Biosphere reserves are the primary strategy for conserving biodiversity alongside traditional human life. Established under the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) program, they are designed to integrate conservation with sustainable development. This is achieved through a zonation system: the Core Zone is strictly protected for biodiversity; the Buffer Zone surrounds the core and allows for limited research and education; and the Transition Zone (or Area of Cooperation) is where traditional human settlements, cropping, and other economic activities are permitted and managed in harmony with conservation goals.

• Botanical gardens are for ex-situ conservation and do not involve human habitation.
• National parks are strictly protected areas where human activities and settlements are generally prohibited.
• Wildlife sanctuaries may allow certain limited rights like grazing or collection of minor forest produce, but they are not specifically designed to integrate and preserve 'traditional human life' as a core strategic objective in the way biosphere reserves are.