World Network of Biosphere Reserves

The UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) covers internationally designated protected areas, each known as biosphere reserves, that are meant to demonstrate a balanced relationship between people and nature (e.g. encourage sustainable development).[1]

Mission

The World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) of the MAB Programme consists of a dynamic and interactive network of sites. It works to foster the harmonious integration of people and nature for sustainable development through participatory dialogue, knowledge sharing, poverty reduction, human well-being improvements, respect for cultural values and by improving society’s ability to cope with climate change. It promotes North-South and South-South collaboration and represents a unique tool for international cooperation through the exchange of experiences and know-how, capacity-building and the promotion of best practices.

The network

As of 2016 total membership had reached 669 biosphere reserves, including 16 transboundary sites, in 120[2] countries occurring in all regions of the world.[3] Myanmar had its first biosphere reserve inscribed in 2015. This already takes into account some biosphere reserves that have been withdrawn or revised through the years, as the program’s focus has shifted from simple protection of nature to areas displaying close interaction between man and environment.

In June 2017, during the International Coordinating Council of the Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB ICC) meeting in Paris, the United States has withdrawn 17 sites and Bulgaria 3 sites from the program. However, 23 sites were added around the world.[4]

UNESCO region Number of
biosphere reserves		 Number of
countries
Africa 75 28
Arab States 311 11
Asia and the Pacific 147 24
Europe and North America 287 36
Latin America and the Caribbean 129 21

1 Includes the Intercontinental Biosphere Reserve of the Mediterranean, shared between Morocco and Spain
* Source - UNESCO, 2016[3]

Map of the Biosphere Reserves, as of 2013. (Note: the transboundary places are redistributed among the countries in which they are located on the location map, therefore, have been counted several times ').

References

  1. ↑ "UNESCO Approves 13 New Biosphere Reserves for Enhanced Protection".
  2. ↑ http://www.unesco.org/new/en/media-services/single-view/news/twenty_new_sites_added_to_unescos_world_network_of_biosphere_reserves/#.VaOz51-qqkp
  3. 1 2 "Directory of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR)". United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Retrieved 24 May 2016.
  4. ↑ Chow, Lorraine (16 June 2017). "US Quietly Removes 17 Sites From UN Biosphere Reserve Network". Truthout. Retrieved 16 June 2017.
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