Key Documents
Seville Strategy - Statutory Framework of World Network of Biosphere Reserves (1995)
In 1995, a new era for UNESCO biosphere reserves began. After an international conference in Seville, Spain a new "statutory framework" for biosphere reserves was adopted. This was accompanied by the "Seville Strategy" that outlined the vision of the future of the MAB Programme into the 21st century. The criteria for biosphere reserves were revised to include social, cultural, spiritual and economic needs of society alongside the use of scientific research. This new strategy called for "new-style" biosphere reserves that involved more community participation.
Madrid Action Plan 2008 - 2013 (2008)
Madrid held the 3rd World Congress of Biosphere Reserves in 2008. From this meeting came the "Madrid Action Plan" (MAP) which outlined the vision and mission of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves from 2008-2013 and aimed to build on the success of the Seville Strategy. The MAP was evaluated in 2013-14 by UNESCO’s Internal Oversight Service.
MAB Strategy 2015-25 and Lima Action Plan 2016-25 (2015 and 2016)
Over a two-year period, 2014-16, a global consultation process led to these two documents, which guide the MAB Programme until 2025. The Strategy was approved by the International Coordinating Council (ICC) of the MAB Programme, and then the General Conference of UNESCO in 2015. The Lima Action Plan was endorsed by the 4th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves and then approved by the MAB ICC in Lima, Peru in March 2016.
Technical Guidelines for Biosphere Reserves (2021)
The technical guidelines were developed through a global consultation process, and provide information and guidance about all aspects of biosphere reserves, from initial selection through nomination and designation to implementation and the preparation of periodic reviews. They are a living document, which will be updated as the MAB Programme continues to evolve.
In 1995, a new era for UNESCO biosphere reserves began. After an international conference in Seville, Spain a new "statutory framework" for biosphere reserves was adopted. This was accompanied by the "Seville Strategy" that outlined the vision of the future of the MAB Programme into the 21st century. The criteria for biosphere reserves were revised to include social, cultural, spiritual and economic needs of society alongside the use of scientific research. This new strategy called for "new-style" biosphere reserves that involved more community participation.
Madrid Action Plan 2008 - 2013 (2008)
Madrid held the 3rd World Congress of Biosphere Reserves in 2008. From this meeting came the "Madrid Action Plan" (MAP) which outlined the vision and mission of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves from 2008-2013 and aimed to build on the success of the Seville Strategy. The MAP was evaluated in 2013-14 by UNESCO’s Internal Oversight Service.
MAB Strategy 2015-25 and Lima Action Plan 2016-25 (2015 and 2016)
Over a two-year period, 2014-16, a global consultation process led to these two documents, which guide the MAB Programme until 2025. The Strategy was approved by the International Coordinating Council (ICC) of the MAB Programme, and then the General Conference of UNESCO in 2015. The Lima Action Plan was endorsed by the 4th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves and then approved by the MAB ICC in Lima, Peru in March 2016.
Technical Guidelines for Biosphere Reserves (2021)
The technical guidelines were developed through a global consultation process, and provide information and guidance about all aspects of biosphere reserves, from initial selection through nomination and designation to implementation and the preparation of periodic reviews. They are a living document, which will be updated as the MAB Programme continues to evolve.
