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.