Man and the Biosphere Programme

The Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) is a science program started in 1968 by UNESCO. It helps people learn how to live better with nature.

This program works with many countries to help make the world a better place. It supports plans like the Sustainable Development Goals. It brings together scientists, communities, and governments to study and protect important natural areas.

As of July 2024, the program has 759 special areas called Biosphere Reserves in 136 countries. These reserves cover more than 5% of Earth’s surface and help protect nature and support local communities. They are part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.

Biosphere reserves

Biosphere reserves are special areas that include land, water, and coastlines. Countries choose these areas, and they are protected by their laws. These reserves help scientists learn how to take care of our world.

Biosphere reserves have three parts:

• The core area is a protected part where nothing is changed.
• The buffer zone is around the core area and is used for safe ecological activities.
• The transition area is where people can do most activities.

The first biosphere reserves were set up in 1976 in countries like the US, UK, Uruguay, Thailand, Iran, and Poland. In 1996, rules were made to help organize these reserves using a special classification system.

Programme's structure

Further information: World Network of Biosphere Reserves

Countries that join the programme create special groups called National Committees. These groups decide what their country will do. Right now, 158 of these groups exist in the 195 member countries and nine associate members of UNESCO.

The main rules for the programme are made by a group called the International Coordinating Council. This council has 34 member countries chosen by UNESCO. The council also picks a leader and five helpers from different parts of UNESCO to help with their work.

The programme’s office is in UNESCO’s main building in Paris. It works with offices in different countries and areas. The programme receives money from UNESCO and also from other places like countries, private companies, and institutions.

World Congress of Biosphere Reserves

The first World Congress of Biosphere Reserves took place in Minsk, Belarus in 1983. At this meeting, people created an 'Action Plan for Biosphere Reserves' to guide future efforts.

After that, more meetings happened in Seville, Spain in 1995; Madrid, Spain in 2008; Lima, Peru in 2016; and Hangzhou, China in 2025. These congresses help people work together to protect important natural areas around the world.

Networks

The World Network of Biosphere Reserves has groups from different parts of the world. These groups work together to help protect nature and support local communities. They share ideas and ways to live in balance with our environment.