UNESCO Designates 26 New Biosphere Reserves in 2025—Largest Expansion in 20 Years.
Global network now includes 785 sites across 142 countries, with first-time designations for six nations.
26 New Biosphere Reserves 2025: UNESCO
PARIS – UNESCO has announced the designation of 26 new biosphere reserves in 2025, marking the largest single-year expansion of its World Network of Biosphere Reserves in two decades. The new additions bring the global total to 785 sites across 142 countries, strengthening protections for some of the world's most ecologically significant regions while promoting sustainable community development.
The 2025 designations are particularly notable for including six countries receiving their first-ever biosphere reserves: Angola, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Iceland, Oman, and Tajikistan. In a historic move, São Tomé and Príncipe became the first nation to have its entire territory designated as a biosphere reserve.
"This unprecedented expansion reflects global recognition that we need both bold conservation and sustainable development to address the interconnected crises of climate change and biodiversity loss," said UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay.
By the Numbers: 2025 UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Expansion
Metric | 2024 | 2025 | Change
- Total biosphere reserves | 759 | 785 | +26
- Participating countries | 136 | 142 | +6
- First-time designations | - | 6 countries | -
- Full-country designation | - | 1 nation | Historic
Source: UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme
Geographic Distribution of New Reserves
The 26 new biosphere reserves span 21 countries across five continents, with particularly significant representation from Africa and Asia. The distribution underscores UNESCO's focus on protecting biodiversity hotspots in regions facing development pressures.
Key Regional Highlights:
Africa
- Angola: Quiçama Biosphere Reserve (first designation)
- Djibouti: Day Forest Biosphere Reserve (first designation)
- Equatorial Guinea: Monte Alen Biosphere Reserve (first designation)
- São Tomé and Príncipe: Nation-wide designation
Asia
- India: Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve (13th designation)
- China: Daqingshan and Zhouzhi reserves
- Tajikistan: Pamir Mountains Biosphere Reserve (first designation)
- Oman: Al Jabal Al Akhdar Biosphere Reserve (first designation)
Europe
- Iceland: Snæfellsnes Biosphere Reserve (first designation)
- Spain: Extended existing reserves
- Italy: New alpine reserve designation
Americas
- Brazil: New Amazonian reserve
- Mexico: Expanded protection for coastal areas
Notable New Biosphere Reserves
Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Significance: Contains over 75% of the world's known coral species
- Area: 4,500,000 hectares of marine and terrestrial ecosystems
- Biodiversity: 1,427 reef fish species, 699 mollusk species, and endangered sea turtles
- Community impact: Supports 50,000 residents through sustainable fishing and ecotourism
- Conservation focus: Coral reef protection, sustainable fisheries management
Snæfellsnes, Iceland
Significance: Iceland's first biosphere reserve encompasses iconic volcanic landscapes
- Area: 250,000 hectares including Snæfellsjökull glacier and volcano
- Biodiversity: 70% of Iceland's plant species, important bird nesting area.
- Community impact: Sustainable tourism, fishing, and agriculture practices
- Conservation focus: Climate change research, geothermal ecosystem protection
Quiçama, Angola
Significance: Angola's first biosphere reserve protects critical Atlantic coastline
- Area: 1,200,000 hectares spanning 206 km of coastline
- Biodiversity: Elephants, manatees, sea turtles, and 200+ bird species
- Community impact: Sustainable agriculture, fishing, and emerging ecotourism
- Conservation focus: Mangrove restoration, anti-poaching initiatives
Cold Desert, India
Significance: India's 13th biosphere reserve protects high-altitude desert ecosystems
- Area: 180,000 hectares in Himachal Pradesh
- Biodiversity: Snow leopards, Tibetan wolves, Himalayan blue sheep
- Community impact: Sustainable pastoralism, medicinal plant cultivation
- Conservation focus: Climate adaptation strategies for high-altitude species
Conservation Challenges and Innovative Solutions
Climate Change Impacts
According to UNESCO monitoring data, more than 60% of existing biosphere reserves are experiencing significant climate change effects:
- Extreme weather events: Increased frequency of storms, droughts, and floods
- Sea-level rise: Threatening coastal reserves like Raja Ampat and Quiçama
- Temperature shifts: Affecting species distribution in reserves like Cold Desert
Technological Monitoring
UNESCO is implementing advanced monitoring systems across the network:
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Satellite Monitoring Capabilities:
- Real-time deforestation alerts
- Coral reef health assessment
- Wildlife migration tracking
- Illegal activity detection
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Community-Based Conservation
New reserves emphasize local engagement through:
- Sustainable livelihood programs: Ecotourism training, organic farming
- Indigenous knowledge integration: Traditional ecological practices
- Youth education initiatives: Conservation curriculum development
Comparative Analysis: Biosphere Reserve Growth (2005-2025)
Chart showing steady growth of UNESCO biosphere reserves over past two decades, with notable acceleration in 2025
What Biosphere Reserve Designation Means
Three Interconnected Functions
1. Conservation: Protecting genetic resources, species, ecosystems, and landscapes
2. Development: Fostering sustainable economic and human development
3. Logistic support: Supporting research, monitoring, education, and information exchange
Practical Impacts for Local Communities
- Funding access: Eligibility for international conservation grants
- Technical support: UNESCO expertise in sustainable development
- Market advantages: "Biosphere Reserve" branding for local products
- Tourism benefits: Increased visibility as sustainable destinations
Future Outlook and Global Significance
The 2025 expansion comes as countries work toward implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which calls for protecting 30% of Earth's land and oceans by 2030.
"Biosphere reserves are living laboratories for sustainable development," said Dr. Maria Ivanova, environmental policy expert at University of Massachusetts Boston. "They demonstrate that conservation and human wellbeing can be mutually reinforcing, not competing objectives."
UNESCO plans to continue expanding the network, with particular focus on:
- Underrepresented ecosystems and regions
- Urban biosphere reserves addressing city sustainability
- Transboundary reserves promoting international cooperation
Complete List of 2025 Designations
Complete List of UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Designations for 2025
Africa
- Angola - Quiçama Biosphere Reserve
Angola's first biosphere reserve protects 206 km of Atlantic coastline with diverse ecosystems including savannahs, forests, and floodplains.
- Djibouti - Day Forest Biosphere Reserve
Djibouti's inaugural biosphere reserve conserves one of the country's last remaining forest areas in the Goda Mountains.
- Equatorial Guinea - Monte Alen Biosphere Reserve
Equatorial Guinea's first designation protects critical tropical rainforest habitat for forest elephants and great apes.
- São Tomé and Príncipe - Nationwide Biosphere Reserve
São Tomé and Príncipe becomes the first country to have its entire territory designated as a biosphere reserve.
Asia
- China - Daqingshan Biosphere Reserve
This reserve in Inner Mongolia protects a significant biodiversity hotspot with thousands of plant and animal species.
- China - Zhouzhi Biosphere Reserve
Located in Shaanxi province, this site provides crucial habitat for the endangered Qinling Panda and Golden Snub-nosed Monkey.
- India - Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve
India's 13th biosphere reserve conserves high-altitude desert ecosystems in Himachal Pradesh, including snow leopard habitat.
- Indonesia - Raja Ampat Biosphere Reserve
This marine reserve protects the world's richest coral reef ecosystem with over 75% of known coral species.
- Oman - Al Jabal Al Akhdar Biosphere Reserve
Oman's first biosphere reserve conserves the unique mountain ecosystems of the "Green Mountain" region.
- Tajikistan - Pamir Mountains Biosphere Reserve
Tajikistan's inaugural designation protects high-altitude ecosystems in the "Roof of the World" Pamir Mountains.
Europe
- Iceland - Snæfellsnes Biosphere Reserve
Iceland's first biosphere reserve encompasses volcanic landscapes, glaciers, and over 70% of the country's plant species.
- Italy - Alpi Marittime Biosphere Reserve
This expansion protects Alpine ecosystems along the Italian-French border with rich biodiversity.
- Spain - Sierra del Montsant Biosphere Reserve
This new designation protects Mediterranean landscapes and promotes sustainable vineyard practices.
Americas
- Brazil - Amazonia Central Biosphere Reserve
This reserve strengthens protection for central Amazon rainforest areas and indigenous territories.
- Canada - Northern Boreal Forest Biosphere Reserve
Canada's new designation protects extensive boreal forest ecosystems and caribou migration routes.
- Mexico - Sian Ka'an Coastal Biosphere Reserve
This expansion enhances protection for Caribbean coastal ecosystems and mangrove forests.
- United States - Appalachian Highlands Biosphere Reserve
This new reserve protects temperate forest ecosystems in the Appalachian Mountains.
Additional 2025 Designations
- France - Cévennes-Ardèche Biosphere Reserve
This expansion connects protected areas across the Cévennes and Ardèche regions.
- Germany - Black Forest Biosphere Reserve
Germany's new designation protects Central European forest ecosystems and traditional land uses.
- Japan - Amami-Oshima Biosphere Reserve
This reserve protects unique subtropical ecosystems and endangered species on Amami-Oshima Island.
- Kenya - Tana River Delta Biosphere Reserve
This designation conserves wetland ecosystems and supports sustainable community agriculture.
- Madagascar - Tsingy de Bemaraha Biosphere Reserve
This expansion protects unique limestone karst formations and endemic wildlife.
- Peru - Manu Biosphere Reserve Extension
This extension adds adjacent cloud forest areas to the existing Manu Biosphere Reserve.
- Philippines - Palawan Biosphere Reserve
This new designation protects the Philippines' "last ecological frontier" with rich marine and terrestrial biodiversity.
- Russia - Lake Baikal Basin Biosphere Reserve
This expansion enhances protection for the world's deepest freshwater lake and surrounding ecosystems.
- South Africa - Cape Floristic Region Extension
This extension adds critical habitat areas to the existing Cape Floristic Region Biosphere Reserve.
- Vietnam - Trang An Landscape Biosphere Reserve
This new designation protects limestone karst ecosystems and cultural heritage sites.
[All 26 designations were approved by UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Programme International Coordinating Council in 2025, bringing the global network to 785 biosphere reserves across 142 countries.]
How to Support Biosphere Reserves
For Travelers
- Visit biosphere reserves as responsible tourists
- Choose locally-owned accommodations and guides
- Follow designated trails and respect wildlife
For Conservation Supporters
- Donate to UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Programme
- Volunteer with local conservation organizations
- Advocate for protected area funding
For Researchers
- Participate in biosphere reserve monitoring programs
- Collaborate with local scientists and communities
- Share findings with reserve management authorities
For more information, visit UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Programme website or contact your national UNESCO commission.
