The main objective of this study was to contribute, on the one hand, to the understanding of the concept of a biosphere reserve, on the other hand, to take stock of the experience of the Taï Biosphere Reserve in this area. According to the recommendations of the UNESCO MAB Program, a biosphere reserve has to comprise three zones, 1) a central monitoring area, 2) a buffer zone for research, experimentation, education, tourism and recreation, and 3) a transition area for research, tourism, recreation as well as local and sustainable development. This study shows that the Taï Biosphere Reserve is structured in three areas, which corresponds to the functions mentioned above. It is remarkable that the managers of what? have been able to adapt the zoning to the local realities. In particular, they took the objectives of sustainable conservation of the biodiversity and the sustainable development activities of the local populations into account. However, more capacity strengthening is needed, and relations between the Taï Biosphere Reserve and the surrounding forests should be improved. Although the different functions are operational, they should be further developed, particularly tourism and scientific research.