Why is Yellowstone called a Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site?
Because of the worldwide significance of its natural and cultural resources, the United Nations has designated Yellowstone National Park as both a Biophere Reserve and World Heritage Site. The United Nations Education, Science, and Culture Organization (UNESCO) designated Yellowstone a Biophsere Reserve in 1976 stating: “Yellowstone national park is recognized as part of the international network of biosphere reserves. This network of protected samples of the world’s major ecosystem types is devoted to conservation of nature and scientific research in the service of man. It provides a standard against which the effect of man’s impact on the environment can be measured.” UNESCO designated Yellowstone a World Heritage site in 1978, stating: “Through the collective recognition of the community of nations … Yellowstone … joins a select list of protected areas around the world whose outstanding natural and cultural resources form the common inheritance of all mankind.
