and a Windward Island Biosphere Reserve (with parts of Martin- ique and Grenada) could be created as multi-site units under MAB. He uses existing or proposed protected natural areas such as parks as the keystones for his units. He also considers the possibility of an overall Lesser Antillean Biosphere Reserve, en- compassing all three of the proposed units. Gregg (1983) supports the concept of a Lesser Antillean Biosphere Reserve, and views the existing Virgin Islands National Park Biosphere Reserve as the first in a multi-unit system. He does not specify the other geographical units that would be in- cluded in a Lesser Antillean Biosphere Reserve, but believes that the "diverse terrestrial and marine ecosystems of the eastern Caribbean, in concert with the different cultural histories and land use traditions of the region, present exceptional oppor- tunities for building multiple-site biosphere reserves to meet the needs of individual islands and the region as a whole." These initial suggestions for establishing a Lesser Antillean Biosphere Reserve have led to many discussions on the adaptabili- ty of the concept to the diverse systems found in the eastern Caribbean. One paper (Chakalall and Geoghegan, 1983) analyzes the practicality of a Lesser Antillean Biosphere Reserve in the context of today's state of resource management and social and economic conditions in the Lesser Antilles. They are general- ly favorable to the idea and believe that although the ". .. con- cept needs much closer study before any attempt is made at implementation," a Lesser Antillean Biosphere Reserve could well provide the necessary framework" for working towards securing assistance on an international basis to ". .. further the integration of conservation and development in the region." Farmlands and Biosphere Reserves To understand what the role of farmlands can be in a Lesser Antillean Biosphere Reserve, we need to have some knowledge of the structure of Biosphere Reserves in general. An essential point to remember is that.the MAB program ". is primarily a pro- gramme of research and training. It is not a programme of management It is oriented to the solution of concrete prac- tical problems of management and conservation of renewable natural resources" (Eidsvik, 1979). Therefore, the emphasis is not on regulations and directives; rather, the program seeks to develop educational programs and train personnel to properly manage the resources of their areas. Biosphere reserves can be of two types. The most common is the single contiguous reserve, where all management zones are together. The other type is the cluster Biosphere Reserve, where units of the Reserve are not necessarily in close contact with one another. The proposed Lesser Antillean Biosphere Reserve would be such a unit. Both types of reserves can have the four basic management zones that occur in Biosphere Reserves: 1. Core Zone This is the area with the least amount of human interference. There is no intended manipulation of the resources; preservation is the keyword. It is in this zone that baseline data for each region are established and much research is accomplished. 2. Buffer Zone This zone contains essentially the same resources as the core zone. However, controlled manipulative activities are allowed; these are primarily consumptive uses of renewable natural resources such as timber harvesting and livestock grazing. 3. Restoration Zone There can be areas within Biosphere Reserves that have had significant resource degradation (e.g., soil depletion and loss of important vegetation). This zone could be the focus of research aimed at reclaiming the resources so affected. 4. Cultural Zone This is the area where compatible land use practices are continued (e.g., farming and commercial fishing). Ideally, no new (non-compatible) activities may be introduced, and the emphasis is on those human ac- tivities that have traditionally occurred in the area. Some of the nations in the eastern Caribbean have established protected areas similar to the requirements of the core zone. These are usually designated as parks, sanctuaries, nature reserves, or whatever. Although many of these areas are primarily preservation-oriented (core zone) areas as defined by the MAB program, others have incorporated elements of the buffer zone and/or the cultural zone. Putney (1983) has identified existing protected areas in the Lesser Antilles which can constitute core zone areas in a Lesser Antillean Biosphere Reserve. As the idea of the Reserve pro- gresses, resources managers in each affected country should iden- tify possible areas that could be incorporated in a cultural zone. Traditional farming areas are almost ideally suited for this, and the benefits to the farmer are many: 1. The farmer will have assurance that no non-traditional ac- tivities can be imposed in the cultural zone. 2. The farmer will have the benefit of research-generated infor- mation sponsored by the Man and the Biosphere program. 3. There will be controls on surrounding lands that will pre- vent watershed deforestation and other activities deleterious to farms. 4. Visual, aesthetic, and other natural conditions will be maintained as part of a continuing way of life. Experience has taught many of us to be suspicious of govern- mental regulations over what we can and cannot do with our lands. To some, the Biosphere Reserve concept may seem to be just another layer of bureaucratic control. But, this is not the in- tent of the Man and the Biosphere Program. One key element of MAB is that each participating country is responsible for proposing sites for Biosphere Reserves. The crea- tion of a MAB area in no way affects the country's sovereignty. MAB is in close association with many other organizations in the United Nations system, including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Another key element is funding. In most instances, countries that now operate protected areas which qualify under MAB guidelines can continue this level of support. In addition, however, they will have (potentially) access to UNESCO resources. Another key element is support services. "A most important characteristic of biosphere reserves is that they form an interna- tional network in which the international character is ensured by the exchange of information and personnel. The MAB Secretariat at UNESCO provides coordinating services for the network and furnishes catalytic support" (von Droste, 1983). Another key element is protection. Quite often, existing legislation covering protected areas constitutes sufficient resource protection. It is almost always preferable not to enact legislation specifically for Biosphere Reserves, although, of course, a country may do so if it so wishes (Eidsvik, 1979). Neither UNESCO nor any other entity associated with MAB seeks to impose a regulatory structure upon any nation. CONCLUSION An international system is now in place that can provide significant support and protection for farmlands in the Lesser An- tilles and elsewhere. Not only can a Biosphere Reserve provide protection against external and internal environmental threats, but, as a part of the international Man and the Biosphere pro- gram, it can promote research and a flow of information useful to the farmer. A proposed Lesser Antillean Biosphere Reserve can be instrumental in providing a secure role in the land use planning process for small farm systems in the eastern Caribbean. PROCEEDINGS of the CARIBBEAN FOOD CROPS SOCIETY-VOL. XX 252