By Abbas Nazil
UNESCO has designated 26 new biosphere reserves across the world, a move aimed at strengthening the global response to biodiversity loss and climate change.
The announcement highlights the growing importance of biosphere reserves, which serve as sites for testing sustainable solutions that balance conservation with human needs.
With this addition, UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves now covers 759 sites in 136 countries, including 25 transboundary reserves that span across nations.
Officials emphasized that the new designations reflect urgent action to protect ecosystems under mounting pressure from deforestation, overexploitation, pollution, and rising global temperatures.
Biosphere reserves are unique in combining conservation of landscapes, ecosystems, and species with sustainable development practices for local communities.
They are also intended as learning laboratories where policymakers, scientists, and communities can work together on nature-based strategies to address the climate and biodiversity crises.
The sites recognized include coastal, forest, mountain, and freshwater ecosystems, with UNESCO noting that each plays a vital role in supporting species diversity, storing carbon, and safeguarding livelihoods.
For island nations and coastal regions in particular, the designations come at a critical time, as climate change accelerates sea-level rise and intensifies extreme weather events.
UNESCO stressed that biosphere reserves contribute to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, especially those related to climate action, life on land, and partnerships for sustainability.
The organization also urged governments to integrate these reserves into national climate adaptation and biodiversity protection strategies.
Experts argue that expanding the network of biosphere reserves demonstrates a commitment to a collaborative global approach, as no single nation can tackle climate change and biodiversity loss alone.
By fostering cooperation across borders and disciplines, the reserves are seen as a cornerstone in humanity’s effort to secure a livable planet for future generations.