Societies agree that one of the fundamental values is the protection of the environment. However, how can we carry it out? Of course, it is not an easy task. Among the multitude of tools that we can use to protect nature we find the so -called ecological reserves or natural reserves, which are areas of special interest to conservation and that, therefore, enjoy greater protection measures against external agents.
Keep reading ecology, if you want to know more in depth What is an ecological reserve.
What is an ecological reserve – Simple definition
A Ecological or Natural Reserve it’s a Area of special interest to the environment. The criteria to declare an area as a protected are varied: they can attend to the geomorphology of the place (especially if it is singular), to its biodiversity, that it houses endangered species, to which they provide some important ecosystem service …
On the other hand, ecological reserves enjoy various protection levels. In some of them the activity is totally restricted, while in others special permits are needed or only certain activity is vetoed. There may also be activities that are vetoed at certain times of the year, because it is the specially sensitive fauna or flora at that time.
For example, in the Natural Park of the High Manzanares basin the bathroom is prohibited, mainly due to the creams and lotions that we use to protect the skin, and the camping, for various reasons (waste, noise, coexistence with the fauna, etc). Additionally, in the raising times of the grown vulture (GYPS Fulvus) certain climbing routes are prohibited, because they are too close to the nests. However, it can be traveled without problems and there are even close areas of silviculture.
In addition, not all areas depend on the same managing organisms. The various administrations can decide the protection of a specific area; Thus, we find parks of supranational competition (in Community Spain), national or by autonomous communities or regions. In general, the higher the organism that guarantor of this protection, the greater the importance of the ecosystem and greater measures are taken to protect it. Some spaces are even declared as “World Heritage”.
In Europe, the Natura 2000 Network which is a European ecological network of biodiversity conservation areas. It has special conservation zones (ZEC) and special protection areas for birds (Zepa). It has been operational since 1992 and since then has exercised great work in the Environmental Conservation.
Importance of ecological or natural reserves
Ecological or natural reserves are an instrument of vital importance for Nature Conservation. Without belittling other tools, it is unquestionable that protected areas suffer less environmental damage, even improving with respect to the time they were not protected.
Here are some examples to understand the Importance of ecological reserves:
- Pardo bear recovery (Ursus arctos): The inclusion of various biosphere parks in the Pardo Bear Recovery Plan, such as the Lacian Biosphere Reserve, has encouraged the reproduction and recovery of this great mammal.
- Anfibian recovery: The Peñalara Natural Park has contributed significantly to the conservation of 7 amphibians in danger of extinction.
In addition to the conservation and recovery of the fauna, an ecological reserve fulfills many other functions: preservation of ecosystems (not only their own, but also improve surrounding ecosystems), preservation of natural resources, such as rivers channels or groundwater, improvement of ecosystem services, such as air quality, and economic use, especially tourist type.
Learn more about what is the importance of conservation of flora and fauna in this other post.
Natural or ecological reserves of the world
Next, we leave you some of the Names of ecological or natural reserves more beautiful in the world:
- BANFF Natural Park (Canada).
- Plitvice National Park (Croatia).
- Glacier National Park (Argentina).
- Yellowstone National Park (USA).
- Serengeti National Park (Tanzania).
- Timanfaya National Park (Spain).
- National Park of the Galapagos Islands (Ecuador).
- Fiordland National Park (New Zealand).
- National Park of the Grand Canyon (USA).
- MU KOH SIMILAN National Park (Thailand).
- Both National Park (Kenya).
- Iguazú cataracts (Brazil).
- Etosha National Park (Namibia).
- Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park (Australia).
- Krka River National Park (Croatia).
- Sagarmatha National Park (Nepal).
- Vatnajökull National Park (Iceland).
- Canaima National Park (Venezuela).
- Svizzer Park (Switzerland).
- Corcovado National Park (Costa Rica).
- Komodo National Park (Indonesia).
- Ordesa and Monte Lost National Park (Spain).
- Kuger National Park (South Africa).
- Gran Paradiso National Park (Italy).
- Oulanka National Park (Finland).
- Torres del Paine National Park (Chile).
- Namib-Nauklunft National Park (Namibia).
- Kalkalpen National Park (Austria).
- JOSTEDALSBREEN National Park (Norway).
Here you can learn more about what national and natural parks and their differences are.
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