UNESCO expands its network of biosphere reserves
In a move that aims to reconcile biodiversity protection with human livelihoods, UNESCO announced 26 new biosphere reserves across 21 countries. These additions bring the global network to 785 sites in 142 nations, an ambitious effort that blends strict conservation with sustainable development. Biosphere reserves are distinctive because they pair protected habitats with zones where people live and work, requiring collaboration among scientists, residents and local governments to balance ecological needs with economic and cultural realities.
As António Abreu, who leads UNESCO’s biosphere program, noted, the core idea is that biodiversity conservation should drive socioeconomic development, not compete with it. The 10-year strategic action plan adopted in Hangzhou emphasizes evaluating climate-change effects and strengthening data-driven decision-making to adapt management practices over time. This approach recognizes that resilient ecosystems can support communities facing rising temperatures, droughts and sea-level rise.
Spotlight on notable new reserves
Several reserves anchor the current batch’s ecological importance and community benefits. In Indonesia, the Raja Ampat archipelago spans about 135,000 square kilometers and shelters more than 75% of the world’s coral species. The area also supports rainforests, endangered sea turtles and the livelihoods of local fishers and small-scale farmers who rely on sustainable tourism and aquaculture.
On Iceland’s west coast, the Snæfellsnes Biosphere Reserve covers roughly 564 square miles (1,460 square kilometers) of volcanic landscapes, wetlands and the Snæfellsjökull glacier. The reserve safeguards a rich array of plant life—more than 330 wildflower and fern species—and serves as a critical habitat for seabirds and seals, while supporting sheep farming and local tourism.
Angola’s Quiçama Reserve, stretching along 206 kilometers of the Atlantic coast, encompasses savannahs, forests and estuaries that host elephants, manatees, sea turtles and hundreds of bird species. Local livelihoods include livestock herding, farming, fishing and honey production, illustrating how conservation and everyday life intertwine across landscapes.
Elsewhere, the Philippines saw reefs around Pangatalan Island benefit from collaborative scientists who helped design reef-restoration solutions and trained fishers in aquaculture, restoring livelihoods while enabling reef recovery after dynamite fishing damaged coral. In São Tomé and Príncipe, Príncipe Island’s mangroves received renewed protection, boosting coastal resilience and fisheries while presenting new ecotourism opportunities. The country later added a biosphere reserve for the entire island, a rare achievement that highlights a holistic approach to conservation.
In Nigeria, Omo Forest Reserve—a long-standing protected area—faces pressure from cocoa expansion, underscoring the tension between agricultural development and habitat protection. The new reserves illustrate UNESCO’s emphasis on community involvement and sustainable practice as essential to preserving biodiversity amid growing demand for land and resources.
Why collaboration matters for climate resilience
More than nature sanctuaries, biosphere reserves are living laboratories for climate adaptation. Abreu cited examples where scientists, residents and local authorities co-create solutions, from restoring mangroves that buffer storm surges to developing ecotourism trails that generate income without harming habitats. In some sites, new species discoveries, such as an owl in São Tomé’s network, underscore how reserves can be engines for scientific knowledge and local pride.
Despite progress, climate-driven extremes have touched many reserves. UNESCO notes that roughly 60% of sites face weather-related pressures, including heat waves, droughts and shoreline changes. The organization plans to enhance monitoring with satellite imagery, digital databases and better modeling to guide future protection and community-supported development.
Looking ahead
As the biosphere-reserve framework expands, the shared challenge remains: safeguard biodiversity while ensuring people thrive. The 26 new reserves reinforce the idea that conservation is not a barrier to growth but a pathway to more resilient economies and healthier ecosystems. With ongoing support and robust collaboration, these landscapes can continue to protect Earth’s biodiversity while improving the lives of coastal communities, forest dwellers and artisanal fishers alike.
