UNESCO has announced the designation of 26 new biosphere reserves across 21 countries, marking the largest single year expansion of its global network in two decades. The decision, unveiled during the 5th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves in Hangzhou, China, brings the total number of sites to 785 across 142 countries. Collectively, they now safeguard over 8 million square kilometres of land and sea, equivalent in size to Australia.
This expansion strengthens a model of conservation that is not only about protecting fragile ecosystems but also about promoting sustainable livelihoods for the nearly 300 million people who live in these areas. Since 2018, UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves has grown by 142 new sites, adding one million square kilometres of protected natural areas, an expanse equal to the territory of Bolivia.
A milestone for conservation
“With nearly thirty new designations this year, our World Network of Biosphere Reserves has reached a major milestone, now protecting five percent of the planet,” said Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO’s Director-General. “Within these reserves, new ways of balancing nature conservation with sustainable livelihoods are being forged every day.”
The new designations highlight UNESCO’s drive to address biodiversity loss, climate change and the urgent need for communities to live in greater harmony with nature. The agency has invited every Member State to establish at least one biosphere reserve by 2035, underscoring the role of these “living laboratories” in developing and testing solutions to environmental challenges.
First designations in six countries
This year’s list of new sites is notable not only for its size but also for its geographic reach. Six countries, Angola, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Iceland, Oman and Tajikistan, have received their first ever biosphere reserve designations.
The Quiçama Biosphere Reserve in Angola stretches along 206 kilometres of Atlantic coastline, encompassing savannahs, forests, estuaries and islands. Home to elephants, manatees, sea turtles and more than 200 bird species, it also supports communities engaged in livestock herding, fishing and honey production.
In Iceland, the Snæfellsnes Biosphere Reserve covers 1,460 square kilometres of striking volcanic peaks, glaciers, lava fields, wetlands and grasslands. Beyond its rich natural heritage, it sustains a population of over 4,000 people who rely on fishing, sheep farming and tourism. The area is home to 70 percent of Iceland’s plant life, including 330 species of wildflowers and ferns.
São Tomé and Príncipe has achieved a unique distinction: the entire territory of the island nation is now designated as a biosphere reserve, a first in UNESCO’s history. The new Ilha de São Tomé Biosphere Reserve follows the earlier designation of Príncipe Island, and the combined protection has already led to mangrove restoration, ecotourism development and the discovery of new species.
Newly designated biosphere reserves
| Country | Biosphere Reserve(s) |
|---|---|
| Albania | Vjosa Valley Biosphere Reserve |
| Angola | Quiçama Biosphere Reserve |
| China | Daqingshan Biosphere Reserve, Zhouzhi Biosphere Reserve |
| Djibouti | Archipel des Sept Frères – Ras Siyyan – Khor Angar – Godoria Biosphere Reserve |
| Equatorial Guinea | Isla de Bioko Biosphere Reserve |
| Ethiopia | Anywaa Forest Biosphere Reserve |
| France | Lac du Bourget, between the Rhône and the Alps Biosphere Reserve; Marshes and Tides between the Loire and the Vilaine Biosphere Reserve |
| Greece | Mount Parnon – Cape Maleas Biosphere Reserve |
| Iceland | Snæfellsnes Biosphere Reserve |
| India | Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve |
| Indonesia | Raja Ampat Biosphere Reserve |
| Jordan | Ajloun Biosphere Reserve; Yarmouk Biosphere Reserve |
| Madagascar | Mantadia Biosphere Reserve; Tsimembo Biosphere Reserve |
| Malaysia | Kinabatangan Biosphere Reserve |
| Mongolia | Khomyn Tal Biosphere Reserve |
| Oman | Al Jabal Al Akhdar Biosphere Reserve; Sirrin Biosphere Reserve |
| Portugal | Arrábida Biosphere Reserve |
| Saudi Arabia | Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Biosphere Reserve |
| São Tomé and Príncipe | Ilha de São Tomé Biosphere Reserve |
| Sweden | Storkriket Biosphere Reserve |
| Tajikistan | Romit Biosphere Reserve |
Living laboratories for a changing planet
Since its creation in 1971, UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme has promoted an innovative model of conservation. Unlike strictly protected nature reserves, biosphere reserves are designed to integrate human activity with environmental stewardship. They encourage cooperation between scientists, policymakers, residents and Indigenous communities to balance biodiversity protection with cultural and economic needs.
António Abreu, head of the programme, emphasised that “biodiversity conservation is a pillar of socioeconomic development.” He warned that conflict and misunderstanding can arise if local communities are excluded from decision-making, but stressed that when people are included, the results can be transformative.
Examples abound. In the Philippines, coral reefs around Pangatalan Island were restored after scientists partnered with local fishers to move away from destructive practices like dynamite fishing. In return, aquaculture training provided communities with sustainable food and income sources while the reefs recovered.
Partnerships with the private sector also play a role. The Amazonia Project, supported by LVMH, has combined Indigenous knowledge with scientific research across eight biosphere reserves in South America. The project has created green jobs in agroforestry and regenerative agriculture while protecting forests from wildfires.
Facing climate change
Biosphere reserves are on the front line of climate change. More than 60 percent have been affected by extreme weather events, from heatwaves and droughts to rising sea levels. UNESCO is increasingly turning to satellite imagery, computer modelling and digitised historical records to monitor these changes and guide adaptive management strategies.
The designation of new sites comes as the international community seeks to meet the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework target of conserving 30 percent of the world’s land and sea by 2030. Biosphere reserves, together with UNESCO’s natural World Heritage sites and Global Geoparks, are expected to play a central role in reaching this goal.
