IBP, MAB, IUCN and UNEP
International Biological Programme (IBP):-
> An international research programme conducted approximately from 1966 to 1975 with the aim of understanding the dynamics of whole ecosystems from a range of world environments, e.g. desert and tropical rain forest.
> Objectives included the development of predictive mathematical models for ecosystem structure and function to help assess the effects of as yet unexperienced environmental impacts, as well as aiding the understanding of changes associated with past disruptions.
> Although not all the projects were equally successful and a complete reference set of models has not been produced and accepted, the models that do exist provide a rational basis for evaluating the likely consequences of proposed human interventions, for remedying the effects of previous human use of an area, and for adapting management systems to improve productivity and environmental quality.
Man and Biosphere Programme (MAB):-
> Launched in 1971, UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) is an intergovernmental scientific programme that aims to establish a scientific basis for the improvement of relationships between people and their environments.
> MAB combines natural and social sciences, economics and education to improve human livelihoods and the equitable sharing of benefits, and to safeguard natural and managed ecosystems, thus promoting innovative approaches to economic development that are socially and culturally appropriate, and environmentally sustainable.
> UNESCO has introduced the designation ‘Biosphere Reserve’ for natural areas to minimize conflict between development and conservation.
> Biosphere Reserves are nominated by national government which meets a minimal set of criteria under the Man and Biosphere Reserve Program of UNESCO.
> There are currently 738 biosphere reserves in 134 countries, including 22 transboundary sites.
> There are total 12 biosphere reserves of India which have been recognized internationally under Man and Biosphere Reserve program:
i. Nilgiri (First to be included)
ii. Gulf of Mannar
iii. Sunderban
iv. Nanda Devi
v. Nokrek
vi. Pachmarhi
vii. Similipal
viii. Achanakmar - Amarkantak
ix. Great Nicobar
x. Agasthyamala
xi. Khangchendzonga (Added under Man and Biosphere Reserve Program in 2018)
xii. Panna, Madhya Pradesh (The latest included BR)
International Union for Conservation of Natural resources (IUCN):-
> IUCN was established in 1948.
> It is an international organization working in the field of nature conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.
> It is involved in data gathering and analysis, research, field projects, advocacy, and education.
> IUCN's mission is to "influence, encourage and assist societies throughout the world to conserve nature and to ensure that any use of natural resources is equitable and ecologically sustainable".
> Over the past decades, IUCN has widened its focus beyond conservation ecology and now incorporates issues related to sustainable development in its projects.
> IUCN does not itself aim to mobilize the public in support of nature conservation.
> It tries to influence the actions of governments, business and other stakeholders by providing information and advice and through building partnerships.
> The organization is best known to the wider public for compiling and publishing the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, which assesses the conservation status of species worldwide.
> IUCN has observer and consultative status at the United Nations, and plays a role in the implementation of several international conventions on nature conservation and biodiversity.
> It was involved in establishing the World Wide Fund for Nature and the World Conservation Monitoring Centre.
> In the past, IUCN has been criticized for placing the interests of nature over those of indigenous peoples. In recent years, its closer relations with the business sector have caused controversy.
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP):-
> It is responsible for coordinating responses to environmental issues within the United Nations system.
> It was established by Maurice Strong, its first director, after the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm in June 1972.
> Its mandate is to provide leadership, deliver science and develop solutions on a wide range of issues, including climate change, the management of marine and terrestrial ecosystems, and green economic development.
> The organization also develops international environmental agreements; publishes and promotes environmental science and helps national governments achieve environmental targets.
> As a member of the United Nations Development Group, UNEP aims to help the world meet the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
> UNEP hosts the secretariats of several multilateral environmental agreements and research bodies, including:
i. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
ii. The Minamata Convention on Mercury
iii. The Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions
iv. The Convention on Migratory Species
v. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
> In 1988, the World Meteorological Organization and UNEP established the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
> UNEP is also one of several Implementing Agencies for the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol.