UNESCO MAB Programme relaunches the network on mountainous regions
In an effort to improve the protection of mountainous ecosystems and the livelihoods of mountain communities, UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) is relaunching its World Network of Mountain Biosphere Reserves (WNMBR).
Ahead of MAB’s International Co-ordinating Council to take place in Abuja, Nigeria, in September 2021, the MAB Secretariat has called upon Member States to nominate mountain biosphere reserves to operate as Technical Secretariats, which will become global hubs of expertise on mountain science coordinating the network’s activities.
The launch of the WNMBR follows a recommendation laid down by the Lima Action Plan, MAB’s roadmap for 2016-2025, and builds on previous work studying global changes in mountain regions that began in the 1980s. This network will join other specialised MAB thematic networks, such as the World Network of Island and Coastal Biosphere Reserve (WNICBR).
The objectives of the network and its Technical Secretariats will be to foster scientific research between mountain biosphere reserves worldwide and allow for exchanges between local communities on topics such as forest management, agro-pasturalism and eco-tourism. This network will also act as a stepping stone for nominations of new mountain biosphere reserves.
The deadline for the submission of biosphere reserves/institutions for the function of Technical Secretariats of this Network until 10 September 2021.