New report reveals that UNESCO Biosphere Reserves are making progress toward biodiversity goals

Biosphere Reserves play a crucial role in accelerating the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF) of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), as highlighted in the report “Accelerating the Global Biodiversity Framework by Strengthening Biosphere Reserves”, launched during the 5th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves (WCBR) in September 2025.

The report, based on expert consultations, workshops, and interviews, brings together a wide range of perspectives from the MAB Program and its community, demonstrating how Biosphere Reserves contribute to the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and its targets around the world. The document presents several local case studies, inspiring testimonials of concrete actions aimed at a more sustainable future for people and nature. It also includes recommendations for policymakers to maximize the potential of Biosphere Reserves in achieving global biodiversity goals by 2030—and beyond.

The result of extensive collaboration between institutions and stakeholders, the report was developed as part of the European Biodiversity Partnership (Biodiversa+) funded project entitled “Biosphere Reserves as Effective Conservation Measures (BECOME)”. The initiative is led by the UNESCO Chair in Sustainable Heritage and Environmental Management at the University of Bergen, in cooperation with MAB France (France), the UNESCO MAB Secretariat, the Stockholm Resilience Centre (Sweden), the University of Pretoria (South Africa), the UNESCO Chair in Biodiversity and Conservation for Sustainable Development at the University of Coimbra (Portugal), the UNESCO Chair in Biocultural Diversity, Sustainability, Reconciliation, and Renewal at the University of Saskatchewan (Canada), and the Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaíso (Chile).

There are currently 784 Biosphere Reserves in 142 countries, including 25 transboundary sites.

Further details on this report can be found on the UNESCO website.