Ecology
Slovak Committee for the UNESCO Man and Biosphere Programme (MAB) and Biosphere Reserves in Slovakia
About MAB in general:
MAB is an intergovernmental scientific programme. It was established in 1971 to form a scientific basis for the improvement of relations between people and their environment. It proposes an interdisciplinary research and training in the management of natural resources.
The Man and Biosphere Programme is a programme which combines the knowledge of natural and social sciences and hence creates the basis for a rational and sustainable use and conservation of biosphere reserves and for the overall improvement of relations between humanity and the environment. Utilizing the acquired knowledge and experience, it is able to predict the consequences of contemporary human activities in the future and thereby enhance the ability to effectively manage natural resources for the benefit of both – the human population and also the environment.
MAB focuses on the sites inscribed in the list of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves and its main roles are as follows:
· To identify and consider the changes in biosphere, which are caused by human and natural activity, and their impact on man and on the environment, particularly in relation to climate changes.
· To examine and compare the mutual dynamic relations between natural and semi-natural ecosystems and socio-economic processes, particularly in relation to the increasing loss of biological diversity and the unpredictable consequences of this loss, which may affect the ability of the ecosystems to perform the functions necessary for the welfare of mankind.
· Ensure basic human needs and a livable environment, despite rapid urbanization and enormous energy consumption – the main causes of negative environmental changes.
· To promote the exchange and transfer of knowledge about the problems and solutions concerning the environment and to promote environmental education in order to ensure sustainable development.
More information about MAB can be found at: http://www.unesco.org/new/en/natural-sciences/environment/ecological-sciences/man-and-biosphere-programme/
Biosphere Reserves in Slovakia
The World Network of Biosphere Reserves, which is closely related with MAB, currently consists of 631 Biosphere Reserves in 119 countries worldwide.
In Slovakia, we have 4 Biospheric Reserves (BR):
1. Slovenský kras BR
Slovenský kras BR is the oldest BR in Slovakia. It was established in 1977.
More information may be found here:
http://www.uke.sav.sk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=258&lang=en&Itemid=
2. Poľana BR
Poľana BR is the second oldest BR in Slovakia. It was established in 1990.
More information may be found here:
http://www.uke.sav.sk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=259&lang=en&Itemid=
3. Východné Karpaty BR
Východné Karpaty BR is the first trilateral BR in the world (Slovakia, Poland and Ukraine). In regards to its size – it is the second larges BR in Europe. It was established in 1998.
More information may be found here:
http://www.sopsr.sk/nppoloniny/en/nature.php
http://www.uke.sav.sk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=256&lang=en&Itemid=
4. Tatry BR
Tatry BR is a bilateral BR (Slovakia, Poland). It was established in 1993.
More information may be found here:
http://www.uke.sav.sk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=257&lang=en&Itemid=
More information about BR in Slovakia in general may be found here:
http://www1.enviroportal.sk/indikatory/schema.php?schema=101
