UNESCO has designated 11 new biosphere reserves, recognizing their importance in conserving biodiversity and cultural
heritage.
More about the News New Designations: Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Gambia, Italy, Mongolia, Philippines, South Korea, Spain, and two
transboundary reserves (Belgium-Netherlands and Italy-Slovenia).
The 11 Newly Designated Biosphere Reserves
- Kempen-Broek Transboundary Biosphere Reserve (Belgium, Netherlands)
- Darien Norte Chocoano Biosphere Reserve (Colombia)
- Madre de las Aguas Biosphere Reserve (Dominican Republic)
- Niumi Biosphere Reserve (Gambia)
- Colli Euganei Biosphere Reserve (Italy)
- Julian Alps Transboundary Biosphere Reserve (Italy, Slovenia)
- Khar Us Lake Biosphere Reserve (Mongolia)
- Apayaos Biosphere Reserve (Philippines)
- Changnyeong Biosphere Reserve (South Korea)
- Val d’Aran Biosphere Reserve (Spain)
- Irati Biosphere Reserve (Spain)
What are Biosphere Reserves?
Designation: Under the intergovernmental MAB Programme by UNESCO.
MAB Programme: Launched in 1971 to foster a harmonious relationship between humans and their environment.
Functions: Conservation, sustainable economic development, and logistic support through research and education.
Biosphere Reserves’ Zones
- Core Areas: Strictly protected zones for conservation.
- Buffer Zones: Areas surrounding core zones for activities compatible with ecological practices.
- Transition Areas: Areas for sustainable economic and human activities
- Significance of Biosphere ReservesScientific Role: Sites for research, monitoring, and providing valuable data.Global
- Development Targets: Contributing to goals like the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
- Local Development:Promoting sustainable development, safeguarding biodiversity, and combating climate change.
- India’s Biosphere ReservesTotal: 18 biosphere reserves, with 12 recognized under the UNESCO program.
- First Recognized: The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.