1、Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code RS20220June 4, 1999Biosphere Reserves and the U.S. MAB Program(name redacted)Senior Analyst in International Environmental PolicyResources, Science, and Industry DivisionSummarySince 1
2、972, the United States has participated in the Man and the BiosphereProgram (MAB), coordinated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and CulturalOrganization (UNESCO). Each participating nation establishes its own domestic MABprogram, which includes a wide variety of ecosystem and biological
3、 research. As partof the U.S. MAB program, 47 biosphere reserves have been established in the UnitedStates. These sites are part of a network of 356 such areas worldwide, in whichscientists conduct research and communicate about their findings. Biosphere reservesare nominated by the country in which
4、 they are located. They are usually areas protectedfor domestic purposes, such as national parks, and no change in jurisdiction orsovereignty occurs as a result of recognition as biosphere reserves. However,controversy has arisen over the connection to the United Nations and fears by somecommentator