MAB Nomination Deadlines: September 30, 2008

The Man and the Biosphere Program (MAB) is an important element in UNESCO's overall People, Biodiversity and Ecology effort, which is in turn part of the organizations Major Program in the Natural Sciences.Since its creation in 1968, MAB has acted to encourage and facilitate protection of endangered ecosystems and sustainable approaches to development.

Biosphere reserves are sites recognized under UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Program which innovate and demonstrate approaches to conservation and sustainable development. They are under national sovereign jurisdiction, yet share their experience and ideas nationally, regionally and internationally within the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. There are 531 sites worldwide in 105 countries.

The U.S. State Department makes a website available describing the U.S. contributions to the Man and the Biosphere program.

Three deadlines, described in the following paragraphs, come on September 30 related to MAB. Since the U.S. Man and the Biosphere Committee is inactive it is suggested that interested parties contact the U.S. National Commission for UNESCO secretariat or the Permanent Mission of the United States to UNESCO.

Biosphere reserve nominations for 2008. The deadline for submission of new biosphere reserve nominations is 30 September 2008. The MAB National Committees are invited to submit biosphere reserve nominations (and/or extensions to existing biosphere reserves) in hard copy with the original signatures of endorsement and original maps, and also in electronic form as well as periodic review reports. Countries wishing advice may contact the MAB Secretariat or the Field Offices. The nomination and periodic review forms are available in English, French and Spanish. More Contact: MAB Secretariat

30 September 2008 The MAB Young Scientists Award Scheme encourages young scientists to conduct interdisciplinary research on ecosystems, natural resources and biodiversity, in line with the MAB Program's focus on sustainable people and biosphere interactions. Applications for the 2009 Awards are due before 30 September 2008. More Contact: MAB Secretariat

30 September 2008 Call for 2009 Michel Batisse Award for Biosphere Reserve Management. Each country may submit one case study from for the Michel Batisse Award for Biosphere Reserve Management before 30 September 2008. More Contact: MAB Secretariat