What is a biosphere?

Biospheres are ‘learning places for sustainable development’ where interdisciplinary approaches are tested, helping us understand and manage the evolving relationships between social and ecological systems, from conflict prevention to biodiversity management. They are places where local innovation helps drive real solutions to global challenges.  

Once designated, biosphere status carries strong international recognition — a global signal of their importance and ambition.

Biospheres are nominated by national governments and remain entirely under the sovereign jurisdiction of the states where they are established. They are designated under UNESCO's intergovernmental MAB Programme by the Director-General of UNESCO, acting on the decisions of the MAB International Coordinating Council (MAB-ICC). 

Each biosphere has three main functions: conserving biodiversity and cultural heritage, fostering sustainable economic and human development, and supporting education, research and information exchange. Different designations allow for different approaches within areas of the biosphere.  

A biosphere has three main zones:

Core area 

A strictly protected zone that supports the conservation of landscapes, ecosystems, species and genetic diversity. 

Buffer area 

Surrounds or adjoins the core area(s) and is designated for ecologically responsible activities that enhance scientific research, monitoring, training, and education. 

Sustainable Development (Transition) area 

An area dedicated to community-led development that balances economic activity with social, cultural, and ecological sustainability. 

What might this look like for the Forest of Dean?

To help visualise how this might look in the Forest of Dean we have created an interactive map.