The Biosphere Reserves Network
What is a Biosphere Reserve?
Biosphere Reserves are areas internationally recognized under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme. Their core purpose is to promote the harmonious coexistence of people and nature.
They are terrestrial and/or marine areas encompassing ecosystems of high ecological value
They combine conservation of biological and cultural diversity with the sustainable development of local communities
They are not a new legal category of protected areas, but frameworks that integrate existing ones (e.g. national parks, Natura 2000 sites, archaeological sites) within their established protection regimes
They function as model areas adopting innovative approaches to environmental management and development
Each Biosphere Reserve is organised into distinct zones serving three interrelated functions: biodiversity conservation, sustainable local development, and support for research, education, and demonstration of innovative practices.
The Zones of a Biosphere Reserve
Every Biosphere Reserve is structured into three complementary zones, each with a specific role and level of human activity:
the core zone is a strictly protected area with minimal human intervention, dedicated to conserving ecosystems, species and genetic diversity.
the buffer zone surrounds the core, it allows controlled human activities and prioritizes environmental education, cutting-edge research, sustainable tourism (ecotourism) and ecofriendly agriculture and livestock practices.
the transition zone is the outer area that encompasses the previous zones, where the focus is on integrating environmental protection with local development, ensuring that daily life and economic activity contribute positively to ecological balance and social well-being. This zone includes settlements, agricultural lands, tourism facilities, processing units for local products and other activities built on the shared principles of sustainability.
Global Network
The UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR)
The World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR), established in 1971 under UNESCO’s MAB Programme, today includes 784 reserves in 142 countries, covering an area of over 7.4 million km². It serves as a unique platform for international cooperation, knowledge exchange, and dissemination of best practices in sustainable development and nature conservation.
