Global expansion of biosphere reserves signals a new approach to conservation
UNESCO has designated 26 new biosphere reserves across 21 countries, expanding a network that now includes 785 sites in 142 nations since 1971. These reserves are more than protected pockets of nature—they are living landscapes where science, local communities and governments collaborate to balance biodiversity preservation with sustainable livelihoods. The 10-year strategic action plan adopted in Hangzhou, China, underscores a shift toward studying climate change impacts and strengthening the resilience of both ecosystems and the people who depend on them.
Spotlight on three standout sites
Indonesia — Raja Ampat archipelago
The new reserve in Indonesia spans about 52,000 square miles and sits in one of the planet’s most coral-rich waters. Raja Ampat is home to more than 75% of Earth’s coral species, alongside rainforests and endangered sea turtles. Local communities rely on a mix of fishing, aquaculture and small-scale agriculture, with tourism playing a growing role. The designation helps formalize a framework where researchers and residents co-manage resources to safeguard biodiversity while sustaining livelihoods.
Iceland — Snæfellsnes Biosphere Reserve
On Iceland’s western coast, the Snæfellsnes reserve encompasses volcanic peaks, lava fields, wetlands and the Snæfellsjökull glacier, protecting a landscape that supports seabirds, seals and more than 70% of the country’s plant life—including hundreds of wildflowers and ferns. A community of more than 4,000 people relies on fishing, sheep farming and tourism, and the reserve model seeks to align ecological stewardship with these traditional livelihoods.
Angola — Quiçama Biosphere Reserve
Running 206 kilometers along the Atlantic coast, Quiçama is a mosaic of savannahs, forests, floodplains and estuaries. It hosts elephants, manatees, sea turtles and more than 200 bird species. Local residents rely on livestock herding, farming, fishing and honey production, with the reserve framework aiming to bolster biodiversity while supporting sustainable coastal economies.
Community partnerships at the heart of conservation
A recurring theme across new reserves is the essential role of residents. “Biodiversity conservation is a pillar of socioeconomic development,” explains the program’s director, António Abreu. In practice, communities help identify new species, guide restoration efforts and participate in decision-making that shapes how reserves function on the ground. The Pangatalan Island reefs in the Philippines illustrate this approach: scientists helped design reef-friendly structures after dynamite fishing damaged the habitat, and local fishers adopted aquaculture practices to restore stocks and livelihoods.
Restoration, ecotourism and resilience
Tradeoffs between protection and production are negotiated through ecotourism and guided nature experiences that highlight biodiversity without degrading habitats. In São Tomé and Príncipe, a biosphere reserve on Príncipe Island spurred mangrove restoration, a critical buffer against storm surges and a habitat for myriad species. Such efforts enhance coastal resilience while opening new, sustainable income streams for residents.
Monitoring climate impacts and the data era
More than half of existing biosphere reserves already face climate-related pressures, from extreme heat to sea-level rise. UNESCO is deploying satellite imagery, climate modeling and digitization of historical records to monitor changes in coastal zones and ecosystems. These digital tools help managers decide where to focus restoration, how to adapt land-use plans and how to engage communities in ongoing conservation work.
Global context and ongoing challenges
As the world confronts widening biodiversity loss and climate disruption, biosphere reserves offer a framework for integrated action. The program also faces political and policy shifts; for instance, the United States announced plans to withdraw from UNESCO, which could affect its 47 biosphere reserves. Still, the core idea remains: with collective governance, local knowledge and scientific insight, people and protected nature can thrive together.
Looking ahead
The 26 new sites mark a continued commitment to safeguarding ecosystems while sustaining the people who depend on them. As climate challenges intensify, the biosphere reserve model—rooted in collaboration, adaptation and sustainable development—offers a practical path forward for maintaining biodiversity while supporting resilient communities.
