Biosphere Reserve is a distinct designation given by UNESCO under the Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB). Unlike UNESCO World Heritage Sites that seek to encourage the identification, protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity (UNESCO WHC), Biosphere Reserves are defined as ‘learning places for sustainable development’ and sites for testing interdisciplinary approaches to understanding and managing changes and interactions between social and ecological systems, including conflict prevention and management of biodiversity. They are hoped to provide local solutions to global challenges. (UNESCO MAB)
As of June 2023, there are 748 biosphere reserves in 134 countries, including 23 transboundary sites.
Popular Biosphere Reserves Around the World
Biosphere Reserves in Malaysia
