Biosphere Reserves and the U.S. MAB Program (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
June 4, 1999 |
| Report Number |
RS20220 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Susan R. Fletcher, Resources, Science, and Industry Division |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
Since 1972, the United States has participated in the Man and the Biosphere Program (MAB),
coordinated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Each participating nation establishes its own domestic MAB program, which includes a wide variety
of ecosystem and biological research. As part of the U.S. MAB program, 47 biosphere reserves have
been established in the United States. These sites are part of a network of 356 such areas worldwide,
in which scientists conduct research and communicate about their findings. Biosphere reserves are
nominated by the country in which they are located. They are usually areas protected for domestic
purposes, such as national parks, and no change in jurisdiction or sovereignty occurs as a result of
recognition as biosphere reserves. However, controversy has arisen over the connection to the
United Nations and fears by some commentators and organizations that U.S. sovereignty could be
affected. The American Land Sovereignty Protection Act has been introduced in the 104th, 105th,
and
106th Congresses to address these concerns by requiring congressional approval of nominations of
federal lands for recognition under international programs, including the MAB program, and by
placing other conditions on U.S. participation in the program. The American Land Sovereignty
Protection Act passed the House in 1997 ( H.R. 901 ) and on May 20, 1999
( H.R. 883 ), and the Senate held hearings on S. 510 , a companion bill, on
May 26, 1999. The legislation would also affect U.S. participation in the World Heritage
Convention, under which World Heritage sites are recognized, and which include some of the sites
recognized as biosphere reserves; for more information on that program, see CRS Report 96-395 ,
World Heritage Convention and U.S. National Parks . This report will be updated
periodically as
legislative action or other activity requires.
