The Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve: an unrealized vision for conservation

The Man and Biosphere Program of UNESCO (MAB) was a pioneer in recognizing the role of local communities in the conservation of biodiversity. Biosphere reserves of MAB were designed with a core zone with maximum protection, a buffer zone with regulated activities, and a transition zone outside the reserve proper. The transition zone is where experimental management options to promote sustainable development could be developed, and could add value to the conservation network and to regional activities. The Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve (NBR), with a core zone of 1,240 km(2) and a buffer zone of 4,280 km(2), was created in 1986 without a transition zone. The absence of a transition zone separates the protected areas (PAs) from each other, and the hard boundary between the PA and surrounding areas promotes human-wildlife conflict and encourages development inimical to the mandate of the Biosphere Reserve, ultimately affecting the regional economy through progressive degradation of the environment. We examine three case studies to illustrate these concerns: the implementation of the India-based Neutrino Observatory, resistance by tourist resorts against regulations for connecting elephant corridors, and whether the goals of local tourism operators meet the conservation objectives of the NBR. Landscape ecology and econometry can help design a transition zone on a sound economic basis. A better environment management is within technical and financial reach. But is it within political reach?