The document summarizes the evolution of the Urban Biosphere Initiative (URBIS). It provides four key rationales for URBIS, which include the need for integrated urban planning approaches, support for local strategies, tools to incentivize community involvement, and reconnecting cities to surrounding ecosystems. The concepts of URBIS are outlined as well, with an emphasis on bridging science and practice, adaptive governance, and urban resilience. A brief history is given of URBIS originating in 2003 from discussions on applying the Man and the Biosphere concept to urban areas, with milestones noted through 2010.