Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Parks was recognized as part of the International Network of Biosphere Reserves by decision of the Bureau of the International Coordinating Council of the Program on Man and the Biosphere, duly authorized by the council. This network of protected samples of the world’s major ecosystem types is devoted to conservation of nature and scientific research in the service of man, and it provides a standard against which the effects of human impact on the environment can be measured. The recognition was dated 26 October 1976 and issued under Amadou-Mahtar M’BOW, Director of General of UNESCO.