Biosphere Reserves

Biosphere reserves are globally designated and recognized areas by UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) programme. Biosphere Reserves (BR) are sites established by countries and recognized under UNESCO’s MAB programme to promote sustainable development based on local community efforts and scientific data. Biosphere reserves have three primary main roles:
i. promotion and conservation of biodiversity;
ii. advocating for sustainable development and enhancement of ecosystem services by connecting people and nature; and
iii. research and education in different ecosystems.

Biosphere reserves achieve their roles by advocating for interdisciplinary approaches to understanding and managing changes resulting from social and ecological systems. It expressly calls for the involvement of local communities and all interested stakeholders in planning and management. Additionally, the sites support mitigation and adaptation to climate change and other aspects of global environmental change.