In accordance with the current Scheme for the MAB Young Scientist Awards (MAB YSA) the Bureau selected six (6) winners of the 2017 MAB Young Scientists Awards to conduct interdisciplinary projects

68. In accordance with the current Scheme for the MAB Young Scientist Awards (MAB YSA) the Bureau selected six (6) winners of the 2017 MAB Young Scientists Awards to conduct interdisciplinary projects.

69. Upon this selection the Chair brought to the attention of the Bureau that budgets requested in selected proposals are less than 5,000 USD per application and do not reach the total ceiling of 30,000 USD for MAB YSA 2017. Therefore, the Chair suggested to the Bureau Members to consider awarding of a candidate who has reached the seventh position. The Bureau agreed on it unanimously. The list of the selected seven (7) winners is given in Annex 4.

71. The Secretariat introduced the twofold proposal on the revision of criteria and the enhancement of the MAB Young Scientists Award Scheme:

1. 
   As the implementation of the UNESCO MAB Programme within next ten years will be guided by the MAB Strategy and Lima Action Plan which contribute to the achievement of a number of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) the MAB Young Scientists Award (YSA) Scheme shall consider these guidelines accordingly. The proposed revised criteria shall maximize the extent to which the MAB YSA winners contribute towards research-focused actions of the Lima Action Plan.
   
2. 
   The research projects carried out under the Award Scheme provide a wealth of information on MAB related issues, including the three functions of biosphere reserves as well as in some cases on the integration of these functions. MAB’s governing bodies have several times recognized the importance of the Scheme. Moreover, as pointed out during the last Bureau meeting in September 2016 the, MAB YSA scheme has the potential to be a very useful instrument through which to implement the new MAB research agenda.
   

73. Comments and suggestions concerned (i) application dossiers availability to the Bureau evaluation because via UNESTEAM it has not been always feasible to look at and/or download such big amount of files, (ii) technical requirements on application forms, (iii) concise information to be provided on past and existing research in areas concerned to present linkages and avoid duplications and financing of projects already carried-out, (iv) setting-up key thematic categories in an application form to which applicants should refer according to their project topics – this would ultimately assist to enrich MAB database, etc.

74. The Bureau Members highlighted several times the need to address the Lima Action Plan and relevant SDGs in applications and thus, boost a contribution of MAB YSA research projects to the research-focused actions of the LAP. They further noted that MAB YSA Scheme may serve for an efficient communication of the LAP within the young scientists and strengthen its visibility.

10.3. Proposal to improve the Michel Batisse Award for Biosphere Reserve MAB

75. The Secretariat informed the Bureau about the concerns expressed by the Advisory Committee members at its last meeting in January 2017 regarding the decreasing quality of the scientific files received for Michel Batisse Award over the last years, and introduced the Committee’s concrete suggestions to increase the quality of the Michel Batisse Award candidatures.

77. The Secretariat introduced the item and the work achieved so far, including the Kick-off meeting held in Paris last January and the Costa Rica national workshop held in March (Annex attached to the document 8 of this item). It was mentioned the communication and branding workshop to be held at the forthcoming EuroMAB meeting on the next 4th April that will look into this draft framework and reflect further on the engagement goal for the global communication strategy. The Secretariat indicated that EuroMAB network will start to work on the next steps with identifying target audience and key messages as described in the slide on the 5 components of the MAB Communication strategy. It was further mentioned that in both these workshops, the branding and engagement tool kit was used for engaging the stakeholders and participants. The Secretariat also indicated that next steps include testing this engagement goal with other regions and regional networks, including ArabMAB network and in pilot sites in Africa and in Asia.

78. The Chair mentioned the use of the branding and communication tool kit in one of his recent conference in Canada and its strong positive impact on the audience. One member of the Bureau, even if supportive of the general approach, requested that more elements be provided on when and how this communication strategy is implemented and what the expected outcomes are in relation to current challenges and needs of MAB communication.. It was further mentioned that  an analysis tool such as a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis could be useful to identify the current situation and develop the strategies.  The Bureau member also indicated that some of the words were vague. Other members indicated that it is important to start with a simple and clear message, and to use modern communication tools, such as social media, to get in touch with the young people. Several members emphasized the need for a  simple, clear and precise message to ensure that communication efforts will be successful. One member concurred with the importance to speak with one voice, with one single message, to avoid people to be confused, including on the concept of a biosphere reserve with protected areas. Another member mentioned the communication problems within the ArabMAB network, linked to the lack of financial means. This member also emphasized the need to use modern communication means and the importance to discuss this item at the forthcoming ArabMAB meeting as part of the common and global implementation of the Lima Action Plan.

79. The Bureau thanked the Secretariat for the work achieved, highlighted the importance of the communication item and commended this new modern approach that facilitates collective action and cohesion within the World Network. It welcomed the progress made and encouraged the secretariat to continue the stakeholder’s engagement process and consultations with other regions and forthcoming networks meetings (ArabMAB, EABRN). It requested the Secretariat to share the outcomes and results of the forthcoming EuroMAB meeting on communication and branding to other regional networks and to report back at the next MAB Council on progress made at its next session next June.

80. The MAB Bureau at its last meeting in September 2016 requested the MAB Secretariat to prepare a document on this Item for discussion during this MAB Bureau meeting. The 29^th Session of the MAB ICC will be particularly important. One year after the 4^th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves (4WCBR) in Lima, the MAB ICC will look into the progress made and challenges encountered, and take decisions on the Implementation of the Exit Strategy. Moreover, it shall discuss actions and input that shall bring MAB and World Network of Biosphere Reserves further in line with the overall UNESCO workplan for 2018-2021 which will be approved by for the 39^th General Conference.

81. The Secretary presented the document SC-17/CONF.228C/Bureau.9Rev. He mentioned that the items proposed in this document has followed the usual agenda of MAB ICC. He indicated a new item on the MAB Youth Forum 2017 was added given it will be the only global event of MAB in 2017. The Secretary mentioned further that three panels were proposed including, “Local and Regional Governance of MAB and the BRs”, “MAB Partnership with the Private Sectors” and “New Research Themes under MAB Strategy and LAP”. He recalled that similar panels in 2015 had generated very positive response from the Member States. He noted a particular importance of the proposal of the Abertis Category 2 Centre of MAB to sponsor such a panel event.

82. In the following discussions, the Bureau recognized the heaviness of the agenda and time constraints for the MAB ICC session, and underlined the priority for completion of the Exit Strategy. The Chair welcomed the idea of having panels but enquired about the time planning for such events and the expected output. He further remarked that the reports from Council members and regional and thematic networks could be shorter, as well as the response from the countries on the occasion that their BR nominations are approved by the Council. He stressed the need of presenting a draft document on the “Operational Guidelines for the WNBR”. He also advised the implementation of LAP should be separated from document item on MAB reporting to the 39^th GC.

83. The Chair considered it necessary that the Secretariat to present how SDG targets and Paris Agreement on Climate have been considered in the new workplans of MAB and UNESCO. He reiterated that the MAB Programme and the Secretariat could be more proactive in cooperating with other UN agencies and MAB related conventions.

84. The Secretary concurred with the Bureau on the above points. He further informed that the invitations to participate in these major meetings, such as COPs of CBD, UNCCD, UNFCCC, normally addressed to the Director General (DG) of UNESCO and then forwarded to the Sectors for input. MAB Secretariat is contributing, within its capacity and resources and sometimes leading in coordination, toward these meetings. To be more proactive, there is a possibility to prepare specific information and promotion materials from MAB for such global events. He also mentioned that participation in such events could be envisaged with external resources. On the connection to SDGs and Paris Agreement to MAB’s new workplans, the Secretariat will explore the possibility for the Assistant Director General for Science (ADG/SC) or Bureau of Strategic Planning (BSP) to make a short presentation at MAB Council.

85. Concerning the questions about the panels, the idea was to improve partnership with private sectors and to enhance the roles of local governments in the implementation of LAP, as well as for MAB Council to put clear indication on its priority research themes. He mentioned in particular that MAB should bring new partners on board for the Programme, as the strong examples of the Abertis Group in Spain and the Jeju Government in Republic of Korea.

86. The Secretary agreed to separate the item on the implementation of the Lima Action Plan and from the item on the reporting. He informed that an initial draft of the “Operational Guidelines” document will be available. He also informed that, in line with the advice from the Bureau, a draft road map for LAP implementation would be available for the Council.

87. Bureau Members further stressed the importance of UNESCO Chairs in MAB and local knowledge in WNBR, and the need to cooperate with the Ramsar Convention and the IHP Programme. The Vice-Chair from Asia-Pacific informed that the National Commission of Republic of Korea will bring together all concerned UNESCO programmes at a conference on the national implementation of the SDGs in late 2017 .

88. The Chair mentioned the request of ECOSOC (United Nations Economic and Social Council) to report on how the MAB programme is implementing the SDGs and he stated that he will cooperate with the Secretariat to this end. The Secretary informed how the Secretariat will prepare a reply on how SDGs could be implementing with the MAB Programme. He also mentioned that the regional networks may play important roles in reporting, including the reporting work toward Aichi Biodiversity Targets.

89. The Chair stressed the importance of informing the MAB National Committees and the Permanent Delegations on the outcome of the ‘Exit Strategy’ and get feedback to the Secretariat.

90. The Secretariat mentioned a new project on the reforestation of the La Hotte biosphere reserve in Haiti. On 29 April, the UNESCO Member States were discussing, in preparation of the Executive Board, the case of Haiti which was hugely damaged after an hurricane.  Haiti is the only country of the Latin America and Caribbean region (LAC), which is referred to as ‘LDC’ (Least Developed Countries). The MAB Programme was already working in Haiti on 2 projects before the earthquake passed by and helped to implement the 2 existing biosphere reserves: La Hotte and La Selle. The 3^rd project will start in May 2017 thanks to the support of the Spanish Government. This project is important since it will have a big impact on the rehabilitation of degraded areas in Haiti.  UNESCO will help Haiti on the level of education, water sanitation and biosphere reserves. In addition, some Member States of the LAC Region agreed to donate some of their national participation programme budgets to Haiti. This will bring support to the two (2) biosphere reserves in the country. Such supportive mechanisms could be interesting for other regions as well since such a matching fund could lead to generate even bigger funds from other organizations.

91. The Chair agreed that the topic of ecosystem restoration is crucial and strategic, not only for Haiti, but also for other countries and their biosphere reserves.

92. The Secretariat confirmed the importance of projects on ecological restoration and added that currently a workshop is being organized on this topic for biosphere reserve managers in Uganda. Another project will be implemented soon in the Lake Chad Basin.

Item 14 of the Agenda: Closure of the Meeting

93. The Chair of the MAB Bureau thanked all the Vice-Chairs and the MAB Secretariat for their highly committed work and fruitful discussions, and declared the meeting as closed.

LIST OF PARTICIPANTS / LISTE DES PARTICIPANTS

M. Didier Babin

Président MAB-France

24 Chemin de Borderouge,

Auzeville CS 52627

CASTANET TOLOSAN CEDEX 31326

France
Vice-Chairpersons/Vice-présidents

Mr Adepoju Olatunde Adeshola

Executive Director

Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria

Ibadan

Nigeria
Mr Pedro Gamboa Moquillaza

Head of the National Service of the State Protected Areas by the State (SERNANP)

Lima

Peru
Mme Houria Khelifi

Cité Mohamed Boudiaf Villa N°73

Ouled Fayet

Alger 16094

Algérie
Mr Valeriy Neronov

Deputy Chair of Russian MAB Committee

Vavilov Street, 41/5

Moscow 117312

Russian Federation
Ms Suk-Kyung Shim

Vice-Chair, MAB National Committee of Republic of Korea

101-ho, 901-dong, Burim-ro

Gwacheon 13831

Republic of Korea

OBSERVERS / OBSERVATEURS

UNESCO MEMBER STATES / ETATS MEMBRES DE L’UNESCO

Ms Anna Chirkova: Delegation of the Russian Federation)

UNESCO

MAB Secretariat (UNESCO Division of Ecological and Earth Sciences, SC/EES)
Director/Directeur: Mr Qunli Han
Secretariat/Secrétariat: Ms Sandrine Barone

Ms Meriem Bouamrane

Ms Maria Rosa Cardenas

Mr Miguel Clüsener -Godt

Ms Patricia Denoyelle

Mr Peter Dogsé

Ms Marie Prchalova

Ms Noeline Raondry Rakotoarisoa

Ms Zina Skandrani

Mr Vincent Van Ryssegem

Ms Sylvie Venter

,

27-29 March 2017

1. 
   Opening by the Representative of the UNESCO Director-General
   
2. 
   Opening Remarks by the Chair of the MAB Bureau
   
3. 
   Adoption of the Agenda
   
4. 
   Reports by the Vice-Chairs of the MAB Bureau
   
5. 
   Report of the Secretary of the MAB Programme on Progress of MAB since the Last Bureau Meeting
   
6. 
   Examination of Proposals for New Biosphere Reserves and Extensions/ Modifications/ Renaming to Biosphere Reserves that are Part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR)
   
7. 
   Examination of Periodic Review Reports and Follow-Up Information Received since the Last MAB International Coordinating Council (MAB ICC) Meeting
   
8. 
   Update on Status of Implementation of the Exit Strategy
   
9. 
   Lima Action Plan Implementation Roadmap
   
10. 
    MAB Awards
    

10.2. Proposal to revise criteria and enhance MAB Young Scientists Award Scheme

10.3. Proposal to improve the Michel Batisse Award for Biosphere Reserve MAB

11. 
    Update on the MAB Communication Strategy and Action Plan
    
12. 
    Proposed Agenda for the 29^th Session of the MAB-ICC
    
13. 
    Any Other Matters
    
14. 
    Closure of the Meeting
    

The MAB Secretary will report to the MAB Bureau with an update on MAB development since its last meeting in September 2016, benefiting from input received from both MAB Secretariat Team and colleagues from UNESCO Field Offices. The update will focus in particular on the follow up actions taken since the last MAB Bureau meeting. His report will be in form of the PowerPoint (ppt) presentation and address the following main points:

• 
  Preparation of UNESCO 39C/5 workplan (2018-2021) and the alignment of MAB programme within UNESCO overall workplan and the related reporting to the current workplan 38C/5 (2014-2017).
  
• 
  Endorsement of the Lima Action Plan at the 200^th session of the Executive Board (EXB) and follow up required¹.
  
• 
  Convening of the 23^rdsession of the International Advisory Committee for Biosphere Reserves and the summary of its main outcome².
  
• 
  Preparation of a Road Map for Lima Action Plan implementation.
  
• 
  Relationship with CBD, IPBES and other UN partners.
  
• 
  Governance related issues of the MAB Programme.
  
• 
  Progress on the preparation of the MAB Communication Strategy.
  
• 
  Update on the development of Biosphere Reserve’s Operational Guidelines for the WNBR.
  
• 
  New achievements and activities of MAB/WNBR in different regions.
  
• 
  MAB Research.
  
• 
  MAB Youth Forum 2017.
  
• 
  Fundraising and extra-budgetary project development for MAB and WNBR.