Energy and Environment Science and Technology Campus of International Excellence
Abstract
The present work roots on the Madrid Action Plan (MAP) 2008-2013 for the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR), which faces emerging challenges related to the provision of ecosystem services. These are recognized by the MAP as a useful framework to superimpose on the multiple functions of Biosphere Reserves, ranging from protection to production in landscapes. The essence of Biosphere Reserves as sustainable development sites is accordingly seen as an effort to preserve and promote place-specific mixes of supporting, provisioning, regulating, and cultural ecosystem services that enable the environmental, economic, and social well-being of resident and stakeholder communities.
We report here research, management and socio-economic achievements after 30 years of active and continuing consultations between the scientific and research communities, policy and decision makers, resource managers and resident populations in the Mancha Húmeda Biosphere Reserve (MHBR), paying attention to their critical role in finding the optimal mix of ecosystem services that reveal MHBR as a model for land level sustainable development at the national and global levels.
Besides, regional and national networks of Biosphere Reserves play an essential role within the broader WNBR. Accordingly, it is also presented how the practical knowledge, experience and infrastructure available at the MHBR since its designation in 1980 may be applied within a network of Biosphere Reserves at the scale of the Upper Guadiana Catchment, increasing its scope and regional influence. For that purpose, river and cattle trail corridors are considered, together with stepping-stones connectivity between wetlands and eventual extension to two new Biosphere Reserves, i.e. Campo de Calatrava and Montes de Toledo; such an integrated network would result in mutual reinforcement, increased visibility and greater dynamism among the three resulting Biosphere Reserves within the network.
Finally, assessment of MHBR ecosystem services is used to discuss the demand of conservationists in 2008 to retire it the condition of Biosphere Reserve on the basis of the environmental problems suffered by one among its numerous natural reserves, dismissing efforts throughout years
