UNESCO expands biosphere reserves with 26 new sites
UNESCO has designated 26 new biosphere reserves, extending a global network that now includes 811 sites in 142 countries since 1971. The designation aims to balance biodiversity conservation with the needs of local communities, economies and cultures, signaling a practical approach to sustainable development in an era of accelerating climate change.
The newly minted reserves span diverse ecosystems, from coral-rich archipelagos to savannahs and coastal wetlands. They were announced in Hangzhou, China, as UNESCO unveiled a 10-year strategic action plan designed to better monitor climate impacts and guide long-term conservation and development efforts.
Spotlight on notable new reserves
Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Covering a vast area of about 135,000 square kilometers, Raja Ampat is home to more than 75 percent of the world’s coral species, along with rainforests and endangered sea turtles. The local economy hinges on fishing, aquaculture, small-scale farming and tourism, and the reserve framework seeks to harmonize these activities with conservation goals.
Snæfellsnes, Iceland
On Iceland’s west coast, the Snæfellsnes Biosphere Reserve spans roughly 1,460 square kilometers and protects volcanic peaks, lava fields, wetlands, grasslands and the Snæfellsjökull glacier. It supports seabirds, seals and more than 70 percent of Iceland’s plant life, while involving a population of over 4,000 people who rely on fishing, sheep farming and tourism.
Quiçama, Angola
Located along 206 kilometers of the Atlantic coast, Quiçama encompasses savannahs, forests, flood plains and estuaries. It hosts elephants, manatees, sea turtles and more than 200 bird species, with local livelihoods built around livestock, farming, fishing and honey production, all guided by conservation goals and sustainable use.
Pangatalan Island, Philippines
The Pangatalan reefs illustrate how science and community action can restore damaged ecosystems. After reef degradation, scientists helped design restoration structures and taught fishermen sustainable aquaculture, enabling reef recovery alongside improved livelihoods.
São Tomé and Príncipe
The addition of Príncipe Island makes the country the first in Africa to be entirely encompassed by a biosphere reserve. Mangrove restoration and habitat protection have progressed, contributing to broader biodiversity gains and the discovery of a new owl species in recent years.
People, science and local livelihoods in balance
A core principle of biosphere reserves is that residents are essential partners in preserving biodiversity. António Abreu, head of UNESCOs biosphere program, emphasizes that reserves succeed when scientists, communities and government officials collaborate to protect ecosystems while supporting vibrant local economies. In the Philippines case, reef restoration paired with aquaculture training kept reefs healthy and provided income for fishers, illustrating a practical path toward resilience.
In São Tomé and Príncipe, mangrove restoration has strengthened defenses against storms and preserved critical habitats, underscoring how conservation efforts can bolster climate resilience. The emergence of new species, including an owl on Príncipe, signals ongoing biodiversity gains through integrated management.
Climate change, monitoring and the road ahead
Experts note that at least 60 percent of UNESCO biosphere reserves have felt the effects of extreme weather tied to climate change. The program relies on satellite imagery and computer modeling to monitor coastal zones and other sensitive areas, while digitizing historical databases to track changes and inform decision-making for preservation and sustainable use.
Environmental pressures remain a challenge. In Nigeria, cocoa expansion threatens habitat within the Omo Forest Reserve, one of Africa’s oldest UNESCO biosphere reserves, highlighting the need for integrated strategies that align biodiversity protection with sustainable livelihoods and economic development.
As Hangzhou hosts the announcement, UNESCO reaffirms its commitment to a 10-year plan that links climate science, biodiversity research and community engagement. By embedding conservation within local economies and cultures, the biosphere reserve network aims to build resilience against climate shocks while safeguarding some of the planet’s most valuable ecosystems.
