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

The network

Although the Man and Biosphere Reserve Programme (MAB), the program behind the network, was only established in 1977, UNESCO has already began designating biosphere reserves in the preceding year. To date, total membership has reached 553 biosphere reserves in 107 countries occurring in all regions of the world. This already takes into account some biosphere reserves that have been withdrawn or revised through the years, as the program’s focus has shifted from simple protection of nature to areas displaying close interaction between man and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.

UNESCO Region Number of
Biosphere Reserves Number of
Countries
Africa 52 22
Arab States 26¹ 13
Asia and the Pacific 113 22
Europe and North America 258 31
Latin America and the Caribbean 104 19

¹ Includes the Intercontinental Biosphere Reserve of the Mediterranean, shared between Morocco and Spain

External links

• Searchable list of UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves

UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve Programme (MAB)
World Network of Biosphere Reserves