They illustrate how to reconcile conservation of natural and cultural diversity with economic and social development. They enable innovative approaches to sustainable development to be tested.
There are currently 621 biosphere reserves in 117 countries.
The Intercontinental Biosphere Reserve of the Mediterranean (IBRM), established in October 2008, covers nearly one million hectares, shared almost equally between Morocco and Spain.
In Morocco, the IBRM is spread over seven provinces: Chefchaouen (32% of the total area of the IBRM), Tetouan (28%), Larache (23%), Ouezzane (10%), Fahs-Anjra (5%), Mdiq-Fnideq (2%), Tangier-Assilah (0.21%). The IBRM is home to numerous natural ecosystems.