Today countries around the world are celebrating the 40th anniversary of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Program.  The MAB is an intergovernmental scientific program aimed at establishing the scientific basis for improving the relationship between man and nature. This notion may seem simple conceptually, but it is as relevant now as it was 40 years ago given the state of ecosystems worldwide, environmental community mobilization and the work that remains to be done to implement sustainable development. The most significant result of this program is the development and implementation of an international network of biosphere reserves that serve as demonstration sites for biodiversity conservation and through research and education the promotion of sustainable development and capacity building in local communities.

Canada’s biosphere reserves marked the anniversary at their annual general meeting last June by presenting a review of the strategic plan governing biosphere reserves around the world. Several of our reserves have carried out activities to promote the 40th anniversary of MAB with key stakeholders in their regions. Additionally, a multimedia presentation was launched during the Canadian Commission for UNESCO annual general assembly.  Lastly, Jean-Philippe L. Messier of the Manicouagan Uapishka Biosphere Reserve on the North Shore of Quebec and chair of the Canadian Biosphere Reserves Association will participate in a video conference today at the “World Biosphere Reserve Day” in Paris.

Happy Birthday MAB program!  It is our greatest wish that biodiversity conservation and sustainable development will someday be fully implemented around the world.  Congratulations to biosphere reserves around the world on this special day for making the MAB a real tangible and inspiring program.

For more information about the 40^th MAB anniversary: www.unesco.org/new/en/natural-sciences/environment/ecological-sciences/