Man and Biosphere Programme (MAB)
Launched in 1971, UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) is an Intergovernmental Scientific Programme that aims to establish a scientific basis for the improvement of relationships between people and their environments.
MAB combines the natural and social sciences, economics and education to improve human livelihoods and the equitable sharing of benefits, and to safeguard natural and managed ecosystems, thus promoting innovative approaches to economic development that are socially and culturally appropriate, and environmentally sustainable.
Its World Network of Biosphere Reserves currently counts 686 sites in 122 countries all over the world, including 20 transboundary sites.
The MAB Programme develops the basis within the natural and social sciences for the rational and sustainable use and conservation of the resources of the biosphere and for the improvement of the overall relationship between people and their environment. It predicts the consequences of today’s actions on tomorrow’s world and thereby increases people’s ability to efficiently manage natural resources for the well-being of both human populations and the environment.
Uganda currently has two Biosphere Reserves, namely;
By focusing on sites internationally recognized within the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, the MAB Programme strives to:
- identify and assess the changes in the biosphere resulting from human and natural activities and the effects of these changes on humans and the environment, in particular in the context of climate change;
- study and compare the dynamic interrelationships between natural/near-natural ecosystems and socio-economic processes, in particular in the context of accelerated loss of biological and cultural diversity with unexpected consequences that impact the ability of ecosystems to continue to provide services critical for human well-being;
- ensure basic human welfare and a liveable environment in the context of rapid urbanization and energy consumption as drivers of environmental change;
- promote the exchange and transfer of knowledge on environmental problems and solutions, and to foster environmental education for sustainable development.
National Committee of the Man and Biosphere Programme
SN | Name | Organization/Institution | Specialization |
1 | Dr. Patrick Byakagaba | Makerere University | Environmental and Natural Resource Governance |
2 | Prof. Anne Akol | Makerere University | Agricultural Entomology, Applied Biology, Zoology, Botany |
3 | Mr. Owoyesigire George | Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities | Conservation and Tourism |
4 | John Makombo | Uganda Wildlife Authority | Director for Conservation |
5 | Tom Rukondo Ndamira | National Forestry Authority | Environmental Impact Assessment & Research Specialist |
6 | Dr. Cassim Umba Tolo | Mbarara University of Science and Technology | Biological Sciences |
7 | Fred Kiiza Kayanza | Mt. Elgon Biosphere Reserve | Manager/MEBR |
8 | Vincent Cohen Barugahare | MoWE-Wetlands Division | Limnology/Aquatic Biodiversity |
9 | Edward Asalu | Queen Elizabeth Biosphere Reserve | Manager/QEBR |
10 | Pontius Ezuma | Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga National Park | Manager BIMNP |
11 | Dr. Dominic V.L.M | UNATCOM | ASG/Secretariat |