The UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Program was launched in the early 1970s, and was followed by the Statutory Framework of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) adopted in 1995. The MAB Program promotes both an interdisciplinary research agenda and capacity building as an approach to support positive relationships between people and the environment. Specifically, MAB strives to establish a scientific basis for effective ways to improve the associations between people and nature. The UNESCO biosphere reserves (BRs) concept is flexible and meant to be applied globally. BRs are an important approach to biodiversity conservation and protected areas management, and are highly relevant to achieving the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and nature positive goals. Central to the BRs purpose has been the combined aims of conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. Importantly, BRs are meant to serve as models for addressing livelihood needs sustainably while also supporting environmental conservation. Given the current biodiversity and climate change crises, and the emphasis on restoration and climate adaptation initiatives, this symposium will bring together current research, experiences, and opinion on the role of BRs to advance biodiversity conservation, understanding of social-ecological systems, and sustainable development goals, in today’s context. What are effective models coming out of the BR network? How effective have BRs been in today’s rapidly changing world? What is working and how can we improve BR implementation? Can the World Network of Biosphere Reserves be leveraged to support GBF targets? Since the first implementation of BRs, there has been a wealth of information and lessons generated. This symposium aims to serve as an opportunity to inspire protected areas managers, researchers, communities, and governments to work with the BR model to improve the relationship between people and nature, a critical step in addressing the climate and biodiversity crises.