In her report of the proceedings, Dr. Carino noted that the Council called for action to improve the visibility of MAB and WNBR to levels enjoyed by the World Heritage Inscription. They called attention to the “need for management committees at the individual biosphere reserve level while recognizing the important role of MAB National Committees.”

She also noted that in relation to the Biosphere reserves as learning platforms and places for sustainable development – a progress report and a proposed draft resolution for the 35th session of the UNESCO General Conference, the ICC expressed support for the proposal as a potential for establishing MAB as a priority platform for DESD during 2010–2014 as well as the legacy with DESD beyond 2014.

The 21st Session also discussed the MAB Young Scientists Award Scheme and modifications to the criteria.   In countries where MAB National Committees do not exist or are not fully functional, the selection will be done by the Commission for UNESCO of the country, the report stated.

The MAB-ICC also recommended that the selection process ensure a gender balance.

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