About the Programme

The Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, launched by UNESCO in 1971, is an intergovernmental scientific initiative designed to improve the relationship between people and nature. It promotes sustainable development through a unique approach that combines conservation, research, education, and inclusive governance.

​By linking science with local knowledge, MAB provides a framework for achieving global goals such as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the Paris Agreement, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Its work is guided by the Hangzhou Strategic Action Plan and implemented through a global network of sites that serve as real-world laboratories for sustainability.

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What is a Biosphere Reserve?

A biosphere reserve is a designated area that demonstrates how biodiversity conservation and sustainable development can work hand in hand. Each reserve fulfils three complementary functions:

• Conservation: Protecting landscapes, ecosystems, species, and genetic resources.
• Development: Fostering economic and human activities that are socially and ecologically sustainable.
• Logistic Support: Providing sites for research, monitoring, education, and training.

These functions are applied through a zonation system:

• Core Area: Legally protected for long-term biodiversity conservation.
• Buffer Zone: Surrounding areas that support activities compatible with conservation.
• Transition Area: Where communities live and innovate in sustainable practices.

Biosphere reserves are nominated by national governments and remain under national jurisdiction while being part of UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR).

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The North Devon Designation

North Devon was designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1976, making it the UK’s first. It covers a diverse landscape of estuaries, farmland, moorland, and coastal habitats, alongside vibrant communities. The designation recognises North Devon as a model for balancing nature conservation with sustainable living. Through local partnerships, the Biosphere works on nature recovery, climate adaptation, and green economy initiatives, connecting global sustainability goals with local action.

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Biosphere Reserves in the UK

The UK and Crown Dependencies host seven biosphere reserves:

• North Devon
• Wester Ross
• Biosffer Dyfi
• Galloway & Southern Ayrshire
• The Living Coast (Brighton & Lewes Downs)
• Isle of Man
• Isle of Wight

Together, these sites cover around 10% of the UK’s land area, include marine zones, and support over 850,000 people. They act as testbeds for tackling climate change, restoring biodiversity, and promoting sustainable economies, while sharing knowledge through UNESCO’s global network.

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​Biosphere Reserves Around the World

The World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) now includes 784 sites in 142 countries, covering about 5% of Earth’s land surface and sustaining over 60% of global terrestrial vertebrate species richness. Around 300 million people—about 6% of the world’s population—live in and around these reserves. They span diverse ecosystems:

• Forests (54%)
• Grasslands and savannas (23%)
• Deserts and drylands (12%)
• Mountains and highlands (2%)
• Wetlands (2%)
• Coasts and mangroves (1%)

Biosphere reserves are organised into regional and thematic networks, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange. They are key platforms for delivering global sustainability and biodiversity targets through locally relevant action.

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