National Commission for the "Man and the Biosphere" Program Established in Tunisia
A national commission dedicated to the "Man and the Biosphere" program was created by decree of the Minister of Environment on June 27, 2025, published in the Official Journal of the Tunisian Republic (JORT) on July 4.
Mission and Objectives
The commission's mission is to support the preservation of natural resources and ensure their sustainable use, particularly in biosphere reserves. It will also contribute to the development of scientific knowledge related to biodiversity and ecosystems at the local level.
Additionally, the commission will play an active role in strengthening cooperation with national commissions and international organizations involved in the "Man and the Biosphere" program. It will support environmental education and awareness-raising efforts, promoting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Representing Tunisia Internationally
The commission will officially represent Tunisia in various activities and instances of the program, proposing national participation in other international programs related to sustainable development and environmental protection. It will also organize scientific, educational, and awareness-raising events around biosphere reserves, and valorize research results in this field.
Priorities and Collaborations
The commission's priorities will include sharing best practices in reserve management, coordinating the implementation of program activities at the national level, and collaborating closely with the national commission for education, science, and culture.
Furthermore, the commission will ensure liaison between Tunisia and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), which leads the program internationally.
Background on the "Man and the Biosphere" Program
Launched in 1971 by UNESCO, the "Man and the Biosphere" program is an intergovernmental scientific program aimed at creating a solid scientific basis for improving relationships between human societies and their environment. It combines natural, exact, and social sciences, promoting innovative approaches to economic development that are both environmentally respectful and adapted to the social and cultural realities of the territories concerned.
