It is recognized by UNESCO for its "significance for biological diversity conversation" and organizational efforts involving municipal authorities and private interests.

[3] The Network periodically submits reports to UNESCO on current land-management issues related to the region's biodiversity and its connection to people.

In 2017, a periodic review brought renewed interest to the Golden Gate Biosphere Network and also expanded the boundaries of the GGB region by more than 26,000 square miles.

[1] Since 2017, the Network has focused on expanding its collaborative partnerships to improve connections among regional agencies, organizations, and nonprofits, enhancing the stewardship of natural resources.

With over 3000 terrestrial and marine plant and animal species,[7] the Golden Gate Biosphere includes marine, aquatic ecosystems and terrestrial ecosystems such as evergreen forests (including the endemic Coast Redwood), oak woodlands, chaparral, coastal scrub and prairies, rare serpentine grasslands, as well as coastal and offshore islands.

Endangered fish include Central California Coast steelhead trout, coho salmon, and southern green sturgeon.

Endangered plants include the Contra Costa goldfields, Suisun thistle, yellow larkspur, San Francisco Wallflower, and Clarkia franciscana.

[1] The Biosphere region provides important economic opportunities to the San Francisco Bay Area and annually receives 26.5 million visitors.

The National Park Service and ranchers collaborate on issues of importance to maintaining biodiversity within the biosphere, including water quality, archaeological site preservation, ranch diversification, weed management, historic structure and landscape maintenance, sustainable agricultural practices, and habitat restoration.

Research covers topics such as: the management of commercially important resources such as fisheries; threats to ecosystems such as oil spills, pollutants, and invasive species; and episodic events such as wildfires and climate extremes.