• One representative of the Basque Parliament
• Five representatives of the public authorities of the Basque Autonomous Community
• Three representatives of the Provincial Council of Bizkaia.
• Six representatives of the town councils affected.
• One representative of the Spanish government.
• One representative of the University of the Basque Country.
• One representative of the UNESCO MaB (Man and Biosphere) programme.
• One representative of environmentalist and conservationist associations in the Biosphere Reserve area renowned for their work in studying and protecting the area.
• Three representatives of the farming and forestry industries in the area of the reserve.
• The Chairperson of the Co-operation Council of the reserve.
• The Director-Curator of the reserve.

CHAIRPERSON: He/ she calls and chairs the meetings of the Governing Board, and acts as the representative of the reserve at public institutions.

Director-CURATOR: He/ she is responsible for the day to day running and management of the reserve. He/ she is a non-voting member of the Governing Board. The Standing Committee has delegated the power to issue reports to him/her in connection with small-scale projects and work 

a) To monitor compliance with the purposes established, to administer the assets and funds obtained from the use of the services of the reserve, and such others as the Governing Board may obtain from organisations or private individuals.

b) To approve the annual report on activities, cost estimates and results and submit same to the public authorities on the Board.

c) To promote regulations and put forward proposals for action for the effective defence of the values and unique assets of the reserve, and to make all such arrangements as it may deem beneficial to the reserve.

d) To report on the Master Plan for Use and Management and any amendments thereto, and to monitor compliance with that plan and with the programme for the harmonisation and development of activities and sectoral plans.

e) To promote the drawing up of sectoral plans.

f) To report on urban planning and other sectoral plans and programmes of action that could influence the physical environment of the reserve.

g) To report on intended research projects.

h) To report on construction work, land use and the use of natural resources planned in special protected areas, and elsewhere in the reserve when applicable under the Master Plan for Use and Management. Should two-thirds of the members of the Board fail to approve of any project submitted, the Chairperson must return the project to the applicant for reconsideration.

i) To delegate such functions as it may deem necessary to the Standing Committee. The functions listed in points (b), (d) and (h) may not be delegated.

j) To approve and modify its own regulations and workings, including the regulations determining the functional structure of the Board