Become a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

The Accreditation Process

• Introduction

  First established in 1971, the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) programme is an intergovernmental scientific program that aims to improve the relationship between people and their environment.

  The MAB Programme is supported by a World Network of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves. These are places where sustainable development practices under diverse ecological, social and economic contexts can be tested and implemented. UNESCO Biosphere Reserves promote solutions reconciling the conservation of biodiversity with its sustainable use.

  The UK National Commission for UNESCO works closely with the UK Committee for Man and the Biosphere (UK MAB) in the nomination of new UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in the UK. All organisations in the UK wishing to apply to become a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve must submit their official application through the UK MAB Committee, but initial contact can be made through us.

• Take the first steps

  Download and read the Technical Guidelines for Biosphere Reserves and other documentation available in our Resource Centre or via the links below.

  Make contact with the UK National Commission for UNESCO. We will answer any initial queries you have then pass your details onto the UK MAB Committee.

• Considerations

  Please note that the full application process to become a UNESCO Designation can take several years, and not all applications are successful. There is also a limit on the number of applications the UK submits to UNESCO each year, and each Designation type has its own application cycle within a calendar year. In this respect, we recommend you contact us soon as possible.