A biological reserve is an area that is especially protected due to its natural value. They can be maritime or terrestrial areas or a combination of both and the purpose of their unique protection is the preservation of their natural environment, that is, the diversity of species (flora and fauna), as well as the ecosystems of these areas.
The general idea of biological reserves is due to a very specific reason: the virgin areas of the planet have been drastically reduced and it is necessary to conserve them, since it is a natural heritage of humanity.
The scientific study of nature
Although the conservation of the natural environment is the priority objective of a biological reserve, secondly, its preservation allows the scientific community the possibility of knowing an environment from scientific parameters. It could be said that these types of areas are like a laboratory where the different ecosystems of a reserve are analyzed. The scientific dimension of these territories is very remarkable. In fact, it is very common that there are aspects related to research in relation to them: registration and monitoring of species, publications and informative material or technical studies (for example, on climate or water resources).
Other perspectives of biological reserves
The recognition of a biological reserve is specified in a legal framework (normally a decree), in which all the technical characteristics that affect said area are established (its extension, its type of legal protection, its management, etc.).
Each country establishes its own criteria for declaring an area as a biological reserve. Based on this recognition, a series of diverse strategies are launched: educational and training, sustainability projects, recovery plans for threatened species or projects for leisure and tourism. In this sense, natural reserves have a comprehensive and comprehensive strategic plan, in such a way that different actions are put into operation that interact with each other.
Regulations and the importance of preservation
A very important aspect of these protected areas is the regulations related to them, that is, what is allowed and what is prohibited. As a general rule, in these places there are strict prohibitions and limitations that are essential to maintain the environmental balance. In this sense, it must be taken into account that if a species is illegally introduced into a natural park, this circumstance can be very harmful for the native species.
