UNESCO Biospheres
WHAT IS THE UNESCO MAN AND THE BIOSPHERE PROGRAMME?
The MAB programme is an intergovernmental scientific programme that aims to establish a scientific basis for enhancing the relationship between people and their environments. It combines the natural and social sciences with a view to improving human livelihoods and safeguarding natural and managed ecosystems, thus promoting innovative approaches to economic development that are socially and culturally appropriate and environmentally sustainable.
A quick overview
The World Network of Biospheres (2023-2024)
What are the aims?
The aims are:
Learning, Conservation and Sustainable Development
Learning
Learning how to make decisions and carry out acts that have positive effects and how our actions affect others. Increase awareness of the program's objectives, share knowledge and best practices, and establish a strong network to achieve the set goals.
Conservation
Conservation of our built environment and natural environment, as well as our culture and legacy, local communities, and unique sense of place. Protect and preserve natural and cultural diversity and intact ecosystems.
Sustainable Development
Developing sustainably and living in a way that supports our society, economy, and environment. Contribute to the sustainable development of the living environment and support a development model based on sustainable nature use and the green economy.
How many biosphere reserves are there?
In 134 nations, there are 748 UNESCO Biospheres (2023). Their population sizes, geographic locations, habitats, socioeconomic conditions, and difficulties all differ substantially. Therefore, the objectives of biospheres vary. All Biospheres, however, share two characteristics: a unique environment, and a people devoted to preserving it.
Learn more
The Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme Secretary, Miguel Clusener Godt, provides an overview of the MAB Programme and the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, including data, interesting facts, and his opinions on the program's past and future.
For further details, see https://en.unesco.org/mab