclusive, dynamic and result oriented collaboration and networking within the MAB Programme and the World Network of Biosphere Reserve.

B1. Effective BR managers/coordinators and engaged stakeholders of BRs

B1.1 Capacity building of front line staff to senior BR/Lead Institutes/Stakeholders officials through training/workshop which can help in R&D activities and exposure in research.

Capacity building programmes held through training and workshops

MAB Secretariat, National MAB committee, UNESCO New Delhi, Universities

2017-2025 Number of programmes established, number of events and participants

B1.2Regional, issue specific Training in local language.

Training conducted in regional/local language and adapted to local context

MAB Sect, National MAB committee, Universities

2017-2025 Number of training programmes adapted to regional and local specificities

B3. An active and open transdisciplinary network of scientists/knowledge holders sharing MAB vision and mission

B3.1 Building a Network of scientists and practitioners to support MAB/biosphere reserves

A list of relevant research institutions working in and with BRs will be established by the MAB national committee and shared

National MAB Committee, Lead Institutes, scientists/ knowledge holders

By the end of 2017

Number of contacts established between research institutes and BR managers

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with concerned BRs managers

B3.2 Joint research and knowledge exchange programmes

Joint research and knowledge exchange agenda developed, webpage made for each BR

National MAB committee, BRs, Lead Institutes & Scientists

By the end of 2019

Quality and content of the joint research agenda and of developed webpages

Outcome Action Outputs Responsibility Time range Performance indicator

Strategic Action Area C. Effective external partnership and sufficient and sustainable funding for the MAB Programme and the World Network of Biosphere reserves.

C1. Adequate resources for the MAB programme and the WNBR

C1.1 Public-private partnerships introduced for exploring the possibilities of business and marketing of NTFP & other crops and products.

Public-private partnership will be introduced to develop business and marketing of products


By the end of 2018

Resources generated by the PPP

C2. Recognition of the MAB Programme as a key partner within UNESCO and with other international organizations and relevant conventions

C2.1 Partnership with UNESCO and other relevant international agencies

Strengthened partnership with UNESCO and other relevant international organizations conventions

MAB Secretariat, National MAB committee, BRs

2017-2025 Number of collaborations and partnerships developed

C3. BRs and regional networks generating their own revenues

C3.1 Revenue generating policies and capacity building programme introduced through branding of BR

Policies and capacity building programmes, particularly those aiming to develop branding of BR products

MAB Secretariat, National MAB committee, BRs, NGOs

2017-2025 Number of livelihood generation policies and capacity building programmes implemented. Number of BR which have

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products.

developed branding of their products

C4. Recognition of the MAB Programme as a key partner by private sector

C4.1 Partnership with the private sector developed

Meaningful partnership to support conservation and livelihood developed

MAB Secretariat, National MAB Committee and other stakeholders

Before MAB ICC in 2018

Number of partnerships established between BRs and the private sector

C5. Recognition that the MAB Programme contributes to the delivery of the objectives of national, regional funding programs

C5.1 Project proposals submitted to different national and regional funding programs, depending on their objectives and areas of interest

Project proposals prepared targeting national and subnational funding agencies in line with shared objectives

National and sub national authorities and lead institutes, National MAB committee, UNESCO, New Delhi and BRs

2017-2025 Number of proposals and projects submitted/funded by relevant government agencies

C6. Entrepreneurs and social enterprises contribute to BR activities

C6.1 Entrepreneurs and social enterprises identified and incentives provided for the involvement in BRs. Eco tourism, guides, micro-finance, handicraft items from bamboo etc.

Entrepreneurs identified and incentives provided for stakeholders’ involvement in BRs

National MAB committee, BRs, National Commission for UNESCO, MAB Secretariat, business sector, entrepreneurs, social enterprises

2017-2025 Number of businesses and enterprises involved with BRs

C7. Recognition of BRs nationally and internationally

C7.1 Potential sites identified in terms of rich biodiversity, cultural heritage, sensitive eco zones etc. and nominated in national and international MAB network. Specific

Particularly ecologically sensitive and biodiversity rich sites identified and recognized in national and international MAB network. Branding for BR products developed

National MAB committee, BRs, MAB Secretariat, lead institutes, business sector

2017-2025 Number of sites nominated and recognized as BRs Number of products and services that carry the BR brand

29


products identified and branded within the national guidelines.

C8. Enhanced synergies between BRs

C8.1 Products that can be harvested sustainably identified. Joint committee/autonomous council including stake holders constituted to enhance the synergies

Joint committees/ autonomous councils will be constituted, in order to share information on the availability of goods and services in BRs

National authorities, BRs, business sector

2017-2025 Number of joint committees/ autonomous councils constituted


Strategic Action Area D. Comprehensive, modern, open, and transparent communication, information and data sharing

D1. Full availability of MAB documents, data, information and other material

D1.1 Awareness programmes on open access policy for MAB/BR documents, data and information implemented.

MAB/BR documents, data and information made fully accessible to relevant stakeholders, especially in the BRs’ and MoEFCC websites

MAB Secretariat, Networks, National MAB committee, BRs

By the end of 2017

Number of programmes related to information organized

D2. Increased awareness of all aspects of the MAB Programme

D2.1 Develop and implement communication strategy and action plan for MAB/ BRs

Communication strategy and action plan for MAB/ BRs developed and implemented

MAB Secretariat, National MAB committee, BRs, lead agencies

2017-2025 Communication strategy and action plan approved and endorsed by MAB ICC

D3. Broader engagement and outreach

D3.1 Use of all forms of media and communication channels

Media including social media and websites utilized


2017-2025 Number of stakeholders using media

30


Strategic Action Area E. Effective governance of and within the MAB Programme and the World Network of Biosphere Reserves

E1. Strong support for the implementation of the MAB Programme from the governments of Member States

E1.1 Representation of National MAB committee/BRs at each MAB ICC session

Indian representatives participated in ICC sessions

National MAB Committee

2017-2025 Number of members present at each ICC

E1.2 Provide institutional support and resources to ensure that the national MAB committee and national BR network can carry out their mission

National MAB committee and national BR network provided with resources ensuring their functioning

National and subnational authorities

2017-2025 Percentage of funding to MAB and BRs increased

E2. MAB National Committees have a trans-disciplinary membership

E2.1 Inclusion of various organizations representing agriculture, forestry, fisheries, animal husbandry, Horticulture ,Socio-Economy and communities in the national monitoring committee

The MAB national committee includes a wide range of organizations and has a trans-disciplinary membership

National and subnational authorities, National MAB committee

2017-2025 Number of sectors, agencies and disciplines within the MAB committee

E3. Regular progress updates by Member States and monitoring of the Action Plan

E3.1 Submit a biennial report to the ICC covering progress made in the national BR network

Biennial reports submitted to the ICC using a template based on performance indicators provided by the MAB Secretariat

National and subnational authorities, National MAB committee

2017-2025 Number of reports submitted to the MAB Secretariat

E4. Effective functioning of regional and thematic

E4.1 Develop a plan with objectives, performance

Plans developed for each regional/thematic network and

National and subnational authorities, National MAB

2017-2025 Number of networks with adequate

31


networks assessment mechanisms and timeframe for each regional and thematic network and submit annual reports on their performances

annual performance reports submitted

committee, regional/ thematic networks, BRs

plans and performance reports submitted

34

ACRONYMS

BR Biosphere Reserve

WNBR World Network of Biosphere Reserve

35

NAP National Action Plan

MAB Man and Biosphere Programme

LAP Lima Action Plan

ICC International Coordinating Council

SDG Sustainable Development Goal

SACAM South and Central Asia MAB Network

MEA Multilateral Environmental Agreements

CBD Convention on Biological Diversity

MAP Management Action Plan

JFMC Joint Forest Management Cell

SHG Self Help Group

introduction - unesco...vocational training imparted to 1902 persons as health assistant, computer...

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