6 September 2013: The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has published the 2013-2014 edition of the map of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, which shows the worldwide distribution of the 621 biosphere reserves located in 117 countries, including 12 transboundary/transcontinental sites.

The map is available in English, French, Spanish, and German, and includes an overview of the objectives, tasks and structures of the Biosphere reserves. These areas are places where innovative ideas for sustainable development are tested and implemented.

Biosphere reserves combine scientific knowledge and participatory governance in order to: reduce loss of biodiversity; improve livelihoods of local people; and enhance social, economic and cultural conditions for environmental sustainability.

The map was prepared by the UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAP) with the support of the German Commission for UNESCO. [The Map] [UNESCO Press Release]