What is a Bioreserve

What is a Bioreserve? 

 There are many names given to places that practice conservation and preservation of plants and animals such as park, garden, conservancy or bioreserve. By definition, a bioreserve is a protected area reserved for the conservation of endangered species of flora and fauna. It is a place that preserves wildlife, landforms and waterways while providing appropriate public use and enjoyment of a natural environment.  

The United Nations has a World Network of Biosphere Reserves UNESCO Biosphere Reserves which are areas of terrestrial, marine and coastal ecosystems that “promote solutions reconciling the conservation of biodiversity with its sustainable use.” Biosphere reserves are special places where interdisciplinary groups of people can come together to create solutions for managing the interactions between social and ecological systems. Currently, there are 701 biosphere reserves in 124 countries around the globe.  

The World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) consists of a dynamic and interactive network of sites. It works to foster the harmonious integration of people and nature for sustainable development through participatory dialogue, knowledge sharing, poverty reduction, human well-being improvements, respect for cultural values and by improving society’s ability to cope with climate change. It promotes collaboration and represents a unique tool for international cooperation through the exchange of experiences and know-how, capacity-building and the promotion of best practices. 

In fact, the Hawaiian islands, and in particular Hawaiian Volcanoes National Park and Haleakalā National Park are Biosphere reserves and considered of global importance in the history of evolutionary biology. Did you know that the big island of Hawai’i contains 8 out of 13 of the world’s climate zones?  

 A spectrum of tropical environments, ranging from persistently or seasonably wet to dry, are found in Hawaii, which explains the floral diversity. Volcanism encourages the emergence of diversity, resulting in a mosaic of successional and climax stages throughout the biosphere reserve. Hawaii has a global importance in the history of evolutionary biology and serves as crucial sites for evolutionary studies.  

We are fortunate to be positioned on in the heart of Onomea Bay with fertile volcanic soil, mountain streams, trade winds, and tropical jungle. Our space makes for a perfect bioreserve. The flora species here at Hawaii tropical Bioreserve & Garden are not just native to this island but include several endangered rainforest species from around the globe. We are positioning our space to serve as a classroom for all learners to see what biodiversity can do in the face of climate change. Once you enter the gates here, it’s hard to deny the change in temperature as you walk the path. Next time you visit, pay attention to the different microclimates within the garden.