The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Man and Biosphere Programme is launching a three-year project to create and manage coastal biosphere reserves in areas and islands off the west coasts of Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama and Peru.
The Flemish Government of Belgium is providing financial support for the project.
October 2014: The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Man and Biosphere Programme is launching a three-year project to create and manage coastal biosphere reserves in areas and islands off the west coast of Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama and Peru. The Flemish Government of Belgium is providing financial support for the project.
The western coasts of these countries support highly productive fishing grounds and encompass sub-Antarctic, temperate, sub-tropical and tropical systems. According to UNESCO, land-based and marine-based sources of pollution threaten the areas’ beaches, coral reefs, islands, kelp forests and mangroves, resulting in coastal and marine degradation. Agricultural runoff, invasive alien species, population growth and urban development, oil spills and untreated sewage discharge have also contributed to environmental degradation.
UNESCO’s biosphere reserve sites promote conservation and sustainable use of cultural, natural and social resources for the welfare of local communities. This project, the ‘Biosphere Reserves as a Tool for Coastal and Island Management in the South-East Pacific Region (BRESEP),’ will promote biosphere reserves as tools for increasing socio-economic activity, carrying out innovative projects and increasing the awareness and sensitivity of local stakeholders.
The project will be launched in December 2014 in Castro, Chiloe Island, Chile. [UNESCO Press Release]