UNESCO Biosphere Reserves are key platforms to drive transformative change for people and nature in a decisive decade for the planet.
Every 10 years, UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme celebrates the World Congress of Biosphere Reserves to identify priorities, strengthen collaboration, and define a Global Action Plan for the future.
From 22 to 26 September 2025, more than 2,000 participants from 136 countries—including scientists, policymakers, community leaders, entrepreneurs, and conservationists— gathered in the city of Hangzhou (China) to discuss how Biosphere Reserves contribute to biodiversity and sustainable development, while aligning with global frameworks such as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the Paris Agreement, and the International Decade of Science for Sustainable Development.
The Forest Science and Technology Centre of Catalonia (CTFC) team have participated in the Congress as coordinators of the International Centre for the Mediterranean Biosphere Reserves and the Mediterranean Biosphere Reserves Network (MedMAB). The Biosphere Reserves Research Group from CTFC showcased how Mediterranean Biosphere Reserves are driving climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development through applied research, collaboration, and partnerships.
PRIMA RES-MAB project: Biosphere Reserves as Living Labs
At the side event Adapting and transforming Biosphere Reserves to face future challenges on climate change, Dr. Mari-Carmen Romera, RES-MAB project manager, presented how the project is supporting seven Mediterranean Biosphere Reserves test solutions such as sustainable business models, WEFE Nexus (Water – Energy – Food – Ecosystems nexus) approaches, and governance tools.
In the plenary session Women in biosphere reserves, Ms. Beni Rodríguez, manager of the Alto Bernesga Biosphere Reserve and RES-MAB partner, highlighted the project’s contributions to gender equality, innovation, and resilience in wetlands and coastal areas—showing how Biosphere Reserves can act as living laboratories for adaptation and inclusiveness.
MedMAB Network: Building Resilience Together
The CTFC, jointly with the Abertis Foundation and the International Center for Mediterranean Biosphere Reserves, played a leading role in the activities of the Mediterranean Biosphere Reserves Network (MedMAB). In an internal meeting, the MedMAB coordinator, Ms. Alba Bonàs, facilitated discussions on the network’s next Action Plan, ensuring it aligns with the new Hangzhou Strategic Action Plan for the UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme and its World Network of Biosphere Reserves (2026-2035) to reinforce Biosphere Reserves as living laboratories for socioecological resilience.
The MedMAB technical secretariat also co-organized the side event Thematic Biosphere Reserve Networks: Building Resilience for Shared Challenges with other thematic networks, where Ms. Bonàs highlighted how MedMAB is unlocking opportunities for joint research and innovation. Since 2018, the MedMAB has mobilized more than €6 million in European Commission-funded projects, directly benefiting local communities. By connecting 72 Biosphere Reserves across 16 countries, MedMAB fosters knowledge exchange, integrates scientific, traditional, and local expertise, and strengthens the Mediterranean’s collective capacity to face climate change and biodiversity loss.
MedMAB network and the International Center for Mediterranean Biosphere Reserves, were also present in two plenary sessions by the Abertis Foundation team, highlighting the importance of public-private partnerships to tackle global challenges. By combining stable funding with scientific expertise, this alliance delivers innovation, capacity building, and tangible impact across the Mediterranean.
Biosphere Reserves’ contributions to global frameworks
In the side event Key insights from the first global biodiversity and climate assessment of UNESCO site, Dr. Roser Maneja, professor at UAB and deputy research director at CTFC, contributed to the launch of the first global assessment of UNESCO-designated sites, highlighting how Biosphere Reserves can align with frameworks like the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the SDGs to strengthen recognition and support. By adopting global monitoring frameworks, Biosphere Reserves can make their contributions more visible and comparable, guiding investment, scaling impact, and reinforcing their role in tackling today’s climate and biodiversity crises.
As the 5th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves demonstrated, the Mediterranean region is leading by example, showing how science, collaboration, and innovation can transform Biosphere Reserves into hubs of research, resilience, sustainability, and inclusive development. The CTFC and its partners reaffirm their commitment to supporting these living laboratories, fostering knowledge exchange, and strengthening networks that connect local action with global goals.
Last modified: 1 October 2025
