MAB Full Form

MAB full form is Man and the Biosphere Program. Since its launch in 1971, the MAB program has established nearly 700 biosphere reserves in 134 countries. This program is very important for the promotion of sustainable development across the world. To know more about MAB, read this article.

What is the Full Form of MAB?

The full form of MAB is the Man and the Biosphere Program. The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) started the Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) in 1971. 

The MAB program is a major multinational effort to address the difficulties of the human-environment connection. The work of the program is very important for the protection of biodiversity and for sustainable development.

Organizational Structure of MAB 

The International Coordinating Council (ICC): The ICC is the MAB Program's principal governing body. It is made up of delegates from the 34 member countries chosen by the UNESCO General Conference. The ICC convenes every two years to discuss the program’s progress and establish priorities.

The Office: The ICC's executive arm is the Bureau. It is made up of the ICC chair, five vice chairs, and the directors of the MAB Secretariat and the International Support Group. Regular meetings are held to carry out the ICC’s decisions. 

MAB Secretariat: The  Secretariat of MAB is based at the headquarters of UNESCO in Paris, France. The headquarters is in charge of running the MAB Program on a daily basis.

National Committees: For the MAB Programme, each UNESCO Member State has a National Committee. The nationwide Committees are in charge of promoting the MAB Program at the national level as well as organizing MAB activities in their respective nations.

International Support Group: The International Support Group is a network of organizations that deliver technical and financial assistance to the MAB Program. UN agencies, non-governmental organizations, and private foundations constitute the International Support Group.

Goals of MAB

To get a better understanding of the connection between individuals and their environments. Understanding the various ways in which human beings interact with their surroundings, the effects that these interactions have on the environment, and how we can carry out our day-to-day activities in a sustainable manner. 

To promote biological variety conservation and the sustainable use of natural resources. This involves finding and maintaining high biological diversity places, devising sustainable methods of using natural resources, and promoting awareness of the need for biodiversity protection.

To aid in the formulation and implementation of sustainable development policies and practices.  Joining hands with governments, corporations, and other stakeholders all across the globe to establish policies and practices that support sustainable development. 

To improve people's ability to manage their environments in a sustainable manner. This involves encouraging the flow of knowledge and ideas, as well as providing educational and training opportunities.

Three Major Components of MAB 

The World Network of Biosphere Reserves: It is an ever-growing and proactive network of world-class sites that promote human-nature harmony for long-term development. According to the latest reports, 738 biosphere reserves exist in 134 nations.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Biosphere Research: It is a scientific group that advises and guides the MAB Program. It comprises professionals belonging to the fields of scientific and social sciences, economics, and education.

The Scientific Advisory Council: It is an independent organization that lends scientific assistance to the MAB Program. The council's members include natural and social scientific professionals.

MAB Program in India 

India joined the MAB Program in 1986. The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change is responsible for implementing the MAB Program in India. The MAB National Committee is in charge of coordinating the Program on a nationwide scale. The first biosphere reserve to be established in India in 1986 was the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. 

Biospheres Launched in India

Since the launch of the MAB Program in India, 18 biosphere reserves have been established:

1. The Achanakmar - Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh
2. Andaman and Nicobar Biosphere Reserve, Andaman and Nicobar Islands 
3. Aravali Biosphere Reserve, Rajasthan 
4. Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve, Himachal Pradesh 
5. Dihang - Dibang Biosphere Reserve, Arunachal Pradesh
6. Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve, Andaman and Nicobar Islands 
7. Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, Tamil Nadu
8. Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve, Sikkim 
9. Manas Biosphere Reserve, Assam 
10. Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Uttarakhand 
11. Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Uttarakhand 
12. Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, Meghalaya
13. Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve , Madhya Pradesh 
14. Panna Biosphere Reserve, Madhya Pradesh 
15. Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve , Andhra Pradesh 
16. Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve, West Bengal 
17. Thar Desert Biosphere Reserve, Rajasthan 
18. Vindhyan Biosphere Reserve, Madhya Pradesh

Written By:

Mia Singh