The World Network of Mountain Biosphere Reserves

To date, UNESCO has designated 738 biosphere reserves (BRs) worldwide; of these, 483 (65.4%) are in mountain areas, in 104 (77.6%) of the 134 countries with BRs. This chapter presents the evolution of a Global Network for Mountain Biosphere Reserves, with an insight on events, projects, and initiatives that led to the recognition of the importance for establishing such a network. Past collaborative international projects on global change in mountain BRs include the “Global Change in Mountain Regions” (GLOCHAMORE) project (2003–05) and the “Global Change in Mountain Sites” (GLOCHAMOST) project (2009–11). These projects were important precursors for current efforts toward the sustainable development of mountain BRs, connecting research institutes and BRs and improving synergies toward the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and other international environmental agreements, particularly through collaboration across the UN system.