The World Network of Biosphere Reserves of the MAB Programme consists of a dynamic and interactive network of sites of excellence. It fosters the harmonious integration of 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 - thus contributing to the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Accordingly, the Network is one of the main international tools to develop and implement sustainable development approaches in a wide array of contexts.
The World Network of Biosphere Reserves promotes North-South and South-South collaboration and represents a unique tool for international co-operation through sharing knowledge, exchanging experiences, building capacity and promoting best practices.
There are 727 biosphere reserves in 131 countries, including 22 transboundary sites. They are distributed as follows:
- 86 sites in 31 countries in Africa
- 35 sites in 14 countries in the Arab States
- 168 sites in 40 countries in Asia and the Pacific
- 306 sites in 24 countries in Europe and North America
- 132 sites in 22 countires Latin America and the Caribbean.