Abstract:
Biosphere reserves worldwide serve as demonstration areas for showcasing the balance between humans and the environment, promoting harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature. These reserves undergo a periodic review every decade to ensure the integration of their three complementary functions: conservation, development, and logistic support. However, due to the extended ten-year review cycle, it is challenging to promptly address emerging short-term issues and adjust management strategies accordingly. Therefore, the establishment of a five-year mid-term review mechanism is particularly urgent. In response, this study develops a mid-term review framework for biosphere reserves, focusing on the aforementioned three core functions. A case study was conducted on the Mount Huangshan Biosphere Reserve (MHBR) to establish a rapid review system primarily based on quantitative data supplemented by qualitative analysis. The findings indicate that since joining the World Biosphere Reserve Network in 2018, MHBR′s ecological environment has remained stable and has shown positive development. It has established a sustainable development model centered around the Mount Huangshan Scenic Area, promoting eco-tourism integration within the surrounding regions. Additionally, through diverse governance approaches, extensive scientific collaboration, and systematic technical training, the area has continuously enhanced its scientific monitoring capabilities and the professional competence of its management personnel. This study further recommends incorporating the mid-term review mechanism for biosphere reserves into the global action plan and the "Hangzhou Declaration" for the next decade, aiming to facilitate dynamic management of reserves and better balance biodiversity conservation with sustainable development.