[19971003]96-517_生物圈保护区：情况说明书.pdf

Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS Web96-517 ENRUpdated October 3, 1997Biosphere Reserves: Fact SheetSusan R. FletcherSenior Analyst in International Environmental PolicyEnvironment and Natural Resources Policy DivisionSummarySince 1972, the United States has participated in the Man and the BiosphereProgram (MAB), coordinated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and CulturalOrganization (UNESCO). As part of the U.S. MAB program, 47 biosphere reserveshave been established in the United States. These sites are part of a network of 324 suchareas worldwide in which scientists conduct research and communicate about theirfindings. Biosphere reserves are nominated by the country in which they are located,and no change in jurisdiction or sovereignty occurs as a result. However, controversyhas arisen over the past 3 years over the connection to the United Nations and fears bysome commentators and organizations that U.S. sovereignty may be affected. TheAmerican Land Sovereignty Protection Act, H.R. 901, was introduced to address theseconcerns by imposing extensive conditions on the program; it has been reported by th