The Biosphere

What is a Biosphere Reserve?

The concept of a biosphere reserve was originated by UNESCO in 1974. There are now over 300 biosphere reserves in more than 80 countries including more than 12 in Australia.

Biosphere reserves are designed to deal with one of the most important questions that the world faces today:

"How can we reconcile conservation of native species and biological resources with their sustainable use?"

An effective biosphere reserve involves conservationists, scientists, development groups, management authorities and local communities, all working together on this complex issue.

The nine thousand square kilometres which now make up the Riverland Biosphere Reserve have been added to over time, through a series of partnerships. It is even now still evolving, gradually acquiring partnerships with a number of local landowners, business people, horticulturalists, Local Government and others who have embraced the Biosphere philosophy and linked their talents and activities to it.

Much of the success is due to the vision and generosity of individuals and organizations who could see its potential.

Support has been both International, from the Chicago Zoological Society and individuals in the United States, and National from Australia's Federal Government, the South Australian State Government and Australian zoological societies and philanthropic trusts and foundations, through the Australian Landscape Trust.

The Riverland Biosphere is about much more than the preservation of ecologically valuable land. It seeks to combine sociology with biology, merge conservation with the sustainable use of natural resources and draw on the strengths of both public and private bodies to support the local community to secure its own future.