Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB)

Definition:

Launched in 1971, UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) is an Intergovernmental Scientific Programme that aims to establish a scientific basis for the improvement of relationships between people and their environments.

MAB combines the natural and social sciences, economics and education to improve human livelihoods and the equitable sharing of benefits, and to safeguard natural and managed ecosystems, thus promoting innovative approaches to economic development that are socially and culturally appropriate, and environmentally sustainable.

Its World Network of Biosphere Reserves currently counts 669 sites in 120 countries all over the world, including 20 transboundary sites.

Programme:

The MAB Programme develops the basis within the natural and social sciences for the rational and sustainable use and conservation of the resources of the biosphere and for the improvement of the overall relationship between people and their environment. It predicts the consequences of today’s actions on tomorrow’s world and thereby increases people’s ability to efficiently manage natural resources for the well-being of both human populations and the environment.

By focusing on sites internationally recognized within the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, the MAB Programme strives to:

  • identify and assess the changes in the biosphere resulting from human and natural activities and the effects of these changes on humans and the environment, in particular in the context of climate change;

  • study and compare the dynamic interrelationships between natural/near-natural ecosystems and socio-economic processes, in particular in the context of accelerated loss of biological and cultural diversity with unexpected consequences that impact the ability of ecosystems to continue to provide services critical for human well-being;

  • ensure basic human welfare and a liveable environment in the context of rapid urbanization and energy consumption as drivers of environmental change;

– promote the exchange and transfer of knowledge on environmental problems and solutions, and to foster environmental education for sustainable development.

Directory of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR)

Composed of 669 biosphere reserves in 120 countries, including 20 transboundary sites, the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) of the MAB Programme consists of a dynamic and interactive network of sites of excellence. It works to foster the harmonious integration of people and nature for sustainable development through participatory dialogue, knowledge sharing, poverty reduction, human well-being improvements, respect for cultural values and by improving society’s ability to cope with climate change. 

– List of biosphere reserves in the Arab States: 31 biosphere reserves in 11 countries

Last update: April 2016

Country

Biosphere Reserve

Year of designation

Periodic Reviews

ALGERIA

8 biosphere reserves

Tassili N’Ajjer

1986

2014

 

El Kala

1990

2002, 2016

 

Djurdjura

1997

2011

 

Chrea

2002

2014

 

Taza

2004

2016

 

Gouraya

2004

2016

 

Belezma

2015

 

 

Tlemcen Mountains

2016

 

EGYPT

2 Biosphere Reserve

Omayed

1981. (Extension 1998)

2011

 

Wadi Allaqi

1993

2004, 2012

JORDAN

2 biosphere reserve

Dana

1998

2014

 

Mujib

2011

 

LEBANON

3 biosphere reserves

Shouf

2005

 

 

Jabal Al Rihane

2007

 

 

Jabal Moussa

2009

 

MOROCCO

4 biosphere reserves

Arganeraie

1998

2010

 

Oasis du sud marocain

2000

2017

 

Intercontinental Biosphere Reserve of the Mediterranean (Spain/Morocco)

2006

 

 

Atlas Cedar

2016

 

QATAR

1 biosphere reserve

Al Reem

2007

 

SUDAN

3 biosphere reserves

Dinder

1979

2001, 2016

 

Radom

1979

2001

 

Jebel El Dair

2017

 

SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLIC

1 biosphere reserve

Lajat

2009

 

TUNISIA

4 biosphere reserves

Djebel Bou-Hedma

1977

1999

 

Djebel Chambi

1977

1999

 

Ichkeul

1977

1999

 

IIes Zembra et Zembretta

1977

1999

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

1 biosphere reserve

Marawah

2007

 

YEMEN

2 biosphere reserves

Socotra Archipelago

2003

2016

 

Bura’a

2011

 

Lebanon: MAB National Committee:

Prof. Ghassan Ramadan Jaradi
Secretary General MAB National Committee (Lebanon)
National Council for Scientific Research (CNRS)
Professor of Ornithology & Taxonomy
P.O. Box 11-8281
Beirut
Tel:   (961) 3 689840
Fax: (961) 1 822639
(961) 6 615938
E-mail:  r-jaradi(at)cyberia.net.lb

Members:

Dr Georges Tohme
Chairman
MAB National Committee (Lebanon)
National Council for Scientific Research
(CNRS)
P.O.Box: 11-8281
Beirut
Tel: (961) 1 840260
Fax: (961) 1 822639
E-mail:  gtohme(at)cnrs.edu.lb

Mr Khalaf Gabi
National Centre for Marine Sciences
P.O.Box 534
Batroun
Tel: (961) 6 741580/1/2/3/
Fax: (961) 6 741584
E-mail:  bihar(at)cnrs.edu.lb

Dr Haratch Kuomedjian
P.O.Box: 11-8281
Beirut
Tel: (961) 1 840260
Fax: (961) 1 822639

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