UNESCO Biosphere Reserves are geographical regions of global socio-ecological significance, they are designated within UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere Programme forming an international, intergovernmental network. This book shows their global relevance and outlines lessons learned about biocultural diversity, sustainability, and society.

1. Introducing UNESCO Biosphere Reserves Part I Conceptual and Practical Foundations of the International Man and Biosphere Programme 2. Conceptual Origins and First-Generation Biosphere Reserves 3. Biosphere Reserves from Seville, 1995 to 2030: A Global Network of Sites of Excellence to Address Regional and Global Imperatives Part II Translation and Transitions: The Changing Practices of Biosphere Reserves 4. The Mexican Biosphere Reserves: Landscape and Sustainability 5. The Chilean Biosphere Reserves Network as a Model for Sustainability?: Challenges Towards Regenerative Development, Education, Biocultural Ethics and Eco-social Peace 6. Perspectives on Growth and Change in Canada’s 18 UNESCO Biosphere Reserves 7. The Evolution of Biosphere Reserves in the United Kingdom 8. Meeting the Challenge of Sustainable Development in Biosphere Reserves: Analyzing the Knowledge Used to Establish Swedish Biosphere Reserves 9. The French Biosphere Reserves: Looking for Ecological Solidarity and Stewardship 10. The More Institutional Models, the More Challenges: Biosphere Reserves in the Czech Republic 11. Sense and Sustainability: The Story of Biosphere Reserves in Lebanon 12. Adapting to Socio-ecological Pressures Using Sustainability Science in Egyptian Biosphere Reserves 13. Sustainability at the Centres of Origin: Lessons from UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in Ethiopia 14. Innovative Implementation of the UNESCO MAB Programme in South Africa: Towards the Advancement of Sustainable Landscapes 15. Transdisciplinary Approaches for the Reactivation of Japanese Biosphere Reserves 16. Biosphere Reserves in Vietnam: Management Challenges 17. Man and the Biosphere Programme in China: Sustaining the Community of Life over Four Decades 18. The Four Stages of Biosphere Reserves in Australia: A Retro-and Prospective Part III: Lessons for Sustainability Science and Sustainability in Practice 19. Integrating Science and Local Knowledge to Strengthen Biosphere Reserve Management 20. Biosphere Reserves, Ideal Sites to Implement Holistic Approaches in Regenerative Development 21. Co-creation of Sustainable Development Knowledge in Biosphere Reserves 22. Implementation of Social-ecological Management Approaches in Biosphere Reserves in the Mediterranean Basin 23. Participatory Learning for Transdisciplinary Science in Biosphere Regions: A Modified Role for Universities 24. Embracing Cultures in Ecosystem Governance in Biosphere Reserves: Slowing Down the Pace 25. Unfinished Business: The Present and Future Contributions of Biosphere Reserves to Sustainability Science

"A much needed publication about the relevance of Biosphere Reserves as nature-based solutions that implement emerging and key concepts for our planetary challenges – such as governance and cultural practices for ecosystem management – in a continuous search for ecosystem resilience." - Angela Andrade, Chair, Commission on Ecosystem Management, International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN)"An excellent publication show-casing the role of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves as learning laboratories for sustainable development at a global level by linking cultural diversity to biological diversity for the well-being for humankind, including conflict prevention and management of biodiversity." - Shamila Nair-Bedouelle, Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences, UNESCO"A must-read for anyone interested in Biosphere Reserves – the first book ever with an international perspective on this innovative concept and its evolving applications to the practices and science of biodiversity conservation, climate change and sustainability." - Lisen Schultz, Research fellow at Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, Sweden"Maureen Reed and Martin Price, two recognized experts with many years of expertise in the field of BRs, have now edited a comprehensive book to which more than 60 authors, a who’s who of the MAB community so to say, have contributed – a volume which deserves to be seen as a new standard in the field of UNESCO BRs." — Günter Köck, eco.mont, Journal on Protected Mountain Areas Research and Management, Volume 12, Number 2"This book brings together a wide range of knowledge and experiences from many different authors that will be of interest to researchers and practitioners alike. It shows how biosphere reserves have evolved from a main focus on conservation and natural science toward a transdisciplinary endeavor that aspires to promote local participation and inclusiveness. It not only demonstrates that there has never been a shortage of obstacles, but also encourages and inspires to continue this worthwhile struggle for more sustainable places in our world." — Jan Hanspach, Faculty of Sustainability, Leuphana University Lüneburg, Lüneburg, Germany