Park or biosphere reserve?
Parks and biosphere reserves are both types of protected areas, and their mandate is to conserve ecosystems and native biodiversity. The difference lies in the use of community-based efforts to manage, and where necessary, restore land and other resources to promote stable and sustainable economic activities. Biosphere reserves secure access to ecosystem services and promote sustainable development for the well being of people, the economy and the environment. National and provincial parks balance conservation with carefully monitored recreational uses and tend to be distributed in, and limited to, specific ecoregions. Also referred to as bioregions, ecoregions are ecologically and geographically defined regions that host biodiversity which is confined or distinct within their limits. Biosphere reserves, however, occur wherever an area has conservation value and the surrounding community has pledged to protect biodiversity, cultural heritage and uphold the principles of sustainable dev
