On World Environment Day, global conservation efforts received a major boost as 14 new biosphere reserves were announced by UNESCO across 14 countries, expanding the World Network of Biosphere Reserves to 797 sites across 145 countries. The announcement marks one of the most significant additions in recent years, strengthening global efforts to balance biodiversity conservation with sustainable development.

This year also marked historic firsts: Montenegro, Timor-Leste, and Aruba each joined the network for the first time, with Aruba notably having its entire territory designated as a biosphere reserve. In addition, UNESCO expanded existing reserves in countries such as China, Italy, and Spain, further reinforcing global ecological protection efforts.

To support environmental awareness and responsible reporting, UNESCO also launched a practical guide for journalists, helping improve accuracy in climate and environmental communication amid rising misinformation.

Global Expansion of Biosphere Reserves

Biosphere reserves are areas where conservation, sustainable development, and community living coexist. These regions act as “living laboratories” for studying how humans and nature can thrive together.

Key Expansion Snapshot

The designation of Québec City as a biosphere reserve marks a groundbreaking milestone, making it the first urban area ever to receive this recognition.

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Newly Designated Biosphere Reserves

The newly added reserves span multiple continents, reflecting diverse ecosystems and cultural landscapes:

• Albania – Shkodër Lake
• Algeria – Theniet El Had
• Aruba – Aruba Island
• Azerbaijan – Great Caucasus
• Cameroon – Takamanda – Cross River Gorilla
• Canada – Québec City
• Islamic Republic of Iran – Dalankuh – Qamishlou
• Mongolia – Tost Toson Bumbiin Nuruu
• Montenegro – Skadar Lake Watershed
• Paraguay – Sur del Alto Paraná
• Philippines – Matibay na Bayan ng Sablayan
• Portugal – Serra da Estrela
• Timor-Leste – Nino Konis Santana
• Viet Nam – Phong Nha – Ke Bang

These ecosystems include mountains, lakes, forests, caves, and coastal habitats, each representing critical biodiversity zones under growing environmental pressure.

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Why Biosphere Reserves Matter

UNESCO biosphere reserves are not just protected zones; they are models of sustainable living.

They help:

• Protect biological and cultural diversity
• Support local communities and sustainable livelihoods
• Promote climate resilience and ecosystem restoration
• Connect conservation efforts across global regions

Since 1971, these reserves have become central to UNESCO’s environmental mission, now safeguarding over 13 million km² of ecosystems globally.

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Strengthening Environmental Awareness

Alongside the announcement, UNESCO and the OSCE launched a new guide titled “Reporting the Environment: A Practical Manual for Journalists.”

This initiative aims to improve the quality of environmental reporting at a time when misinformation and AI-generated content are increasingly shaping public understanding of climate issues. The guide provides journalists with tools to report accurately, safely, and responsibly on environmental challenges.

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A Global Step Toward Sustainability

UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany emphasized that biosphere reserves demonstrate how protecting nature and improving human life are not conflicting goals. Instead, they represent a shared path toward sustainable development.

He noted that the new designations reflect the full diversity of global ecosystems and reinforce the idea that environmental protection must be integrated with community progress.

As the 14 new biosphere reserves announced by UNESCO become part of the global network, they strengthen international commitment to the Kunming–Montreal biodiversity targets, which aim to protect 30% of the planet’s land and sea by 2030.

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