Man and the Biosphere Programme

The Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) is an important scientific program started in 1968 by UNESCO. Its goal is to help people understand and improve how they live with and care for the world around them.

This program works with many countries and supports global efforts to make the world a better place, especially through the Sustainable Development Goals and other plans for the future. It brings together scientists, communities, and governments to study and protect important natural areas.

As of July 2024, the program includes 759 special areas called Biosphere Reserves in 136 countries, including 22 areas that cover more than one country. These reserves cover more than 5% of Earth’s surface and are home to over 260 million people. They are part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, helping to protect nature and support local communities.

Biosphere reserves

Biosphere reserves are special areas that include land, water, and coastlines. Countries choose these areas, and they are protected by the laws of their country. 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 take part in the programme create special groups called National Committees. These groups decide what activities their country will do. Right now, there are 158 of these committees in the 195 member countries and nine associate members of UNESCO.

The main rules for the programme are decided 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 areas of UNESCO to help with their work.

The programme’s office is located at UNESCO’s main building in Paris. It works together with offices in different countries and areas. The programme gets 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 happened in Minsk, Belarus in 1983. This meeting made an 'Action Plan for Biosphere Reserves,' which was used the next year.

Later meetings took place 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 includes several regional groups that work together to protect nature and support local communities. These networks bring together countries from different parts of the world to share ideas and solutions for living in balance with our environment.