Q. Consider the following statements regarding Biosphere Reserves:

1. Biosphere Reserves are referred to as 'living laboratories' due to human intervention in protected areas.
2. In Biosphere Reserves, no activities except for research are permitted.

Which of the above statements is / are correct?
Answer: Only 1
Notes: Statement 1 is correct because Biosphere Reserves act as ‘living laboratories’ for testing and demonstrating integrated management of ecosystems. Statement 2 is incorrect, as human activities like sustainable agriculture, tourism, and settlements are allowed in designated zones. Only the core zone is strictly protected, while buffer and transition zones allow limited, controlled human activity.