The MAB Program United States of America
Biosphere Reserve Information - General Description
Mammoth Cave Area
General Description
Situated in Kentucky, the
Mammoth Cave Area Biosphere Reserve represents a karst system characterized by
complex underground water courses and a multilayered cave system with unique
fauna and mineralization features. It is also of interest from a cultural point
of view since prehistoric peoples explored and extracted minerals from the
caves, used them for shelter, and cultivated the surface area. The biosphere
reserve is a rural area where farming has been an economic mainstay since
prehistory. In more recent times, also light industry, service industry and
tourism become increasingly important for the about 67,600 people living in the
biosphere reserve (1996).
The most significant issue for the biosphere reserve is to achieve sustainable
development that improves the economic and social well-being of local people,
and is compatible with conservation values. The biosphere reserve serves as a
framework for supporting the local community’s needs for economic development
within the context of ecosystem management. Of particular concern to the Mammoth
Cave Area is the impact of agricultural, commercial, and residential land use on
ecosystems - especially with respect to the effects of groundwater pollution on
cave biota. A major emphasis of the biosphere reserve program is to assist
landowners to improve their land-use practices.
A Biosphere Reserve Cooperative coordinates the program in the biosphere
reserve that features monitoring for water pollution sources, establishing a
regional geographic information system, and educational and cultural heritage
projects.
Last updated: 06/27/2005