Toson-Khulstai Biosphere Reserve, Mongolia

Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB)

The Man and the Biosphere programme aims to establish a scientific basis for enhancing the relationship between people and their environments.

The Man and the Biosphere (MAB) programme is an intergovernmental scientific programme that aims to establish a scientific basis for enhancing the relationship between people and their environments. It combines the natural and social sciences with a view to improving human livelihoods and safeguarding natural and managed ecosystems, thus promoting innovative approaches to economic development that are socially and culturally appropriate and environmentally sustainable.

Its World Network of Biosphere Reserves is a dynamic and interactive network of sites of excellence that foster harmony between people and nature for sustainable development through participatory dialogue; knowledge sharing; poverty reduction and human well-being improvements; respect for cultural values and society’s ability to cope with change.  

Publications

Technical guidelines for biosphere reserves
UNESCO
2022
UNESCO
0000375692
A New Roadmap for the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme and its World Network of Biosphere Reserves
UNESCO
2017

MAB Strategy (2015-2025)

Lima Action Plan (2016-2025)

Lima Declaration

0000247418
Guidance for the assessment of ecosystem services in African Biosphere Reserves
UNESCO
2022

The well-being of populations is often directly dependent on ecosystem services. Furthermore, access to the benefits from nature contributes to poverty alleviation. Therefore, a better knowledge and integration of ecosystem services in the management of biosphere reserves will contribute to their conservation and sustainable development.

0000382278
UNESCO’s actions for biodiversity: making peace with nature
2022
UNESCO
0000383600