General Information
Cooperation projects 2021–2024Promoting UNESCO biosphere reserves in Southern Africa
What is the MAB Programme?
The Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme was created in 1971 by UNESCO with the objective to improve the relationship between people and their environments.
UNESCO biosphere reserves are the main instrument of the MAB Programme. These protected areas are model regions for sustainable development. They promote interdisciplinary approaches to reconcile the conservation of biological diversity with its sustainable use by people.
UNESCO biosphere reserves are the main instrument of the MAB Programme. These protected areas are model regions for sustainable development. They promote interdisciplinary approaches to reconcile the conservation of biological diversity with its sustainable use by people.
Model Regions for Sustainable Development Fostering UNESCO biosphere reserves in Southern Africa
Since 2017, the German Commission for UNESCO has been cooperating with the National Commissions for UNESCO in Southern Africa to promote the MAB Programme in the region. The main objectives of the cooperation are:
- Exchange of knowledge and experience in the region
- Establishment of new biosphere reserves
- Quality assurance and improvement of already designated biosphere reserves
- Empowerment of youth and local communities and strengthening of research activities
Exchanging knowledge and experiencesThe Regional MAB Workshop
Regional networking and the exchange of knowledge and experience play an important role in advancing the goals of the MAB programme. To this end, an annual workshop is held with representatives from all nine partner countries in Southern Africa. During these workshops participants visit selected biosphere reserves to also obtain practical insights. Additional digital workshops on specific themes provide an opportunity for a wider group of stakeholders to share and discuss ideas on practical issues, such as involving local communities or youth.
Botswana
Namibia
Zimbabwe
Zambia
Becoming a UNESCO biosphere reserve
Malawi
Dealing with natural disasters
South Africa
Strengthening the South African Youth Network
Mozambique
Introducing “Environmental Clubs” in primary schools in the Quirimbas Biosphere Reserve
Lesotho
Building management structures in Mat’seng Biosphere Reserve
Eswatini
Engaging with local communities
Eswatini
Strengthening the MAB Youth Network in the Lubombo Biosphere Reserve
Zambia
Implementing a Goat Breeding Strategy for Sustainable Livelihoods
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Botswana
Namibia
Zimbabwe
Zambia
Becoming a UNESCO biosphere reserve
Malawi
Dealing with natural disasters
South Africa
Strengthening the South African Youth Network
Mozambique
Introducing “Environmental Clubs” in primary schools in the Quirimbas Biosphere Reserve
Lesotho
Building management structures in Mat’seng Biosphere Reserve
Eswatini
Engaging with local communities
Eswatini
Strengthening the MAB Youth Network in the Lubombo Biosphere Reserve
Zambia
Implementing a Goat Breeding Strategy for Sustainable Livelihoods
Cooperation Projects in 2024
Cooperation project 2024Eswatini: Strengthening the MAB Youth Network in the Lubombo Biosphere Reserve
How the Eswatini National Commission for UNESCO created youth ownership for projects in the Lubombo Biosphere Reserve
Impressions of the Lubombo Biosphere Reserve
Cooperation Projects in 2024
Cooperation project 2024Zambia: Implementing a Goat Breeding Strategy for Sustainable Livelihoods in the Kafue Flats Biosphere ReserveHow sustainable livestock production can empower women and marginalised households
In response to challenges in the Kafue Flats Biosphere Reserve region, such as high rates of poverty and deforestation, the Zambia National Commission for UNESCO designed and implemented a goat rearing project.
Malawi:
Dealing with natural desasters
Namibia
Botswana
Zimbabwe
Mozambique:
Introducing “Environmental Clubs” in primary schools
South Africa:
Strengthening the Youth Network
Zambia:
Becoming a UNESCO biosphere
Zambia:
Implementing a Goat Breeding Strategy for Sustainable Livelihoods
Lesotho:
Building management structures in Mat´seng Biosphere Reserve
Eswatini:
Strengthening the MAB Youth Network
Eswatini:
Engaging with local communities
South Africa:
Extending the communication toolkit
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Malawi:
Dealing with natural desasters
Namibia
Botswana
Zimbabwe
Mozambique:
Introducing “Environmental Clubs” in primary schools
South Africa:
Strengthening the Youth Network
Zambia:
Becoming a UNESCO biosphere
Zambia:
Implementing a Goat Breeding Strategy for Sustainable Livelihoods
Lesotho:
Building management structures in Mat´seng Biosphere Reserve
Eswatini:
Strengthening the MAB Youth Network
Eswatini:
Engaging with local communities
South Africa:
Extending the communication toolkit
Cooperation Projects in 2023
Cooperation project 2023Malawi: Dealing with natural disasters
How local communities were prepared for climate change and future natural disasters through awareness-raising activities
Namibia
Botswana
Zimbabwe
Malawi:
Dealing with natural disasters
South Africa:
Strengthening the Youth Network
South Africa:
Extending the communication toolkit
Mozambique:
Introducing “Environmental Clubs” in primary schools
Zambia:
Becoming a UNESCO biosphere reserve
Zambia:
Implementing a Goat Breeding Strategy for Sustainable Livelihoods
Lesotho:
Building management structures in Mat´seng Biosphere Reserve
Eswatini:
Engaging with local communities
Eswatini:
Strengthening the MAB Youth Network
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Namibia
Botswana
Zimbabwe
Malawi:
Dealing with natural disasters
South Africa:
Strengthening the Youth Network
South Africa:
Extending the communication toolkit
Mozambique:
Introducing “Environmental Clubs” in primary schools
Zambia:
Becoming a UNESCO biosphere reserve
Zambia:
Implementing a Goat Breeding Strategy for Sustainable Livelihoods
Lesotho:
Building management structures in Mat´seng Biosphere Reserve
Eswatini:
Engaging with local communities
Eswatini:
Strengthening the MAB Youth Network
Cooperation Projects in 2023
Cooperation project 2023South Africa: Strengthening the Youth Network
How the Magaliesberg Biosphere Reserve trained youth representatives to promote sustainability in South African biosphere reserves
Magaliesberg Biosphere ReserveBiosphere reserves and Youth Networks
The Magaliesberg Biosphere Reserve is located in South Africa, between the cities of Pretoria and Johannesburg. Its landscapes include sub-Saharan savannah, the central grassland plateaux and Afromontane forest. This diverse landscape is home to an extraordinary variety of flora and fauna.
Raising young people's awareness of such a manifold environment and the related issue of sustainability is one of the priorities of UNESCO biosphere reserves. For this reason, the MAB Programme places particular emphasis on strengthening national youth networks.
Raising young people's awareness of such a manifold environment and the related issue of sustainability is one of the priorities of UNESCO biosphere reserves. For this reason, the MAB Programme places particular emphasis on strengthening national youth networks.
Developing a communication kit for different target groups
In the Magaliesberg Biosphere Reserve, training materials for young people on sustainability and the MAB Programme were developed in cooperation with a number of youth representatives. Workshops were held at national level to prepare young people to disseminate knowledge about the MAB Programme.
Extending the communication toolkit
Based on the successful implementation of the communication toolkit training in South Africa, the Magaliesberg Biosphere Reserve project managers updated and extended the toolkit training to reach youth groups in Eswatini and Lesotho.
The aim was to promote regional knowledge sharing within the MAB network and to support MAB youth in both countries by giving them greater ownership of the MAB Programme.
The aim was to promote regional knowledge sharing within the MAB network and to support MAB youth in both countries by giving them greater ownership of the MAB Programme.
Namibia
Botswana
Zimbabwe
Eswatini:
Strengthening the MAB Youth Network
Zambia:
Implementing a Goat Breeding Strategy for Sustainable Livelihoods
Malawi:
Dealing with natural desasters
South Africa:
Strengthening the Youth Network
South Africa:
Extending the communication toolkit
Mozambique:
Introducing “Environmental Clubs” in primary schools
Zambia:
Becoming a UNESCO biosphere reserve
Lesotho:
Building management structures in Mat´seng Biosphere Reserve
Eswatini:
Engaging with local communities
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Namibia
Botswana
Zimbabwe
Eswatini:
Strengthening the MAB Youth Network
Zambia:
Implementing a Goat Breeding Strategy for Sustainable Livelihoods
Malawi:
Dealing with natural desasters
South Africa:
Strengthening the Youth Network
South Africa:
Extending the communication toolkit
Mozambique:
Introducing “Environmental Clubs” in primary schools
Zambia:
Becoming a UNESCO biosphere reserve
Lesotho:
Building management structures in Mat´seng Biosphere Reserve
Eswatini:
Engaging with local communities
Cooperation Projects in 2022
Cooperation project 2022Mozambique: Introducing “Environmental Clubs” in primary schools in the Quirimbas Biosphere Reserve
How to promote changes in children’s behaviour and attitudes towards the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable use of natural resources
Impressions of the Quirimbas Biosphere Reserve
Implementation of the Environmental Clubs in the districts Meluco, Antuabe and Metuge
In
order to spread knowledge about nature conservation, biodiversity and
the sustainable use of natural resources among children, the
administration of the Quirimbas Biosphere Reserve decided to conduct
training sessions for primary school children and set up environmental
clubs.
Experts presented the project idea to district government representatives and school principals. Six primary schools were then selected to take part in the project and set up an “environmental club” at their school.
Experts presented the project idea to district government representatives and school principals. Six primary schools were then selected to take part in the project and set up an “environmental club” at their school.
Teaching material
Some impressions of the information
material and descriptions
of “environmental clubs”
material and descriptions
of “environmental clubs”
Namibia
Botswana
Zimbabwe
Eswatini:
Strengthening the MAB Youth Network
Zambia:
Implementing a Goat Breeding Strategy for Sustainable Livelihoods
Malawi:
Dealing with natural desasters
South Africa:
Strengthening the Youth Network
South Africa:
Extending the communication toolkit
Mozambique:
Introducing “Environmental Clubs” in primary schools
Zambia:
Becoming a UNESCO biosphere reserve
Lesotho:
Building management structures in Mat´seng Biosphere Reserve
Eswatini:
Engaging with local communities
Scroll up
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Namibia
Botswana
Zimbabwe
Eswatini:
Strengthening the MAB Youth Network
Zambia:
Implementing a Goat Breeding Strategy for Sustainable Livelihoods
Malawi:
Dealing with natural desasters
South Africa:
Strengthening the Youth Network
South Africa:
Extending the communication toolkit
Mozambique:
Introducing “Environmental Clubs” in primary schools
Zambia:
Becoming a UNESCO biosphere reserve
Lesotho:
Building management structures in Mat´seng Biosphere Reserve
Eswatini:
Engaging with local communities
Cooperation Projects in 2021
Cooperation project 2021Zambia: Becoming a UNESCO biosphere reserve
How the nomination process for Kafue Flats was managed
First impressions of Kafue Flats Biosphere Reserve
Gaining the support of local chiefs
The support of local authorities is crucial for the nomination of a UNESCO biosphere reserve. The MAB Task Team in Zambia organized meetings with local chiefs to inform them about the proposed Kafue Flats Biosphere Reserve and to discuss their questions, needs and demands.
With the support and input of all eight participating chiefs, the MAB Task Team completed the nomination dossier and submitted it to UNESCO. This approach has led to the active involvement of the local communities and contributed to the promotion of sustainable development in the area.
With the support and input of all eight participating chiefs, the MAB Task Team completed the nomination dossier and submitted it to UNESCO. This approach has led to the active involvement of the local communities and contributed to the promotion of sustainable development in the area.
Informing local communities via radio shows
The MAB Task Team visited several radio stations in the region to inform local communities about the proposed biosphere reserve and the MAB Programme. During the interviews, the Task Team was able to share their vision for the biosphere reserve and to talk about the potential benefits of the MAB Programme for local communities in the area.
Local radio stations are an excellent means of reaching people in the biosphere reserve areas, as they are a popular news medium in Zambia.
Local radio stations are an excellent means of reaching people in the biosphere reserve areas, as they are a popular news medium in Zambia.
Radio Clip 1Introducing the Kafue Flats Biosphere ReserveA small impression of the radio programme
Radioclip 2Sharing the benefits with the communityExperts share insights on innovative practices such as solar energy and fish farming
Cooperation Projects in 2021
Cooperation project 2021Lesotho: Building management structures in Mat´seng Biosphere Reserve
How the MAB Committee engaged with communities and involved local stakeholders in the development of management structures
Building management structures in Mat’seng Biosphere Reserve
UNESCO designated the Mat’seng Biosphere Reserve in 2021 – it is now part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. The national MAB Committee is responsible for the biosphere reserve. It consists of key stakeholders from the area, as well as representatives from government and other relevant institutions.
The MAB Committee is responsible for setting up management structures and implementing activities to meaningfully involve local communities. This ensures the quality of the biosphere reserve in the long term.
The MAB Committee is responsible for setting up management structures and implementing activities to meaningfully involve local communities. This ensures the quality of the biosphere reserve in the long term.
First impressions of Mat’seng Biosphere Reserve
Training of local MAB Ambassadors
The MAB Committee trained young community representatives as MAB Ambassadors to disseminate information about the Mat'seng Biosphere Reserve in local communities. They act as a link between the communities and the biosphere reserve’s management unit, and also help to identify income-generating activities in line with local traditions and environmental conservation.
Cooperation Projects in 2021
Cooperation project 2021Eswatini: Engaging with local communities
How a community needs assessment was conducted in the Lubombo Biosphere Reserve
Conducting community-needs-assessments
To gain support from local communities for the Lubombo Biosphere Reserve after its UNESCO designation in 2019, MAB stakeholders in Eswatini conducted a community needs assessment. Students from the University of Eswatini were trained to collect data from people living in the area using a questionnaire that asks about the community members' ideas and opinions.
The Eswatini Department of Statistics analyzed the data, and the traditional authorities used it to develop community projects tailored to their specific needs and requirements.
The Eswatini Department of Statistics analyzed the data, and the traditional authorities used it to develop community projects tailored to their specific needs and requirements.
Example of community projectsTraining local tour guides for sustainable tourism
As one of the community projects, the Charuma Ecology Restoration and Conservation Initiative ran a training program in Mlawula Nature Reserve, which is located within the biosphere reserve. Participants were trained in a variety of skills, including bush navigation, animal tracking, and safety measures, and received certificates upon completion.
Participants also had the opportunity to pitch their own tour guiding business ideas to a jury. The top three proposals received additional support and resources to set up their tour guiding programs. The project aimed to develop the Lubombo Biosphere Reserve as a hub for sustainable tourism, contributing to the economic growth of the community.
Participants also had the opportunity to pitch their own tour guiding business ideas to a jury. The top three proposals received additional support and resources to set up their tour guiding programs. The project aimed to develop the Lubombo Biosphere Reserve as a hub for sustainable tourism, contributing to the economic growth of the community.
Voices of our partners
Voices of our partnersPromoting research and youth engagement in biosphere reserves
Dr Marlene ChikuniHow important is research for biosphere reserves?
Dr Portia ChifambaHow important are research institutions for biosphere reserves?
Monica MagxwalisaCan research be a tool for engagement?
Matsooana SekokotoanaA biosphere reserve has been designated… what next?
Vongani MaringaHow have countries addressed the need for further guidance?
Tonderai MakoniThe involvement of youth in biosphere reserves
Further readings
The German Commission for UNESCO’s project to promote the MAB Programme in Southern Africa is currently in its third phase (“Model Regions for Sustainable Development: Fostering UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in Southern Africa” 2023–2025). It aims to further strengthen the promotion of biosphere reserves in the region and to support the further development of the MAB Programme and the network.
More information can be found on these websites:
More information can be found on these websites:
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Promoting UNESCO biosphere reserves in Southern Africa
What is the MAB Programme?
UNESCO biosphere reserves
UNESCO biosphere reserves
The network of biosphere reserves in Southern Africa
Fostering UNESCO biosphere reserves in Southern Africa
Exchanging knowledge and experiences
Eswatini: Strengthening the MAB Youth Network in the Lubombo Biosphere Reserve
Impressions of the Lubombo Biosphere Reserve
Improving livelihoods through youth-led projects
Developing project ideas
Community projects driven by youth
More community projects driven by youth
Zambia: Implementing a Goat Breeding Strategy for Sustainable Livelihoods in the Kafue Flats Biosphere Reserve
Fostering inclusive growth through sustainable land use and conservation
Goat farming: A solution to support disadvantaged groups
Selected cooperation countries in 2021–2024
Malawi: Dealing with natural disasters
Analysing the impact of the cyclone
Implementing early warning systems and rebuilding settlements
Involving young people
South Africa: Strengthening the Youth Network
Biosphere reserves and Youth Networks
Developing a communication kit for different target groups
Capacity building activities to train young people
Positive outcome of the project
Extending the communication toolkit
Working together to promote biosphere reserves
Mozambique: Introducing “Environmental Clubs” in primary schools in the Quirimbas Biosphere Reserve
Impressions of the Quirimbas Biosphere Reserve
Implementation of the Environmental Clubs in the districts Meluco, Antuabe and Metuge
Trainings at schools: Everybody can make a difference!
Teaching material
Posters for the usage in schools
Positive outcome of the project
Zambia: Becoming a UNESCO biosphere reserve
First impressions of Kafue Flats Biosphere Reserve
Gaining the support of local chiefs
Informing local communities via radio shows
Introducing the Kafue Flats Biosphere Reserve
Sharing the benefits with the community
Local chief endorsement and community feedback
Lesotho: Building management structures in Mat´seng Biosphere Reserve
Building management structures in Mat’seng Biosphere Reserve
First impressions of Mat’seng Biosphere Reserve
Stakeholder project kick-off meeting
Training of local MAB Ambassadors
Production of information materials
Eswatini: Engaging with local communities
Conducting community-needs-assessments
Training local tour guides for sustainable tourism
Community market to support families
Voices of our partners
How important is research for biosphere reserves?
How important are research institutions for biosphere reserves?
Can research be a tool for engagement?
A biosphere reserve has been designated… what next?
How have countries addressed the need for further guidance?
The involvement of youth in biosphere reserves
Further readings