UNESCO declares 26 new biosphere reserves

September 29, 2025

UNESCO has announced the designation of 26 new biosphere reserves across 21 countries, marking the largest single-year expansion of its Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme in two decades. With this update, the World Network of Biosphere Reserves now totals 785 sites across 142 countries, protecting more than 8 million km² of land and marine ecosystems. Since 2018, over one million km² of natural areas—an expanse comparable to the size of Bolivia—have been added to the network.

New milestones in global conservation

For the first time, six countries—Angola, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Iceland, Oman, and Tajikistan—have biosphere reserves designated on their territories. In addition, São Tomé and Príncipe has become the first nation to designate its entire territory as a biosphere reserve. Other new sites were recognized in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, including locations in France, Greece, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Malaysia, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, and Mongolia.

The decision was confirmed during the 37th session of UNESCO’s International Coordinating Council for the MAB Programme, held in Hangzhou, China. More than 2,000 participants—including global experts, policymakers, Indigenous leaders, and youth representatives—attended the 5th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves to assess the programme’s progress and define its priorities for the next decade.

A growing model for sustainable living

Since its launch in 1971, UNESCO’s biosphere reserves have served as “living laboratories” for sustainable development, climate resilience, and biodiversity protection. These reserves safeguard some of the planet’s most fragile and biologically rich ecosystems, home to:

• Over 60% of terrestrial vertebrate species

• Around 12% of global mangroves

• Nearly 10% of salt marshes

• About 8% of the world’s seagrass meadows

The network directly benefits 300 million people living within or around these reserves by supporting sustainable livelihoods, regenerative agriculture, and eco-tourism.

Innovation and partnerships

Partnerships with Indigenous communities, schools, and private organizations are central to UNESCO’s approach. For example, the Amazonia Project, supported by luxury group LVMH, integrates Indigenous knowledge with modern science to promote regenerative farming and forest protection across eight biosphere reserves.

Meanwhile, the adoption of the BBNJ Treaty in 2026 will strengthen global efforts by enabling the creation of protected marine areas on the high seas. Currently, UNESCO’s biosphere reserves, marine World Heritage sites, and Global Geoparks collectively safeguard more than 4.1 million km² of ocean areas, equivalent to the size of the Mediterranean Sea.

A call to action

UNESCO’s Director-General Audrey Azoulay has urged every Member State to establish at least one biosphere reserve by 2035, stressing their role in advancing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework goal of protecting 30% of Earth’s land and sea by 2030.

“Biosphere reserves show us how humans and nature can thrive together,” Azoulay stated. “They are crucial tools in addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and building sustainable futures for communities worldwide.”

Newly Designated Biosphere Reserves

• 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