ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book examines the evolution of Biosphere Reserves (BR) in countries in different parts of the world, demonstrating the great variety in how conservation, sustainable development, and scientific research and capacity building have been interpreted “on the ground” as the concept of BRs has itself evolved. It focuses on how United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's Man and Biosphere Programme and its key tool for implementation – the World Network of BRs – have sought to make operational the foundational concepts of sustainability science. The book describes key themes related to sustainability science and provides lessons from BR practices that describe opportunities for, and barriers to, translating sustainability science into sustainability in practice. BRs support peace-keeping in their efforts to provide for the co-flourishing of nature and of people.
