Biosphere Reserves research: A bibliometric analysis

Abstract

The Lima Action Plan, approved in 2016, stresses the important role of research and international collaborations within the World Network of Biosphere Reserves for societal transformation. This article aims to contribute to the LAP objectives by providing an up-to-date publication- and citation-based review of the literature, covering research related to biosphere reserves published between 1970 and 2016 and indexed by the Web of Science. Its general aim is to provide an overview, based on bibliometric data, of publications and major topics in Biosphere Reserve research and its international research network. The results show that there have been increased scientific output and citations in recent decades. Studies in various fields of natural, social and human-environmental research highlight that the World Network serves as a forum for the co-production of knowledge for sustainable development.