The International Coordinating Council of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Man and the Biosphere Programme has added 13 sites to the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
The Network now includes 631 sites in 119 countries, including 14 transboundary reserves.
12 June 2014: The International Coordinating Council of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Man and the Biosphere Programme has added 13 sites to the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. The Network now includes 631 sites in 119 countries, including 14 transboundary reserves.
The new biosphere reserves are: Valdes Biosphere Reserve, Argentina; Mount Chilbo, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea; Bosque Seco, Ecuador; Mont-Viso/Area della Biosfera del Monviso transboundary Biosphere Reserve, France and Italy; Sila, Italy; Minami-Alps, Japan; Tadami, Japan; Ak-Zhayik, Kazakhstan; Katon-Karagay, Kazakhstan; Crocker Range, Malaysia; Ohrid-Prespa Transboundary Reserve, Albania/Macedonia; Brighton and Lewes Downs, United Kingdom (UK); and Bioma Pampa-Quebradas del Norte, Uruguay. The transboundary reserve in Albania and Macedonia is the first UNESCO-recognized reserve in both countries.
The sites include highly fragile terrestrial and marine ecosystems, dry forests, mountainous regions and bird migration routes. The sites are home to: endemic species, such as the mantled howler monkey; endangered plant and animal species, including the sun bear and clouded leopard; vulnerable species, such as the southern right whale; and medicinal herbs.
In addition, the Council approved extensions to five existing biosphere reserves: Laguna Oca del Río Paraguay Biosphere Reserve, Argentina; Rhön Biosphere Reserve, Germany; Shiga Highland Biosphere Reserve, Japan; Montseny Biosphere Reserve, Spain; and Mancha Húmeda Biosphere Reserve, Spain.
Austria and the UK withdrew sites from the Network. Austria withdrew Gossenköllesee and Gurgler Kamm, which were designated in 1977. The UK withdrew North Northfolk, which was designated in 1976.
The International Coordinating Committee of the Man and the Biosphere Programme approved the additions, extensions and withdrawals at its 26th session, which took place in Jönkoping, Sweden. The Committee brings together representatives of 34 member States of UNESCO. [UNESCO Press Release] [Biosphere Reserves Website]