The Mura-Drava-Danube (MDD), known as the ‘Amazon of Europe’, was recently declared as the world’s first ‘five-country biosphere reserve’ by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). This landmark achievement brings to the fore an intricate network of rivers and diverse ecosystems stretching across five European countries, along with a commitment to balance preservation of nature with sustainable economic and social development.
What is the Mura-Drava-Danube Biosphere Reserve?
The MDD reserve extends over 700 kilometres covering the Mura, Drava and Danube rivers. It traverses through Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Hungary and Serbia, making it the world’s first multinational biosphere reserve. The total area spans a million hectares, establishing it as the largest riverine protected area in Europe.
This biosphere marks a crucial contribution to the European Green Deal (climate action plan) and aids the implementation of the EU Biodiversity Strategy within the region. The strategy’s objective includes revitalizing 25,000 km of rivers and protecting 30% of the European Union’s land area by 2030.
Why is MDD Important?
The MDD region is one of Europe’s richest areas in terms of species diversity. It comprises floodplain forests, gravel and sand banks, river islands, oxbows, and meadows. The area boasts Europe’s highest density of breeding pairs of white-tailed eagles, and it provides a sanctuary for endangered species such as the little tern, black stork, otters, beavers and sturgeons.
Moreover, it serves as a critical passage for over 250,000 migratory waterfowls annually, which further underlines its ecological significance.
About Biosphere Reserves
Biosphere Reserves (BRs) are regions internationally recognized by UNESCO to represent significant parts of natural and cultural landscapes. These spans across extensive land and coastal/marine ecosystems, or both. The intent of BRs is to harmonize economic and social development with preservation of nature and associated cultural values.
BRs are proposed by national governments but remain under the sovereign jurisdiction of the respective countries. They are designated under the intergovernmental Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme overseen by UNESCO’s Director-General and backed by the decisions of the MAB International Coordinating Council (MAB ICC).
Main Zones of Biosphere Reserves
Biosphere reserves are divided into three main zones. The Core Areas are strictly protected zones that contribute to the conservation of landscapes, ecosystems, species and genetic variation. Buffer Zones surround or adjoin the core areas, used for activities compatible with sound ecological practices that can reinforce scientific research, monitoring, training and education. Finally, Transition Areas are where communities cultivate socio-culturally and ecologically sustainable economic and human activities.
Biosphere Reserves in India
India is home to 18 Biosphere Reserves, 12 of which are recognized under UNESCO’s List of Man & Biosphere Reserves Programme. The most recent addition was the ‘Panna Biosphere Reserve’ in Madhya Pradesh. This ongoing commitment to preserving precious ecosystems and promoting sustainable growth offers hope for a healthier planet and a more balanced relationship between humans and their environments.
Last Modified: February 13, 2024