Balancing conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity is also central to the “Man and the Biosphere” (MAB) programme of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The UNESCO biosphere reserves were designed as model regions for sustainable development whose inhabitants are supported in the pursuit of environmentally sound livelihoods and thus in developing sustainable societies and economies. Since their inception, they have generated a wealth of
experiences and lessons, some of which aredescribed in this brochure.
