Core Points - UNESCO has recognized 26 new biosphere reserves, bringing the total number of biosphere reserves worldwide to 785 [1] - The newly recognized reserves include China's Daqingshan Biosphere Reserve and Zhouzhi Biosphere Reserve, highlighting China's commitment to biodiversity conservation [1] Group 1: Daqingshan Biosphere Reserve - Located in the central section of the Yinshan Mountains in Inner Mongolia, covering an area of nearly 3,900 square kilometers [1] - The reserve is rich in biodiversity, hosting approximately 1,200 species of higher plants, 300 species of vertebrates, and 1,800 species of arthropods [1] Group 2: Zhouzhi Biosphere Reserve - Situated at the junction of the northern and southern slopes of the Qinling Mountains in Shaanxi Province, with an area of about 690 square kilometers [1] - The reserve boasts a forest coverage rate of 96% and is home to various rare species, including the Qinling giant panda, Sichuan golden monkey, and the takin [1] Group 3: Global Context - The newly recognized biosphere reserves are distributed across 21 countries, with six countries (Angola, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Iceland, Oman, and Tajikistan) achieving recognition for the first time [1] - São Tomé and Príncipe has become the first country to be entirely designated as a biosphere reserve [1] Group 4: Man and the Biosphere Programme - The "Man and the Biosphere Programme" initiated by UNESCO in 1971 aims to integrate the improvement of local communities' livelihoods, economic development, and social progress with ecological conservation [2] - The program seeks to find a sustainable path that protects both natural and cultural resources while promoting socio-economic development [2]

Core Points - The Fifth World Biosphere Reserve Conference opened in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, on September 22, marking the first time the event is held in Asia [2][8] - The conference is organized by the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Zhejiang Provincial Government, focusing on "Shaping a Sustainable Future for People and Nature" [2] - The UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) program, initiated in 1971, has evolved into a crucial tool for implementing and promoting sustainable development globally [3][4] Group 1: Background and Purpose - The MAB program was launched in response to the growing global resource and environmental crises of the 1960s, aiming to integrate natural and social sciences for sustainable economic growth [3] - The program has become UNESCO's flagship project for biodiversity and cultural diversity protection, with a history of 54 years by 2025 [3] Group 2: World Biosphere Reserves - World Biosphere Reserves are designated areas approved by UNESCO that represent specific terrestrial, marine, or coastal ecosystems, facilitating multidisciplinary approaches to understand human-nature interactions [4] - The first batch of World Biosphere Reserves was established in 1976, and they have since become essential for promoting sustainable development [4] Group 3: Network and Collaboration - As of September 2024, the World Biosphere Reserve Network includes 759 reserves across 136 countries, covering approximately 7.667 million square kilometers and impacting around 300 million people [5] - UNESCO has established various regional networks to enhance cooperation and sustainable development among biosphere reserves with similar ecological and cultural characteristics [5] Group 4: Conference History - The World Biosphere Reserve Conference is the largest international meeting in the MAB field, held approximately every ten years to review past achievements and discuss future strategies [7] - The first conference took place in Minsk, Belarus, in 1983, with subsequent conferences addressing various global challenges and strategies for sustainable development [7]