The future of SAMAB looks encouraging. Recognition and support for SAMAB has grown steadily. This is a reflection of the fact that the concept and principles on which it was established are sound and future oriented. It is also a strong reflection of individual leadership within each of the member organizations.
More specifically: the concepts and principles on which SAMAB was established are more valid today than ever before; especially the need to identify and address issues that reach beyond the scale and mandate (s) of any single agency, and the need for developing coordinated and consistent data bases for multiple uses in both the public and private sectors.
The structure of the program places major emphasis on the development of strong public - private partnerships for both funding and decision-making (this is extremely important in Southern Appalachia where about one-third of the land base is publicly owned and managed).
The products and services of the program include environmental and economic problem solving options.
The federal government's emphasis on Performance Reviews, Ecosystem Management, Adaptive Management and other effectiveness and efficiency measures fits with the vision and action plan of SAMAB.
A wide range of stakeholders -- local citizens, environmental groups, private industry, and government officials (local, state, national, and international) -- have recognized the SAMAB program as a model for developing cooperative and coordinated research, resource management, and educational programs/projects.
In 1994, SAMAB developed an Action Plan for the 1994-1996 period and is in the process of implementing that plan. SAMAB has done much with good faith and limited funds to fully achieve its goals. Participating agencies and the MAB National Committee should consider ways to support Biosphere Reserves through National Programs that provide adequate funding to enable regional MAB Cooperatives to contribute effectively and efficiently to ecosystem management.