26 new Biosphere Reserves: UNESCO’s continues unprecedented expansion of its global network

PRESS RELEASE   26 new Biosphere Reserves: UNESCO's continues unprecedented expansion of its global network   Hangzhou, China, 27 September 2025 – UNESCO designates 26 new biosphere reserves across 21 countries – the highest number in 20 years. The World Network of Biosphere Reserves now includes 785 sites in 142 countries, with an additional one million km² of natural areas brought under protection since 2018 – equivalent to the size of Bolivia. This year, six countries welcome their first biosphere reserve, while São Tomé and Príncipe becomes the first State to have its entire territory designated as a biosphere reserve.   Photos, videos and descriptions of the new Biosphere Reserves.   "With nearly thirty new designations this year, our World Network of Biosphere Reserves has reached a major milestone, now protecting 5% of the planet. Within these reserves, new ways of balancing nature conservation with sustainable livelihoods are being forged every day. UNESCO will continue to mobilize States, scientists, civil society, and local and Indigenous communities to continue this positive momentum", said Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO.   This week, UNESCO gathered more than 2,000 international experts, public decision-makers, civil society, Indigenous representatives and youth for the 5th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves, to take stock of the achievements of this historic UNESCO programme, and chart its course for the coming decade. During the Congress, Audrey Azoulay invited every Member State to establish at least one biosphere reserve by 2035.   First designations in six countries and new reserves worldwide   Today, six countries are seeing the designation of their first biosphere reserve: Angola, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Iceland, Oman and Tajikistan.   In addition to these six, new reserves have also been designated in Albania, China, Ethiopia, France, Greece, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mongolia, Portugal, Saudi Arabia and Sweden. São Tomé and Príncipe becomes the first State to have its entire territory designated as a biosphere reserve.   A model of protection that's gaining momentum   UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme has witnessed unprecedented growth in recent years: since 2018, 142 new biosphere reserves have brought an additional one million km² of additional natural areas under protection. Today, the 785 reserves cover over 8 million km² – equivalent to the size of Australia – and directly benefit the nearly 300 million people who live within these areas.   Since 1971, biosphere reserves have played a central role in UNESCO's environmental mission. Alongside natural World Heritage sites and Global Geoparks, they contribute to protecting more than 13 million km² of terrestrial and marine ecosystems under UNESCO's umbrella, advancing the global Kunming-Montreal target of conserving 30% of land and sea by 2030.   With the entry into force of the BBNJ Treaty in January 2026, countries will be able to designate and manage protected areas in the high seas, backed by science and robust management plans. Through its marine World Heritage sites, biosphere reserves and marine geoparks, UNESCO already safeguards more than 4.1 million km² – an area equivalent to the Mediterranean Sea.   "Living laboratories" as a solution to climate challenges   Biosphere reserves safeguard some of the planet's richest and most fragile ecosystems. They harbour a significant share of global biodiversity – including more than 60% of terrestrial vertebrate species, 12% of mapped mangroves, 10% of salt marshes and 8% of the world's seagrass meadows.   They foster local and community initiatives and serve as learning grounds for younger generations, through educational programmes tailored to schools as well as to local and Indigenous communities.   Partnerships with the private sector further strengthen these efforts. For example, the Amazonia Project, deployed across eight biosphere reserves with support from LVMH, combines Indigenous knowledge with modern science. It has already supported more than 40 local initiatives, creating sustainable green jobs in agroforestry and regenerative agriculture, while strengthening forest and biodiversity protection against wildfires.     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 About UNESCO   With 194 Member States, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization contributes to peace and security by leading multilateral cooperation on education, science, culture, communication and information. Headquartered in Paris, UNESCO has offices in 54 countries and employs over 2300 people. UNESCO oversees more than 2000 World Heritage sites, Biosphere Reserves and Global Geoparks; networks of Creative, Learning, Inclusive and Sustainable Cities; and over 13 000 associated schools, university chairs, training and research institutions, with a global network of 200 National Commissions. Its Director-General is Audrey Azoulay.   "Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed" – UNESCO Constitution, 1945.   More information: www.unesco.org   Press contact François WIBAUX, f.wibaux@unesco.org, +33 (0) 1 45 68 07 46   UNESCO Newsroom All our press releases   Social media

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