Biosphere reserve aims at recognizing the conservation of natural areas and the genetic material they contain. This helps to assess ecological changes and performance of ecosystem in supporting life support system. In other words, 7 biosphere reserves are internationally recognized terrestrial and coastal ecosystems.

They provide scientific knowledge, skills and human values to support sustainable development. There is a need for specific regional planning for terrestrial biosphere reserve ecosystem and coastal ecosystem. The development of biosphere reserves should focus on the following objectives:

(i) Possible ways of preservation and conservation of species diversity, genetic diversity and ecosystem diversity.

(ii) Maintenance of essential ecological processes and life support system.

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(iii) Possible ways of sustaining life of mangrove vegetation.

(iv) Protection of flora and fauna in aquatic system particularly in coastal ecosystem.

(v) Ensuring the utilization of living resources and ecosystems in which they are found sustainable.

(vi) Intensive conservation and management of coral reef in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Gulf of Mannar, the Gulf of Kuttanch and the Lakshadweep Islands.

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(vii) Controlling forest fires with a view to protect and conserve both natural and manmade forests.

(viii) Maintaining a viable wildlife population for scientific, economic, aesthetic, cultural and ecological values.

(ix) Preserving areas of biological importance as a national heritage for the benefit, education and enjoyment of the people.

(x) Ecological restoration of existing natural habitats and migratory route of wild animals.

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(xi) Assessment of wet land for national importance.

(xii) Preparation of thematic mapping to explain forest types, species composition, crown density of forest cover and other land use in different biosphere reserves.

(xiii) Collection, storing and retrieving biosphere data for regional planning in different biosphere reserve areas.

(xiv) Providing areas for ecological and environmental research.