{"id":6745,"date":"2025-09-28T08:46:22","date_gmt":"2025-09-28T08:46:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theeaglenews.co.in\/?p=6745"},"modified":"2025-09-28T08:46:22","modified_gmt":"2025-09-28T08:46:22","slug":"unesco-designates-26-new-biosphere-reserves-in-landmark-global-expansion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theeaglenews.co.in\/?p=6745","title":{"rendered":"UNESCO Designates 26 New Biosphere Reserves in Landmark Global Expansion."},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/div>

UNESCO Designates 26 New Biosphere Reserves in Landmark Global Expansion.\u00a0<\/strong><\/h1>\n

\nSix countries receive their first reserves as S\u00e3o Tom\u00e9 and Pr\u00edncipe becomes first nation with entire territory protected.\u00a0<\/em><\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paris:<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In a historic move marking the most significant expansion in two decades, UNESCO has designated 26 new biosphere reserves<\/strong> across 21 countries<\/strong>, bringing the total number of sites in its World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR)<\/strong> to 785 across 142 countries<\/strong>. The new designations add vast swathes of protected land\u2014over 1 million km\u00b2<\/strong> since 2018\u2014equivalent ioveronze to Bolivia.<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s announcement is particularly notable for two milestones: six countries\u2014Angola, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Iceland, Oman, and Tajikistan\u2014have received their first-ever biosphere reserves<\/strong>, while S\u00e3o Tom\u00e9 and Pr\u00edncipe has become the first country to have its entire territory designated as a biosphere reserve<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The expansion was officially unveiled during the 5th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves<\/strong>, where over 2,000 participants<\/strong>\u2014including scientists, policymakers, Indigenous leaders, and youth\u2014from around the world gathered to reflect on past achievements and plan future strategies for sustainable development and environmental protection.<\/p>\n

“A Model Gaining Momentum”<\/h3>\n

Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, highlighted the growing impact of biosphere reserves as \u201cliving laboratories<\/strong>\u201d where nature conservation is balanced with human development.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith nearly thirty new designations this year, our World Network of Biosphere Reserves has reached a major milestone, now protecting 5% of the planet<\/strong>,\u201d Azoulay said. \u201cWithin these reserves, new ways of balancing conservation with sustainable livelihoods are being forged every day.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Since 2018, 142 new biosphere reserves<\/strong> have joined the network, helping to advance global biodiversity targets such as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework<\/strong>, which aims to conserve 30% of Earth\u2019s land and sea<\/strong> by 2030.<\/p>\n

Biosphere reserves now protect over 8 million km\u00b2<\/strong>, an area approximately the size of Australia, and support nearly 300 million people<\/strong> living within or near these regions.<\/p>\n

\n

Newly Designated Biosphere Reserves (2025)<\/strong><\/h3>\n
    \n
  • Albania<\/strong> \u2013 Vjosa Valley Biosphere Reserve<\/em><\/li>\n
  • Angola<\/strong> \u2013 Qui\u00e7ama Biosphere Reserve<\/em><\/li>\n
  • China<\/strong> \u2013 Daqingshan<\/em> and Zhouzhi Biosphere Reserves<\/em><\/li>\n
  • Djibouti<\/strong> \u2013 Archipel des Sept Fr\u00e8res \u2013 Ras Siyyan \u2013 Khor Angar \u2013 Godoria Biosphere Reserve<\/em><\/li>\n
  • Equatorial Guinea<\/strong> \u2013 Isla de Bioko Biosphere Reserve<\/em><\/li>\n
  • Ethiopia<\/strong> \u2013 Anywaa Forest Biosphere Reserve<\/em><\/li>\n
  • France<\/strong> \u2013 Lac du Bourget<\/em> and Marshes and Tides between the Loire and the Vilaine<\/em><\/li>\n
  • Greece<\/strong> \u2013 Mount Parnon \u2013 Cape Maleas Biosphere Reserve<\/em><\/li>\n
  • Iceland<\/strong> \u2013 Sn\u00e6fellsnes Biosphere Reserve<\/em><\/li>\n
  • India<\/strong> \u2013 Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve<\/em><\/li>\n
  • Indonesia<\/strong> \u2013 Raja Ampat Biosphere Reserve<\/em><\/li>\n
  • Jordan<\/strong> \u2013 Ajloun<\/em> and Yarmouk Biosphere Reserves<\/em><\/li>\n
  • Madagascar<\/strong> \u2013 Mantadia<\/em> and Tsimembo Biosphere Reserves<\/em><\/li>\n
  • Malaysia<\/strong> \u2013 Kinabatangan Biosphere Reserve<\/em><\/li>\n
  • Mongolia<\/strong> \u2013 Khomyn Tal Biosphere Reserve<\/em><\/li>\n
  • Oman<\/strong> \u2013 Al Jabal Al Akhdar<\/em> and Sirrin Biosphere Reserves<\/em><\/li>\n
  • Portugal<\/strong> \u2013 Arr\u00e1bida Biosphere Reserve<\/em><\/li>\n
  • Saudi Arabia<\/strong> \u2013 Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Biosphere Reserve<\/em><\/li>\n
  • S\u00e3o Tom\u00e9 and Pr\u00edncipe<\/strong> \u2013 Ilha de S\u00e3o Tom\u00e9 Biosphere Reserve<\/em><\/li>\n
  • Sweden<\/strong> \u2013 Storkriket Biosphere Reserve<\/em><\/li>\n
  • Tajikistan<\/strong> \u2013 Romit Biosphere Reserve<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
    \n

    Education, Biodiversity, and Climate Action<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Biosphere reserves are central to UNESCO\u2019s environmental mission, promoting biodiversity conservation<\/strong>, climate resilience<\/strong>, and sustainable economic development<\/strong>. These reserves host over 60% of terrestrial vertebrate species<\/strong>, 12% of mangrove areas<\/strong>, and 10% of the world\u2019s salt marshes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    The reserves also act as hubs for environmental education<\/strong>, research<\/strong>, and youth engagement<\/strong>, while preserving Indigenous knowledge and practices. Initiatives like the Amazonia Project<\/strong>, supported by luxury brand LVMH, show how partnerships can empower local communities by creating green jobs<\/strong> and enhancing agroforestry and regenerative agriculture<\/strong> efforts.<\/p>\n

    \n

    Looking Ahead: The High Seas and Beyond<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    With the upcoming entry into force of the BBNJ Treaty in January 2026<\/strong>, countries will also be empowered to designate marine protected areas on the high seas<\/strong>. UNESCO is already responsible for safeguarding over 4.1 million km\u00b2<\/strong> of marine ecosystems through its combined network of marine World Heritage sites, marine biosphere reserves, and geoparks.<\/p>\n

    The momentum continues as UNESCO urges every Member State to establish at least one biosphere reserve by 2035<\/strong>, setting a bold vision for global conservation efforts in the face of accelerating climate and biodiversity crises.<\/p>\n

    UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, is committed to building peace through international cooperation in education, the sciences, and culture. With 194 Member States and a presence in 54 countries, UNESCO oversees global networks such as World Heritage sites, Biosphere Reserves, Global Geoparks, and more.<\/p>\n

    \u201cSince wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed.\u201d \u2013 UNESCO Constitution, 1945<\/em>.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    UNESCO Designates 26 New Biosphere Reserves in Landmark Global Expansion.\u00a0 Six countries receive their first reserves as S\u00e3o Tom\u00e9 and Pr\u00edncipe becomes first nation with […]<\/p>\n

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