What are UNESCO biosphere reserves?

UNESCO biosphere reserves are model regions at an international scale. They promote sustainable development and preserve habitats. UNESCO biosphere reserves strike a  balance between environmental protection and economic development, in order to balance the needs of human beings and nature. Biosphere reserves are rarely “natural” habitats – usually they are cultural landscapes that have been created by human use over centuries. In order for UNESCO to accept the designate a region as a biosphere reserve, the region must be characteristic of a type of landscape and at the same time realize sustainable development in an exemplary fashion. As “open-air laboratories” they test innovative methods and optimize management. Such model projects commit themselves to several objectives at the same time: Conservation of biodiversity, testing of innovative approaches to climate change adaptation and support for socially and economically sound use of resources. Biosphere reserves are the most significant tool of UNESCO’s “Man and the Biosphere” program. Over 500 regions around the globe are connected through a global network that has existed since 1976.