MAB

As a result of the first Biosphere Conference, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) launched the intergovernmental scientific Man and the Biosphere Programme (Man and the Biosphere) in 1970, emphasizing the need to balance biodiversity conservation on one hand and the development needs of local communities on the other. Within the framework of the Programme, the World Network of Biosphere Reserves was established in 1974 as a set of internationally recognized areas that promote solutions for the harmonious relationship between biodiversity protection and its sustainable use.

The MAB Programme brings together the practical application of natural and social sciences to foster research on biodiversity, climate change, and sustainable development, all aimed at improving human well-being while safeguarding natural ecosystems.

In accordance with the Programme's objectives, biosphere reserves involve local communities and all relevant stakeholders in planning and management by fulfilling three core functions:

• Conservation function – contributes to the preservation of landscapes, ecosystems, species, and genetic diversity
• Development function – fosters economic and social development that is socio-culturally and ecologically sustainable
• Logistic function – provides support for research, monitoring, education, and information exchange related to conservation and sustainable development.

Velebit is the first biosphere reserve in Croatia, designated in 1978. - just four years after the establishment of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. The Velebit mountain area is of exceptional value, featuring high levels of biological, geological, and cultural diversity throughout its entire 145 km length and 10–30 km width.

The first zoning of the Velebit Mountain Biosphere Reserve was carried out in 2012 in accordance with the MAB Programme system, which consists of:

• core area
• buffer zone
• transition area.

The core area must be legally protected, contains the most ecologically valuable sites, and is designated for scientific research and monitoring. It corresponds to existing protected areas such as national parks (Northern Velebit National Park and Paklenica National Park), strict nature reserves (Rožanski and Hajdučki kukovi), and isolated zones within Velebit Nature Park.

The buffer zone surrounds the core area, shielding it from adverse impacts, and aligns with the boundaries of Velebit Nature Park. Within this zone, economic activities and the sustainable use of ecosystem services are permitted, provided that protection measures are in place.

The transition area consists mainly of populated areas adjacent to the buffer zone, extending across two counties (Lika-Senj and Zadar Counties), where educational activities are conducted and sustainable development is promoted as part of local economic growth.