TheUNESCOWorld Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) covers internationally designated areas of high biological and cultural diversity, known as biospherereserves, which are meant to demonstrate a balanced relationship between people and nature (e.g. encouragesustainable development).[1] They are created under the UNESCOMan and the Biosphere Programme (MAB).
The World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) of theUNESCO MAB Programme consists of a dynamic and interactive network of sites of excellence. It works to foster the harmonious integration of people and nature for conservation and sustainable development through participatory dialogue, knowledge sharing, poverty reduction, human well-being improvements, respect for cultural values and by improving society's ability to cope withclimate change. It is a unique tool for international cooperation through the exchange of experiences and know-how, capacity-building and the promotion of best practices.[1]
As of September 2025[update][A], the network consisted of 784 biosphere reserves in 142 countries (including 25 transboundary sites) occurring in all regions of the world.[1][citation needed][2]
| UNESCO region | Number of biosphere reserves (2022) | Number of countries (2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Africa | 86 | 31 |
| Arab States | 35[B] | 14 |
| Asia and the Pacific | 168 | 40 |
| Europe and North America | 306 | 24 |
| Latin America and the Caribbean | 132 | 22 |
| ASource: World Network of Biosphere Reserves,UNESCO, 2022[3] |
| B Includes the "Intercontinental Biosphere Reserve of the Mediterranean", shared between Morocco and Spain[4] |
Article 4 of the"Statutory Framework of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves".UNESCO. defines general criteria for an area to be qualified for designation as a biosphere reserve as follows:
Article 9 of the Statutory Framework states that "the status of each biosphere reserve should be subject to a periodic review every ten years, based on a report prepared by the concerned authority, on the basis of the criteria of Article 4".[5] If a biosphere reserve no longer satisfies the criteria contained in Article 4, it may be recommended the state concerned take measures to ensure conformity. Should a biosphere reserve still does not satisfy the criteria contained in Article 4, within a reasonable period, the area will no longer be referred to as a biosphere reserve which is part of the network.[5]
Article 9 of the Statutory Framework gives a state the right to remove a biosphere reserve under its jurisdiction from the network.As of July 2018[update], a total of 45 sites had been withdrawn from the World Network of Biosphere Reserves by 9 countries.[6]Some reserves have been withdrawn after they no longer met newer, stricter criteria for reserves, for example on zonation or area size.[7]
In June 2017, during the International Coordinating Council of the Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB ICC) meeting in Paris, the United States has withdrawn 17 sites (out of the country's previous total of 47 sites) from the program.[8]
