EABRN is a regional network supporting the UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme and has three priority themes for cooperation: eco-tourism, conservation policy, and trans-boundary cooperation. EABRN facilitates the exchange of information between biosphere reserves (BRs) and governing bodies, and conducts regular regional meetings on issues of common concern. It also serves as a mechanism to facilitate training and site-to-site cooperation.

 

To date, EABRN has conducted thirteen network meetings since 1994. These meetings have been conducted as workshops and provided positive opportunities for experts and BR managers to exchange individual experiences in biological diversity conservation, particularly the implementation of the Seville Strategy, the Statutory Framework for Biosphere Reserves, and the Madrid Action Plan. At these meetings, the results of cooperative scientific studies - such as on tourism management - are also presented to members. The last EABRN meeting was held in October 2013 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The next meeting is scheduled to be held at the Shiga Highland Biosphere Reserve in Japan during the second half of 2015.

 

The EABRN Network directs special attention to the capacity building of Biosphere Reserve managers based on modern technologies and spatial tools. To date, five EABRN training courses have been held, primarily focusing on the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to BR management. These courses were held in 2004, 2006, 2009, 2011 and 2012.

 

Objectives of EABRN:

• To share BR management experience, including zoning, biodiversity conservation, and socio-economic development experience.

• To exchange information on the major functions of BRs in member countries.

• To promote cooperative research on biodiversity conservation and socio economic development in and around BRs.

• To strengthen cooperation between EABRN and member countries, and encourage international and regional cooperation with other Networks (EuroMAB, SeaBRnet, etc.) and IUCN.

 

Activities of EABRN:

• Organize EABRN meetings combined with field evaluations of BRs by members and experts attending EABRN Meetings.

• Carry out small-scale research projects, cooperative scientific studies in East Asia and publication of books as well as a Biosphere Reserve Atlas.

• Organize regular regional capacity building training courses.

 

The main target groups are:

• National MAB Committee members

• Biosphere Reserve Managers from East Asian countries

• Ecologists and environmental specialists

• Researchers and scientists

• Planners and policy makers

• Resources managers