UNESCO Designates 11 New Biosphere Reserves: A Step Towards Global Biodiversity Conservation
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) |
| Announcement | Designation of 11 new Biosphere Reserves across 11 countries |
| Total Biosphere Reserves | 759 |
| Countries Covered | 136 |
| Newly Designated Reserves | 1. Kempen-Broek Transboundary (Belgium, Netherlands) 2. Darien Norte Chocoano (Colombia) 3. Madre de las Aguas (Dominican Republic) 4. Niumi (Gambia) 5. Colli Euganei (Italy) 6. Julian Alps Transboundary (Italy, Slovenia) 7. Khar Us Lake (Mongolia) 8. Apayaos (Philippines) 9. Changnyeong (Republic of Korea) 10. Val d'Aran (Spain) 11. Irati (Spain) |
| Purpose of Biosphere Reserves | Balance economic development, cultural preservation, and nature conservation |
| Criteria for Designation | 1. Protected core area 2. Biogeographically significant 3. Local community involvement 4. Traditional living harmony |
| Three-Zone Approach | 1. Core Zone 2. Buffer Zone 3. Transition Zone |
| India's Biosphere Reserves | 18 notified, 12 recognized by UNESCO |
| Global Impact | 7,442,000 sq. km., impacting 275 million people |