The role of scientific research in biosphere reserves

Scientific research and rescue of traditional knowledge represent an important component of Biosphere Reserves of UNESCO's MAB Programme. The World Network of Biosphere Reserves functions as support and experimental field to both, basic and applied research to sustainable management of natural resources, and to themes of local, regional, national and international interest. Biosphere Reserves hold important scientific information that is currently used in their implementation and management, and exchanged with other reserves of the World Network or with similarly-managed protected ar eas. The role that scientific research plays in Biosphere Reserves has been presented in this work taking Peru and its three Biosphere Reserves: Huascaran, Noroeste and Manu, as a practical example. The former stands out for its long and qualified scientific production, which may be one of the most important among Biosphere Reserves in tropical rainforests. Regarding Biosphere Reserves in Peru, the need of higher dissemination of produced knowledge and its use in its own reserves management, has been identified. It is recommended to follow-up basic studies, to carry out a higher number of applied investigations and monitoring studies, and to associate research to young scientist training, taking advantage of the diversify of landscapes revered by Peruvian Biosphere Reserves.