UNESCO designates 11 new biosphere reserves in 11 countries: Find details here

UNESCO has recently approved the designation of 11 new biosphere reserves in 11 countries including Belgium and Gambia for the first time and two transboundary biosphere reserves The other new biosphere reserves are located in Colombia Dominican Republic Italy Mongolia the Kingdom of the Netherlands the Philippines Republic of Korea Slovenia and SpainBiosphere reserves are sites for implementing different approaches to sustainable development and interaction between social and ecological environment Each biosphere reserve promotes innovative local sustainable development solutions protects biodiversity and addresses climate disruption They also support local and indigenous communities through practices such as agroecology water management and the generation of green incomeAccording to the statement by UNESCO with these new biosphere reserves covering a total area of 37400 square km the World Network of Biosphere Reserves now totals 759 sites in 136 countriesThese additions were decided during the 36th session of the International Coordinating Council the governing body of UNESCOrsquos Man and the Biosphere programmeThe 11 newly designated biosphere reserves areKempenBroek Transboundary Biosphere Reserve Belgium Kingdom of the NetherlandsKempenBroek offers a captivating blend of natural wonders and human history Once expansive wetlands have been transformed into farmlands since the 19th century but the area retains remnants of its marshes punctuated by ponds open marshlands and bog forestsSpanning 264 square km the biosphere reserve is home to approximately 75000 people with tourism and agriculture being its economic pillars It is the first biosphere reserve to be designated in Belgium and is shared with the Kingdom of the NetherlandsDarieacuten Norte Chocoano Biosphere Reserve ColombiaAmidst the vibrant Darien ecoregion within the Biogeographic Chocoacute lies a biodiversity bridge connecting the fauna and flora of North and South America with emblematic species like the majestic harpy eagle Harpia harpyja and the colourful poison dart frogs Encompassing a sprawling mosaic of ecosystems ranging from lush tropical rainforests to marine areas along the Gulf of Urabaacute it covers a vast territory spanning 3016 km square almost 40 per cent of which consists in marine areasThe biosphere reserve has a diverse population of 24287 predominantly composed of Indigenous Peoples and AfroColombian originsMadre de las Aguas Biosphere Reserve Dominican RepublicMadre de las Aguas Biosphere Reserve is a sprawling expanse that encompasses 11 provinces and 35 municipalities sheltering a population of 472526 and spanning 9374 square kmThis territory is characterized by its diverse topography which has been sculpted by the Cordillera Central An array of natural wonders ranging from plateaus to cascading waterfalls form an intricate tapestry of landscapes This biosphere reserve features four distinct ecosystems which harbour 88 avian species 20 of which are endemic and 17 under threatAlso Read To travel or not Decoding the overtourism and irresponsible tourism catastropheNiumi Biosphere Reserve GambiaStretching along the north bank of the Gambia River the biosphere reserve lies adjacent to Senegalrsquos Delta de Saloum Biosphere Reserve in the north Within its boundaries mangroves dominate the coastal areas and riverbanks whereas downstream striking red limestone formations punctuate tropical forests and open savannah woodlandThe biosphere reserve safeguards some of West Africas last pristine mangrove forests alongside the Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve and various State forests With a sprawling expanse of 1937 square km the biosphere reserve is home to approximately 178000 peopleColli Euganei Biosphere Reserve ItalyThis landscape in the Veneto region of northeastern Italy is defined by no fewer than 81 volcanic hills including the towering Monte Venda which rises amidst thermal spas and verdant plains adorned with olive groves and vineyardsSpanning 15 municipalities the area is rich in both natural and cultural heritage The regions volcanic history and thermal waters contribute to its allure making it the largest thermal basin in Europe With a total area of 341 square km the biosphere reserve hosts a population of 111368Julian Alps Transboundary Biosphere Reserve Italy SloveniaThis transboundary biosphere reserve is the result of the merger of two Slovenian and Italian biosphere reserves which had been designated in 2003 and 2019 respectively The transboundary biosphere reserve spans 2671 square km encompassing core areas of 735 square km buffer zones spanning 438 square km and transition areas totalling 1497 square km which are home to 109060 inhabitants across 20 municipalitiesThe area boasts a patchwork of alpine mountains and karst plateaux dotted by waterfalls and pristine lakes The rich biodiversity includes brown bears lynxes otters and wildcatsKhar Us Lake Biosphere Reserve MongoliaSituated in the expansive western expanse of Mongolia Khar Us Lake Biosphere Reserve occupies a vast depression within the Great Lake basin spanning 14153 square km in the Khovd Province Its diverse ecosystems encompass aquatic realms deserts high mountain terrain and steppe landscapes each contributing to the regions ecological richnessThe biosphere reserve has a core area of 703 square km a buffer zone of 7800 square km and a transition area of 5650 square kmApayaos Biosphere Reserve PhilippinesThis biosphere reserve in the Province of Apayao is divided into two distinct regions the Upper Apayao sports rugged terrain with towering peaks plateaus and valleys whereas the Lower Apayao features flatlands adorned with rolling hills and plateaus Stretching 180 km the majestic Apayao River serves as a vital watershed nurturing 18 tributaries across the provinceApayaos is a name that encompasses both the people and diverse flora and fauna living in the area There are various ethnolinguistic groups and ten Indigenous Cultural Communities whose traditions and laws are deeply intertwined with the land and its resourcesThe population of 124366 engages primarily in rice and corn cultivation However ecotourism is progressing in the province The biosphere reserve spans 3960 square kmChangnyeong Biosphere Reserve Republic of KoreaLocated in the central northern region of Gyeongsangnamdo Province Changnyeong Biosphere Reserve forms a tapestry of biodiversity and cultural heritageEncompassing habitats ranging from the lush forests of Mount Hwawang to the sprawling Upo Wetland and agricultural croplands the regions diverse landscapes spans 531 square km Notably Upo Wetland stands as a testament to successful conservation efforts exemplified by the restoration of the endangered crested ibis Nipponia nippon since 2008 Changnyeonggun County was recognized as a Ramsar Wetland City in 2018Val dAran Biosphere Reserve SpainNestled at the western frontier of the Catalan Pyrenees the biosphere reserve spans approximately 632 square km serving as Catalonias sole northfacing valley Its unique position as a watershed between the Mediterranean and Atlantic realms means that it features diverse climatic and biological landscapes It is also a bastion of Occitan cultural and linguistic heritageHome to 9983 inhabitants the Val dAran has historically thrived on activities ranging from agriculture and crafts to trade Lately the reintroduction of brown bears has raised concerns among local livestock farmersIrati Biosphere Reserve SpainIrati Biosphere Reserve is located within the midmountain expanse of the western Pyrenees A haven for biodiversity its expansive forests are dominated by beech and beechfir making it the secondlargest beech forest in Europe Encompassing the picturesque valleys of Salazar and Aezkoa in the northeastern reaches of Navarre it spans 537 square km and is home to 2435 inhabitants