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U.S. MAB Biosphere Reserves Fact Sheet released by the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, Department of State, March 5, 1998.

The main functions of biosphere reserves are:

• conservation of important biological resources;
• development of environmentally sound economic growth;
• support of environmental research, monitoring, education, and training;
• as a framework to bring people together to accomplish the above three.

The United States has 47 biosphere reserves with 99 administrative units. The protected areas and managed use areas are owned/administered by the National Park Service; U.S.D.A.-Forest Service; state, county, or city governments; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; The Nature Conservancy; universities; private owners; U.S.D.A-Agricultural Research Service; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; Bureau of Land Management; Tennessee Valley Authority; and the Department of Energy.

A biosphere reserve ideally consists of a "protected area", an adjacent managed use area" and a broader "zone of cooperation." The protected area is legally protected from activity which would adversely affect the natural features of the area. The managed use area contains lumbering, grazing, and fishing activities, settlements, recreational facilities etc., managed to benefit local residents and the local environment. The zone of cooperation is the larger region in which local residents, cultural groups, economic interests, scientists, managing agencies etc. work together to link conservation and economic development guided by the cultural values of the local community.

The biosphere reserve concept emphasizes cooperation among the landowners and local residents in developing a program of research, conservation, and development. No restrictions, land purchase authority, or land use regulations are conveyed with the award of biosphere reserve status.

The biosphere reserve designation facilitates sharing of scientific and land management information. A biosphere reserve is a member of a network of worldwide sites. As of October 1997 there are 352 biosphere reserves in 87 countries. Each nation exercises sovereignty over its sites.

A biosphere reserve is nominated locally, recommended nationally, designated internationally, and administered locally. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) awards the title of biosphere reserve and provides guidelines. The National Committee for the U.S. Man and the Biosphere Program (U.S. MAB) gives program support. The Biosphere Reserve Directorate of U.S. MAB coordinates national activities. The biosphere reserve generates program and activities for ecosystem conservation, management, and use with local cooperation.

For more information, please contact:

U.S. MAB Secretariat
OES/ETC/MAB SA-44c
Department of State
Washington, D.C. 20522-4401

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