United States Biosphere Network (USBN)

The US Biosphere Network (USBN) is made up of 28 internationally recognized places across the continental United States, the US Caribbean, Alaska, and Hawai’i called biosphere regions. Communities and organizations work together in biosphere regions to connect people and nature, from deserts to forests, grasslands to rivers, and mountains to oceans and coasts. Together, we care for the beauty and value of our lands and waters and the benefits they bring to our communities. The USBN provides coordination, technical support, training, and development to our biosphere regions. A Steering Committee elected from the USBN membership provides leadership and guidance. The Center for Large Landscape Conservation, a nonprofit organization focused on restoring ecological connectivity, is the fiscal sponsor for the USBN. Biosphere regions in the U.S. apply for and maintain their recognition with the World Network of Biospheres under the International Man and the Biosphere Program. The US Biosphere Network assists local organizations in biosphere regions in achieving three main functions: Conservation of cultural and biological diversity Economic Development that is socio-culturally and environmentally sustainable Logistic Support underpinning development through research, monitoring, education, and training Biosphere regions are voluntary and nonregulatory. They do not affect the sovereign jurisdiction of the United States, private property rights, or the local, state, tribal & federal government jurisdictions over lands and waters where they are located.