UNESCO'S MAB PROGRAMME.
The MaB program is a scientific intergovernmental program that aims to establish a foundation for improving the relationship between people and their environments.
It combines natural and social sciences to improve human livelihoods and safeguard natural and managed ecosystems, fostering innovative approaches to economic development that are both socially and culturally appropriate as well as environmentally sustainable.
The World Network of Biosphere Reserves currently counts with 738 reserves in 134 countries around the world, including 22 cross-border territories (July 2022).
What are Biosphere Reserves?
Biosphere reserves are "places of learning for sustainable development". They are testing grounds for interdisciplinary approaches in understanding and managing changes and interactions between social and ecological systems, including conflict prevention and biodiversity management – providing local solutions to global challenges.
Biosphere reserves include terrestrial, coastal, and marine ecosystems; with each location promoting solutions that reconcile the conservation of biodiversity with its sustainable use.
Biosphere reserves are nominated by national governments and fall under the sovereign jurisdiction of the states where they are located.
Biosphere Reserves are established by UNESCO's Director-General in accordance with the decisions of the MAB International Coordinating Council (MAB ICC); and once acquired, this status is recognized internationally. Member states can submit candidacies through the designation process.
In order to assist stakeholders in the designation process, including periodic reviews, technical guidelines are progressively developed by the MAB International Coordinating Council.
UNESCO's Network of Biosphere Reserves
Building international, regional, sub-regional and ecosystem-specific cooperation is a key feature of the MAB program, which is further bolstered by its regional and thematic networks of biosphere reserves.
Regional and sub-regional networks have a crucial role to play in the exchange of information and experiences on the local level.