In a significant step towards advancing global conservation and sustainable development efforts in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, the First Workshop of the World Network of Mountain Biosphere Reserves (WNMBR) was held from September 18 to 22, 2023, in Dujiangyan, Sichuan, China. Hosted by UNESCO’s Division of Ecological and Earth Sciences, the workshop saw active participation from more than 60 delegates representing mountain biosphere reserves across 17 countries, including the United States. Dr. Kelly L. Cerialo, the US Biosphere Network Coordinator and Co-Chair of the Champlain-Adirondack Biosphere Network, participated in the WNMBR workshop.
The workshop was organized by the Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sichuan Wenchuan Wolong Special Administrative Region, Dujiangyan Municipal People’s Government, and Valles de Omana y Luna Biosphere Reserve from Spain.
The WNMBR aims to harness scientific research centers and biosphere reserves for the conservation and sustainable development of montane ecosystems, empowering mountain biosphere reserves as sustainability laboratories. Key workshop objectives included formal approval of the WNMBR Work Plan and Road Map, presentation of WNMBR Working Groups’ progress, proposal of an international internship program, identification of project proposals, and planning for contributions to the International Year of Glacier Preservation 2025.
The workshop, skillfully facilitated by Jorge Sanchez-Cruzado from Altekio Cooperative in Madrid, Spain, featured an organized dialogue with participants from diverse linguistic backgrounds. The opening session included esteemed regional authorities from China, endorsing the Roadmap of the WNMBR 2023-2025. Thematic Working Groups reported on climate change adaptation, biodiversity, and community participation. The event also explored cooperative efforts with the Mountain Research Initiative and proposed an international internship program for youth researchers in mountain biosphere reserves.
Structured around climate change adaptation, biodiversity, and community empowerment, the workshop provided a platform for identifying best practices in mountain biosphere reserves, fostering collaboration, and laying the groundwork for the WNMBR’s future contributions to global conservation initiatives.
For more information about the World Network of Mountain Biosphere Reserves, visit mountainbiosphere.org
If your biosphere region is interested in joining the World Network of Mountain Biosphere Reserves, please email hello@mountainbiosphere.org
