The World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) was established in 1977 as one of the major achievements of the Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme of UNESCO. Its primary aim is to foster international cooperation and exchange of knowledge for the sustainable management of ecosystems and biodiversity.

• To become a part of this international network, a Biosphere Reserve (BR) must be nominated by the country in which it is located. The proposal is reviewed by the International Coordinating Council (ICC) of the MAB Programme, and the BR is included in the WNBR only if it meets the required global criteria. Importantly, while these reserves are part of an international network, they remain fully under the sovereignty of the country in which they are located. Participation in the network is voluntary, and the decision to join lies entirely with the concerned government.
• In rare cases, a biosphere reserve can be removed (delisted) from the network. This happens only in exceptional circumstances when a country fails to uphold the core commitments of conserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable development. Even in such cases, delisting is done only after detailed consultation with the national government.
• As of now, the WNBR comprises 610 biosphere reserves spread across 117 countries, including transboundary sites that span more than one country. This network plays a vital role in promoting cooperation between countries of the Global North and Global South, as well as between countries in the Global South. It serves as a powerful platform for sharing experiences, exchanging scientific knowledge, building technical and institutional capacity, and adopting best practices in conservation and sustainable resource management.