Do biosphere reserves bolster community resilience in coupled human and natural systems? Evidence from 5 case studies in Spain

Our research provides evidence that critical junctures in coupled human and natural systems may stimulate the undertaking of sustainability transition actions in biosphere reserves (BRs). Specifically, we explored whether BRs bolster community resilience, defined according to eight parameters identified in disaster management theory. We found that, based on evidence from five case studies in Spain, BR initiatives enhanced community resilience though governmental obstacles to local community initiatives and increasing telecoupling mediated by the institutional legacy effect of corporatism continues to constrain the ability of BR managers to develop what they perceive as more social-ecologically sustainable landscape management and commodity production.