1、96-517 ENRUpdated October 3, 1997Received through the CRS WebBiosphere Reserves: Fact SheetSusan R. FletcherSenior Analyst in International Environmental PolicyEnvironment and Natural Resources Policy DivisionSummarySince 1972, the United States has participated in the Man and the Biosphere Program(
2、MAB), coordinated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization(UNESCO). As part of the U.S. MAB program, 47 biosphere reserves have been establishedin the United States. These sites are part of a network of 324 such areas worldwide in whichscientists conduct research and c
3、ommunicate about their findings.Biosphere reserves arenominated by the country in which they are located, and no change in jurisdiction orsovereignty occurs as a result. However, controversy has arisen over the past 3 years over theconnection to the United Nations and fears by some commentators and
4、organizations that U.S.sovereignty may be affected. The American Land Sovereignty Protection Act, H.R. 901, wasintroduced to address these concerns by imposing extensive conditions on the program; it hasbeen reported by the Resources Committee and is likely to be considered by the House inOctober. A
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