UNESCO adds 13 sites to World Network of Biosphere Reserves
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.
4th Meeting of the World Network of Island and Coastal Biosphere Reserves
The 4th Meeting of the World Network of Island and Coastal Biosphere Reserves will be held in the Palawan Biosphere Reserve in the Republic of Philippines, from 17 June to 21 June 2014 under the theme “Island and Coastal Biosphere Reserves under the impact of Natural Disasters”.
On behalf of Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve the network meeting will be attended by Acting In-Charge of Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve Office Mr.Abdulla Shibau. A total of 17 Biosphere Reserves are taking part in this meeting and a total of 26 presentations from Australian and the African Biosphere Reserves, Asian Biosphere Reserves, Latin American and the North American Biosphere Reserves and European Biosphere Reserves will be presented.
During the 4 day workshop the participants are scheduled to visit Palawan Wildlife Rescue Center, Palawan Heritage Center and Puerto Princesa Underground River (UNESCO World Heritage site).
BR Stakeholder Meeting 1
The first monthly meeting of the BR Office with all major stakeholders of the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve was held on 17 July 2014 in Eydhafushi. Earlier in April It was discussed and agreed that at least once a month all major stakeholders who are active in managing the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve should meet and discuss the issues facing in managing and monitoring of the Biosphere Reserve.
In this regard BR Workplan for 2014 was shared with the participants and a presentation was given on the activities of Quarter 1 and 2 of 2014 by BR Office. The participants of the meeting held discussions on issues related to the Biosphere Reserve and it was also agreedthat the second should be held on 18 August 2014 in Eydhafushi.
A total of 7 participants from 5 organizations namely BAARU, Maldives Police Service, Baa Atoll Council, Baa Atoll BR Office, Baa Atoll Conservation Fund took part in this meeting.
Environment Minister meets with BR Office staff
The Minister of Environment and Energy Minister Mr. Ibrahim Thorig has met with the staff of the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve Office today. The Minister visited the Office this morning and gathered information on the work being carried out by the BR Office and also discussed on issues relating to the Biosphere Reserve.Minister Thorig also visited Hanifaru Marine Protected Area in the afternoon and witnessed the work of the Baa Atoll Biosphere Office Rangers where he was briefed by the Rangers.
