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The objective of this Congress is to review implementation of the Madrid Action Plan for Biosphere Reserves 2008-2013, the Seville Strategy and the Statutory Framework of 1995. The Congress will assess lessons learned and new challenges faced by the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, and will develop and launch an Action Plan for Biosphere Reserves for 2016-2025.

Organized by the Secretariat of the Man and Biosphere Programme (MAB), the Ministry of Environment of Peru (MINAM) and its National Service of Natural Areas Protected by the State (SERNANP), and the MAB National Committee of Peru, the 4th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves will take place in the city of Lima, Peru, on 14-17 March 2016.

This meeting will involve all National Committees of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) programme and experts directly involved in the practical implementation of biosphere reserves, including: representatives of governments, biosphere reserves, local communities, UN agencies, NGOs, academic institutions, and organizations and institutions from all over the world working with the MAB Programme.

The Congress will address issues related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Post-2015 Development Agenda, such as education for sustainable development, the economic viability of nature conservation systems, biodiversity, and the protection and sustainable use of natural resources, among others.

During the Congress, experts will discuss progress and obstacles related to biosphere reserve issues and work to develop a new vision for the future.

The 4th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves has three main objectives:
- Review of the implementation of the Madrid Action Plan for Biosphere Reserves 2008-2013, the Seville Strategy and the Statutory Framework of 1995.
- Assess the lessons learned and the new challenges to be faced by the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
- Develop and launch an Action Plan for Biosphere Reserves for 2016-2025.

As a result of the papers presented at the Congress and the contributions of participants the following outcomes are expected on the last day of the Congress:
- The Lima Declaration
- The Lima Action Plan of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves for 2016-2025.