Established in 2012, the World Network of Island and Coastal Biosphere Reserves aims to study, implement and disseminate island and coastal strategies to preserve biodiversity and heritage, promote sustainable development, and adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change. This network is formed by the representatives of twenty islands and coastal biosphere reserves around the world and is open to all islands and coastal biosphere reserves that want to join it.

The well-functioning of this Network has been already achieved through the establishment of a workplan, long-term independent monitoring, annual meetings and annual training courses.

In this two years, the Network has organized already four international meetings and three training course for managers from Island and Coastal Biosphere Reserves. A website, monthly newsletter, and four publications have been produced to exchange information.

Its two technical headquarters coordinate the network and work together at the global level: the office in the island of Jeju (Republic of Korea) focuses on climate change issues while the other in Menorca (Spain) specializes in sustainable development.

UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB), MAB National Committees, local governments, and the following Biosphere Reserves: Noosa (Australia), Mata Atlantica (Brazil), Juan Fernandez (Chile), Nanji Islands (China), Mount Kuwol (Democratic People's Republic of Korea), West Estonian Archipelago (Estonia), Archipelago Sea Area (Finland), La Selle (Haiti), Siberut Island (Indonesia), Future Portland Bight (Jamaica), Yakushima (Japan), Islas del Golfo de California (Mexico), Palawan (Philippines), Santana Madeira (Portugal), Gochang (Republic of Korea), Jeju and Shinan Dadohae (Republic of Korea), Komandorskiye Islands (Russian Federation), Island of Principe (Sao Tome & Pri­ncipe), El Hierro, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, Menorca (Spain), St Mary's (St. Kitts & Nevis), Cat Ba (Vietnam).