This publication is directed to the analysis of the selection, management, and utilization of Biosphere Reserves as viewed by scientists from the United States and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. Soviet papers focus on types of research and monitoring programs that should be developed on Biosphere Reserves, with emphasis on their use in pollutant monitoring. The nature of the U.S. Biosphere Reserves and their current and potential value for research, education,and biological preservation is considered in the U.S. papers. An additional paper provides an international perspective on U.S. and Soviet collaboration in the field of Biosphere Reserves. Characteristics of Soviet Biosphere Reserves are described in an appendix.