M.6. The Man and Biosphere

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About Man and the Biosphere

The Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme is a global intergovernmental scientific initiative dedicated to strengthening the connection between people and their environment through a solid scientific foundation.
Initiated in the early 1970s, MAB promotes an interdisciplinary research framework and capacity-building efforts that address the ecological, social, and economic aspects of biodiversity decline—working toward mitigating this loss.
The programme focuses on identifying and evaluating the impacts of both human and natural activities on the biosphere. It closely examines how these changes affect ecosystems and human well-being, particularly under the pressures of climate change. MAB also aims to explore and analyze the dynamic interactions between relatively undisturbed natural ecosystems and ongoing socio-economic developments.
promote the exchange and transfer of knowledge on environmental problems and solutions, and to foster environmental education for sustainable development ensure basic human welfare and a liveable environment in the context of rapid urbanization and energy consumption as drivers of environmental change

Biosphere Reserve (BR)

The International coordinating council (ICC) of UNESCO, November 1971, introduced the designation Biosphere Reserve’ for natural areas.
Biosphere Reserve (BR) is an international designation by UNESCO for representative parts of natural and cultural landscape’s extending over a large area of terrestrial or coastal/marine ecosystems or a combination thereof.

(ii) Biosphere Reserves: an Indian approach
National Biosphere Reserve Programme. Initiated in 1986.

(iii) Objectives

To conserve the diversity integrity of plants and animals within natural ecosystems;
To safeguard genetic diversity of species on which their continuing evolution depend
To provide areas for multi-faceted research and monitoring;
To provide facilities for education and training; To ensure sustainable use of natural resources through most appropriate technology for improvement of economic well-being of the local people.

World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR)

Biosphere Reserves (BRs) join the International Network through UNESCO’s MAB Programme upon meeting criteria.
Participation is voluntary, and BRs remain under the sovereignty of the host country/state.
Delisting is rare, occurring only in cases of violation of conservation obligations after consulting the concerned government.
Established in 1977, the World Network comprises 610 biosphere reserves in 117 countries, fostering international collaboration, knowledge sharing, and best practices.

[Biosphere reserves in India]