UNESCO’s MAB Programme has approved the designation of 10 new biospheres reserves in 9 countries, and one transboundary biosphere reserve across 2 countries. With these new designations, the World Network now totals 748 sites in 134 countries, including 23 transboundary sites.

 

“UNESCO biosphere reserves are tangible proof that humanity can live in balance with nature. Since 1971, this community-led programme has successfully found a model for development where people live well and biodiversity is respected. I am pleased that this year, 11 more sites are joining this powerful network, which is more relevant and necessary than ever,” said Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO. 

 

These additions were decided by the International Coordinating Council of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) programme, the Programme’s governing body composed of 34 UNESCO Member States. It met from 12 to 15 June at UNESCO’s Headquarters.

 

Biosphere reserves are a pillar of UNESCO's mandate as the United Nations sciences agency. Each biosphere reserve promotes innovative local solutions, in order to conserve biodiversity, preserve ecosystems and tackle climate change, while improving people's livelihoods, such as by developing agro-ecology, renewable sources of energy and green industries.

 

Biosphere reserves contribute to countries achieving the targets adopted last December within the framework of the Convention on Biological Diversity’s Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. These targets include designating 30% of the Earth’s land surface as protected areas and restoring 30% of the planet’s degraded ecosystems by 2030.