World Network of Biosphere Reserves

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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occurring in all regions of the world.[1] This already takes into account some biosphere reserves that have been withdrawn or revised through the years, as the programs focus has shifted from simple protection of nature to areas displaying close interaction between man and environment.
UNESCO Region Africa Arab States Asia and the Pacific Europe and North America Latin America and the Caribbean Number of Biosphere Reserves 52 26
1

Number of Countries 22 13 22 31 19

113 258 104