The International Co-ordinating Council of UNESCO’s MAB Programme meeting in Paris from 17 to 21 June added 18 new sites in 12 countries to the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, which now numbers 701 biosphere reserves in 124 countries around the globe. It also approved the extension of eight existing biosphere reserves, four of which are members of our Network.
Jeju Island Biosphere Reserve (Republic of Korea). Extension from 83,094 hectares to 387,194 hectares to improve integrated and effective conservation of biodiversity. Jeju Island is one of the few sites in the world to have a triple designation as a UNESCO biosphere reserve (2002), a World Heritage site (2007, expanded in 2018) and a UNESCO Global Geopark (2010).
Menorca Biosphere Reserve (Spain). Extension from 71,219 hectares to 514,485 hectares to contribute to the conservation of the site’s marine species and ecosystems, which were only partially represented in the original biosphere reserve.
Galapagos Biosphere Reserve (Ecuador). With an expanded area of 14,659,887 hectares, the site becomes one of the largest protected marine areas in the world. The Galapagos Islands are known for their exceptional endemic flora and fauna and are featured on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Archipiélago Juan Fernández Biosphere Reserve (Chile). Located 670 km from the coast of mainland Chile, the archipelago is home to one third of Chile’s endemic birds with an almost equal level of marine resource endemism of close to 25%. With a population of 926 inhabitants, the Biosphere Reserve’s development is focused on sustainable tourism. Its total surface area is increased from 9,967 hectares to 1,219,558 hectares, including 1,209,182 ha of marine areas.