World Network of Biosphere Reserves
Encyclopedia
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).
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 564 biosphere reserves in 109 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 This already takes into account some biosphere reserves that have been withdrawn or revised through the years, as the program’s focus has shifted from simple protection of nature to areas displaying close interaction between man and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.
1 Includes the Intercontinental Biosphere Reserve of the Mediterranean, shared between Morocco and Spain
*Table not up to date
UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations...
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
| UNESCO Region | Number of Biosphere Reserves |
Number of Countries |
|---|---|---|
| Africa World Network of Biosphere Reserves in Africa Under UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere Reserve Programme, there are currently 52 biosphere reserves recognized as part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves in Africa... |
52 | 22 |
| Arab States World Network of Biosphere Reserves in the Arab States Under UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere Reserve Programme, there are currently 26 biosphere reserves recognized as part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves in the Arab States... |
261 | 13 |
| Asia and the Pacific World Network of Biosphere Reserves in Asia and the Pacific Under UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere Reserve Programme, there are currently 113 biosphere reserves recognized as part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves in Asia and the Pacific... |
113 | 22 |
| Europe and North America World Network of Biosphere Reserves in Europe and North America Under UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere Reserve Programme, there are currently 258 biosphere reserves recognized as part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves in Europe and North America... |
258 | 31 |
| Latin America and the Caribbean World Network of Biosphere Reserves in Latin America and the Caribbean Under UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere Reserve Programme, there are currently 104 biosphere reserves recognized as part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves in Latin America and the Caribbean... |
104 | 19 |
1 Includes the Intercontinental Biosphere Reserve of the Mediterranean, shared between Morocco and Spain
*Table not up to date