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).

[edit] The network

Map showing the World Network of Biosphere Reserves as of 2009. Note: transboundary sites have been redistributed among the concerned countries for the locator map, hence, have been counted multiple times.

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 This already takes into account some biosphere reserves that have been withdrawn or revised through the years, as the program’s focus has shifted from simple protection of nature to areas displaying close interaction between man and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.

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

[edit] External links

• Searchable list of UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves