The purpose of this meeting is to bring together representatives of island and coastal biosphere reserves to discuss the main challenges and threats facing these areas, namely: climate change; water, energy and food self‐sufficiency; and waste management. The meeting will also provide an opportunity for participants to share experiences and potential solutions. The Global Network of Island and Coastal Biosphere Reserves was created at the 21st Session of the International Coordinating Council of the Man and the Biosphere Programme of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2009. This Network aims to realize the potential of biosphere reserves in addressing climate change, particularly as places for learning about sustainable development and also for experimenting on mitigation and adaptation measures on climate change.  

dates: 3-7 June 2013   venue: Islands of Hiiumaa and Saaremaa   location: Estonia   additional: West‐Estonian Archipelago biosphere reserve   www: http://www.unesco.org/new/fileadmin/MULTIMEDIA/HQ/SC/images/Estonia_Programme_and_agenda_of_the_conference.pdf