Members:

Worldwide: 580 Biosphere Reserves in 114 countries; in Germany: 15 approved Biosphere Reserves (as of July 2011)

Objectives:

The purpose of the MAB Programme is to make use of natural and social sciences to foster the sustainable use and conservation of biological diversity. Work within the programme takes an approach which gives equal standing beside ecological aspects to economic, social, planning and ethical aspects. The main activity of the international MAB Programme is the establishment of a World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR). These constitute a set of model landscapes for the demonstration of environmentally sustainable ways of life and patterns of production and consumption, where the goals of the MAB Programme are concretized. UNESCO recognizes biosphere reserves under the terms of internationally agreed guidelines.

Operations:

Decisions within the MAB Programme are taken by an International Coordinating Council (ICC) which meets every two years. At national level, the programme is implemented by MAB National Committees. Within the programme, there are several international networks, with both thematic and regional focuses. Participation in the programme is voluntary, but binding  national-level criteria apply to biosphere reserves.

Secretariat:

Secretariat of the MAB Programme
1, rue Miollis
Paris 75732 Cedex 15, France
Tel: +33 1 45 68 40 67
Fax: +33 1 45 68 58 04
E-Mail:  mab@unesco.org

BfN activities:

BfN's  Referat "Planung, Koordination, Qualitätssicherung" hosts the secretariat of the  German MAB National Committee.

Further information: