In the period 1977-1996, six biosphere reserves in the Czech Republic were selected with regard to different pattern of ecosystems and according to various levels of human interference. Research activities are conducted in order to cover urgent issues of both nature protection and sustainable land use. Each of the biosphere reserves meets specific challenges derived from economic constraint, pressure of tourism and ecosystems destabilized due to pollution. Four of the Czech biosphere reserves are located along the state boundary and thus rely on close cooperation with the neighbouring countries.