Man and the Biosphere Programme

[3] Its biosphere reserves are nominated by national governments and remain under the sovereign jurisdiction of the states where they are located.

Biosphere core zones were in IUCN category I; either Ia (strict nature reserve) or Ib (wilderness area).

The agenda of the MAB programme is defined by its main governing body, the International Coordinating Council.

The MAB Council consists of 34 member states elected by UNESCO's General Conference.

The council elects a chair and five vice-chairs from each of UNESCO's geopolitical regions, one of which functions as a rapporteur.

[12] The fourth World Congress of Biosphere Reserves took place in Lima, Peru, from March 14–17, 2016.