In the UNESCO biosphere reserves of the world, life unfolds in all its diversity. Setting the abstract principles of sustainability into practice has been the environmental guiding principle throughout the world since the 1992 World Summit in Rio de Janeiro. The ambitious goal is to bring the three aspects nature conservation, research, and environmental monitoring and education into harmony with sustainable regional development. Human livelihoods are specifically included in the future-oriented reserves concept. Thus, prototypical areas have been created for the intermeshing of humans and nature. In particular, the UNESCO directives have opened new chances for populations of poorly structured areas. The motto is: A life worth living and effective mangement There are currently five biosphere reserves in Austria (Lobau, Neusiedler See, Gurgler Kamm, Gossenkollesee and the Groae Walsertal), and it is planned to include the Vienna Woods in the world-wide UNESCO net. Currently there is a veritable boom: In many areas of Austria, including the March-Thaya Region, in Pongau/Lungau, in the Wachau, in Styria (Koralm) and Carinthia (Nockberge) the feasibility of the creation of biosphere reserves has been examined. The brochure provides an overview of MAB (man and biosphere) program development from the early 1970s to today. The individual biosphere parks are presented in detail. With a focus on science, education and regional development, a list of exemplary parks rounds out the picture.