The Southern Appalachian Biosphere Cooperative (formerly the Southern Appalachian Man and the Biosphere) is both a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and a collective of scientists, private individuals, tribal leaders, policy- and decision-makers, and agencies who work together to promote communication and action on key issues in the Southern Appalachians, with a focus on decision-making to foster sustainability.
Biosphere Regions (BRs) serve as models that contribute to sustainable economic development.
Our vision is a world where people are conscious of their common future and interaction with our planet, and act collectively and responsibly to build thriving societies in harmony within the biosphere.
– Lima Action Plan
Each Biosphere Region consists of three key interacting parts:
- Core Areas are protected natural areas that are recognized internationally for their importance to the natural world.
- Buffer Zones surround Core Areas and are used for scientific research, monitoring, training, and education.
- Transition Areas are the outermost areas of BRs, where communities come together to foster socio-cultural and ecologically sustainable economic development.
From SAMAB and the Southern Appalachian Biosphere Region (SABR)
Latest: See just one of the many reasons the SABR is so unique here!