UNESCO has confirmed the incorporation of 26 new Biosphere reserves in 21 countries, a decision announced in Hangzhou, China, that strengthens its international network of sites dedicated to conservation and sustainable development. Highlighted areas include Raja Ampat (Indonesia), Snæfellsnes (Iceland), and Quiçama (Angola), with ecosystems of enormous biological value.
With this update, the World Network of Biosphere Reserves reaches 785 sites spread across 142 countries, with a combined surface area of around 8 million square kilometersThe philosophy of these designations combines the protection of nature with the life and work of local communities, an idea that, according to the program, requires a balance between science, management and socioeconomic needs.
What has been decided and what it means
Reserves are not parks completely closed to human activity, but learning territories for sustainable development where administrations, scientists, and residents coordinate to conserve biodiversity while maintaining viable livelihoods. This approach, the program emphasizes, avoids conflicts when communities participate fully in decision-making.
The meeting in Hangzhou also served to approve a 10 year strategic plan with special focus on the impacts of climate changeAt least one 60% of reservations have already experienced extreme events such as heat waves, droughts or rising sea levels; to anticipate, UNESCO is turning to satellite images and modeling, in addition to digitizing historical databases that support management.
In practice, this means strengthening conservation without losing sight of the local economy: artisanal fishing, agroecology, responsible tourism in protected natural areas o compatible traditional activities are part of the model, which is evaluated and adjusted on a scientific basis.
In the chapter of proposals, the one that was left out in this round was Lake Yojoa (Honduras), who was among the candidates; the organization mentions it as a file that could be taken up again later.
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In Indonesia, Raja Ampat protects some 135.000 km² of the archipelago, with more than 75% of known coral species, tropical rainforests and threatened sea turtles. The local population lives mainly from fishing, aquaculture, small-scale agriculture and tourism that is geared towards the responsible observation of nature.
On the west coast of Iceland, Snaefellsnes covers around 1.460 km² with volcanoes, lava fields, wetlands, grasslands and the Snæfellsjökull glacier. It is home to more than 70% of the country's flora —including 330 species of wildflowers and ferns—and acts as a refuge for seabirds and seals, with local economies based on fishing, sheep and tourism.
In Angola, Quiçama extends throughout 206 km of Atlantic coastline and brings together savannahs, forests, floodplains, estuaries and islands. It is a true sanctuary for elephants, manatees and sea turtles, in addition to more than 200 species of birds. Livestock farming, agriculture, fishing, and honey production sustain their communities.
China adds two new additions. Daqingshan Biosphere Reserve (Inner Mongolia), in the Yinshan Mountains, concentrates a high diversity with about 1.200 species of vascular plants, about 300 vertebrates and about 1.800 arthropods, in a mosaic of habitats of about 3.900 km².
For its part, the Zhouzhi Biosphere Reserve (Shaanxi) covers 690 km² on the northern and southern slopes of the Qinling Mountain Range, with a 96% forest cover and heights reaching 2.904 meters. Emblematic species such as the Qinling panda’s most emblematic landmarks, the golden snub-nosed monkey and the golden takin, in very marked vegetation gradients.
Countries that are new to the MAB network
Six states receive their first designation: Angola, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Iceland, Oman and TajikistanIt is a symbolic and practical step, because it opens the door to new conservation approaches adapted to very different local realities.
In addition, this round includes spaces in Albania, China, Ethiopia, France, Greece, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mongolia, Portugal, Saudi Arabia and Sweden, expanding the representation of ecosystems and cultures within the network.
Sao Tome and Principe: an entire country under this umbrella
With the addition of a reserve in the island of São Tomé, the small island state becomes the first country whose territory remains entirely within biosphere reserves. Previous experience on the island of Príncipe had already promoted the recovery of mangroves, the rise of ecotourism and even the recent discovery of a new species of owl, examples of how conservation and local economy can go hand in hand.
Community Management: Examples in Progress
In the Philippines, around the island of Pangatalan, reefs damaged by destructive fishing practices began to regenerate thanks to structures designed by scientists and the transition to aquaculture by the fishermen. Result: ecological improvement and, at the same time, stable income for families.
There are also pressures to manage. In Nigeria, the expansion of cocoa cultivation threatens the habitat of the African forest elephant in areas such as the Omo Forest Reserve, one of the oldest on the continent. These cases illustrate the challenge of reconciling agricultural production and protection in landscapes of high climatic value.
The combination of satellite monitoring, applied science and local participation is, today, the chosen way to sustain fragile ecosystems and livelihoods in reserves, adjusting measures as environmental conditions change.
The outcome of this decision is clear: the MAB network expands with 26 new strategic reserves, incorporates six newcomers, highlights first-class enclaves such as Raja Ampat, Snæfellsnes, and Quiçama, and consolidates a decade-long work plan to safeguard biodiversity without turning its back on the people who live in these territories.
