Biosphere reserves: special places for people and nature

Abstract Before understanding how to protect and manage particular ecological systems, an understanding of its cultural context is necessary. The term cultural landscape, referring to the interaction between cultural influences and nature, is often used to describe this context. Many elements of human culture, including language and knowledge, both shape and are shaped by the landscape in which the culture exists. Presently there are multiple examples of biosphere reserves in which biological and cultural diversity are mutually reinforcing; taking this interaction into account is key when determining how to develop sustainable environments into the future. Biosphere reserves are a powerful tool for helping people achieve sustainability, especially as they are inherently models of the ecosystem approach for the convention on biological diversity.