Mandate

Biosphere reserves are considered model regions for sustainable development. They work to promote the conservation of biological and cultural diversity in addition to economic and social development. In each biosphere reserve, community partners work together to find innovative ways to achieve a balance between the needs of humans and nature.

strategic objectives:

• Conserve biodiversity, restore and enhance ecosystem services, and foster the sustainable use of natural resources.

• Contribute to building sustainable, healthy and equitable societies, economies and thriving human settlements in harmony with the biosphere.

• Facilitate biodiversity and sustainability science, education for sustainable development and capacity building.

• Support mitigation and adaptation to climate change and other aspects of global environmental change.

• Reconciliation with First Nations.

Guiding Documents

There is no prescribed recipe or structure for meeting UNESCO's biosphere reserve mandate. However, there are several foundational documents developed by UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Programme that guide us in our work:

• The Seville Strategy and Statutory Framework for Biosphere Reserves

• Madrid Action Plan for Biosphere Reserves (2008-2013)

• Man and the Biosphere Programme Strategy (2015-2025)

• Lima Action Plan final draft (2016-2025)