The MAB-ICC decided to add 22 new sites from 17 countries to the UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) which now counts 553 sites in 107 countries.

UNESCO: Dyfi Valley awarded unique UN status

The 2015-2025 Strategy has been developed over the course of a year, with the input of many different national committees, experts and representatives from the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR).

UNESCO: UK National Commission for UNESCO - UK supports the development of quality control processes to sharpen the focus of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves

However, although the General Conference adopted this document and a Statutory Framework for the WNBR 20 years ago, many Biosphere Reserves have not yet made the transition from conservation sites to sites for sustainable development.

UNESCO: UK National Commission for UNESCO - UK supports the development of quality control processes to sharpen the focus of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves