Context: 

UNESCO recently announced the addition of 11 new biosphere reserves to its World Network of Biosphere Reserves. 

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• With the addition of these 11 new biosphere reserves covering a total area of 37,400 km², these critical conservation areas now expand to 759 sites across 136 countries.
• These additions were decided during the 36th session of the International Co-ordinating Council, the governing body of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere programme, which is composed of 34 representatives of UNESCO Member States. 
• The Council held its session in Agadir, Morocco, from 2 to 5 July following the UNESCO Conference on Soils.

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

• UNESCO is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) dedicated to promoting peace and security through international cooperation in education, science, culture, and communication. 
• It was founded in 1945 after the devastation of World War II.
• Presently, it has 194 member states and 12 associate members. 

Key Programs and Initiatives of UNESCO:

• Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme: This program establishes biosphere reserves around the world, promoting biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. 
• World Heritage Convention: This international treaty identifies and protects cultural and natural sites of outstanding universal value.
• Education for All (EFA): This global movement aims to achieve universal primary education and equip all youth and adults with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive.

The 11 New Biosphere Reserves

1. Darién Norte Chocoano Biosphere Reserve (Colombia): Protects Pacific coast rainforests, mangroves, and coral reefs, safeguarding marine biodiversity and indigenous knowledge.
2. Madre de las Aguas Biosphere Reserve (Dominican Republic): Encompasses freshwater ecosystems, including Lake Enriquillo, a critical habitat for endemic bird species. 
3. Niumi Biosphere Reserve (Gambia): Protects a mosaic of wetlands, mangroves, and terrestrial ecosystems vital for migratory birds and local communities.
4. Colli Euganei Biosphere Reserve (Italy): Showcases volcanic landscapes, cultural heritage, and rich biodiversity.
5. Julian Alps Transboundary Biosphere Reserve (Italy & Slovenia): A collaborative effort protecting the Julian Alps, a region of high mountain ecosystems and cultural significance.
6. Khar Us Lake Biosphere Reserve (Mongolia): Safeguards a vast freshwater lake (Khar Us) and surrounding grasslands, supporting diverse wildlife populations.
7. yApayaos Biosphere Reserve (Philippines): Diverse reserve protecting coral reefs, rainforests, and mountains, providing habitat for the endangered Philippine eagle.
8. Changnyeong Biosphere Reserve (South Korea): Protects mountains, forests, and agricultural areas, known for its rich cultural heritage and traditional practices.
9. Val d'Aran Biosphere Reserve (Spain): Located in the Pyrenees mountains, this reserve safeguards high-altitude ecosystems with unique flora and fauna.
10. Irati Biosphere Reserve (Spain): Features Europe's largest beech forest, showcasing temperate ecosystems and cultural traditions.
11. Kempen-Broek Transboundary Biosphere Reserve (Belgium & Netherlands): A model for sustainable land management across borders, encompassing forests, peatlands, and agricultural areas.

What are Biosphere Reserves?

• Biosphere reserves are areas of terrestrial, marine, and coastal ecosystems that promote solutions reconciling the conservation of biodiversity with its sustainable use. 
• They are internationally recognized under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme. Each biosphere reserve consists of three interrelated zones:

1. Core Area: Strictly protected for conservation of landscapes, ecosystems, species, and genetic variation.
2. Buffer Zone: Surrounds or is contiguous to the core area; activities are allowed that can help manage natural resources sustainably.
3. Transition Area: The outermost part where sustainable resource management practices are promoted and developed.

Importance of Biosphere Reserves

• Biodiversity Conservation: They protect species and genetic diversity, which is vital for ecosystem resilience.
• Sustainable Development: They promote sustainable economic practices that do not harm the environment.
• Research and Education: They serve as sites for scientific research, monitoring, education, and training.
• Cultural Preservation: They often include areas of cultural and historical significance. They also support local and Indigenous communities through practices such as agro-ecology, water management, and the generation of green income. 
• Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework: Biosphere reserves help achieve the goals set in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework adopted in December 2022, which includes designating 30% of the Earth’s land and marine surface as protected areas and restoring 30% of the planet’s degraded ecosystems by 2030.