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 Viewpoint - The Chinese Academy of Sciences aims to establish at least one World Biosphere Reserve in every province, autonomous region, and municipality in China over the next decade [1][2]. Group 1: Strategic Goals - The Chinese Academy of Sciences, as the chair unit of the Chinese Man and the Biosphere National Committee, will implement the "Hangzhou Strategic Action Plan (2026-2035)" focusing on four areas: accelerating the application for biosphere reserves, enhancing technological support for management, strengthening capacity building and talent training, and promoting international cooperation [2][3]. - Currently, China has 34 World Biosphere Reserves across 20 provinces and aims to eliminate gaps in this area by ensuring every province, autonomous region, and municipality has at least one reserve [2]. Group 2: Technological Integration - The management of biosphere reserves will leverage various technologies, including satellite remote sensing, infrared imaging, acoustic monitoring, environmental DNA, and drones, to enhance scientific management and decision-making [3][5]. - The integration of big data and artificial intelligence will be prioritized to optimize monitoring and research platforms, improving the overall management of biosphere reserves [3]. Group 3: International Collaboration - The initiative will actively participate in building regional and thematic networks, focusing on less-studied ecosystems like oases and marine environments, to foster experience sharing, collaborative research, and technology exchange [3][5]. - The goal is to support global environmental governance and address common challenges in sustainable development through international partnerships [3]. Group 4: Sustainable Development Practices - The Chinese biosphere reserves emphasize the dual goals of protection and development, with a focus on enhancing community income while preserving ecosystems [5][6]. - The concept of "Green mountains and clear waters are as valuable as mountains of gold and silver" is highlighted as a core principle guiding the sustainable development of biosphere reserves [5].

Core Points - The fifth World Biosphere Reserve Conference concluded in Hangzhou on September 25, emphasizing the importance of protecting biodiversity and promoting sustainable resource use through multidisciplinary approaches [1][19] - China has 34 natural reserves recognized by UNESCO as World Biosphere Reserves, ranking first in Asia, with the Gaoligong Mountain area being a significant biodiversity hotspot [1][19] Biodiversity and Conservation Efforts - Gaoligong Mountain, covering only 0.36% of China's land area, hosts approximately 17% of the country's higher plants and 20% of its mammals, making it a global biodiversity treasure [1][3] - The area is home to over 7,000 recorded higher plant species, including 380 endemics, and 1,343 vertebrate species, with 56 being unique to the region [3] - Conservation efforts have led to an increase in the population of the endangered Gongshan antelope from around 450 in 2011 to over 800 currently [3][11] Sustainable Development Initiatives - The "Man and the Biosphere" program initiated by UNESCO aims to balance biodiversity protection with human livelihood improvement, serving as a platform for sustainable development [5][19] - Local communities are engaged in biodiversity protection, with young people from nearly 30,000 impoverished households employed as ecological forest rangers, transforming their roles from resource exploiters to protectors [11][19] - The introduction of sustainable practices, such as the cultivation of medicinal mushrooms like white lingzhi, has provided economic benefits while promoting forest conservation [13][19] Community Involvement and Ecotourism - Villagers in Sanhe Village have shifted from hunting to bird conservation, fostering an ecotourism industry that attracts photography enthusiasts and promotes local biodiversity [15][17] - The integration of community development with ecological protection has led to a harmonious coexistence between local livelihoods and environmental conservation [17][19] Global Collaboration and Future Directions - The theme of the conference, "Shaping a Sustainable Future for People and Nature," aligns with China's ecological civilization goals and highlights the need for global cooperation in biodiversity conservation [19] - China's model of sustainable development offers valuable insights for global efforts to address ecological challenges and promote harmonious coexistence between economic growth and environmental protection [19]

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]

Core Points - The upcoming Fifth World Biosphere Reserve Congress in Hangzhou, China, highlights the increasing alignment of China's biosphere reserves with the vision of the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) program, emphasizing the coexistence and mutual prosperity of humans and nature [1][2] - China has 34 biosphere reserves recognized globally, showcasing its significant commitment to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development, which is acknowledged by the international community [1] - The Taimushan-Qingliangfeng Biosphere Reserve serves as a model for balancing ecosystem restoration and local livelihood improvement, aligning with UNESCO's global advocacy [2] Summary by Sections UNESCO MAB Program - The MAB program, initiated in 1971, promotes a new conservation philosophy that integrates the improvement of local communities' lives with ecological protection [1] - The program aims to find a sustainable development model that protects natural and cultural resources while promoting social and economic progress [1] China's Role and Achievements - China’s network of biosphere reserves ranks among the largest in the world, reflecting its dedication to biodiversity and sustainable development [1] - The upcoming congress in China is seen as a recognition of its achievements and the importance of the Asia-Pacific region in addressing sustainable development challenges [1] Technological Advancements and Future Initiatives - Digital technology is transforming ecosystem management from passive protection to proactive and predictive approaches, with China leading in the application of advanced technologies in biosphere reserves [2] - The congress will enhance support for the MAB regional network in the Asia-Pacific and other regions, marking a milestone for South-South cooperation [2] - China will provide training programs for young scientists and managers, pilot projects in various fields, and platforms for youth engagement, including innovation labs and scholarships [2]

Core Points - China has 34 natural reserves approved as UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, ranking first in Asia, contributing to biodiversity and ecosystem protection [1][3] - The "Man and the Biosphere" (MAB) program, initiated by UNESCO in 1971, has seen China develop the largest national network for its implementation [3][4] - The fifth World Biosphere Reserve Congress will be held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang from September 22 to 25, 2025, focusing on sustainable futures for humans and nature [4] Group 1 - China has established a comprehensive network of 214 natural reserves, including the 34 UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, covering major ecosystem types and biodiversity areas [3] - The Chinese Academy of Sciences, as the chair of the National Committee for the Man and the Biosphere program, provides strong technological support for biodiversity protection and sustainable development [4] - The upcoming congress will host around 4,000 representatives from over 150 countries and regions, marking the first time the event is held in Asia [4]

Core Points - The fifth World Biosphere Reserve Congress will be held from September 22 to 25 in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, marking the first time the event is hosted in Asia [1] - The congress will see participation from approximately 4,000 representatives from over 150 countries and regions, making it the most widely attended congress of its kind organized by UNESCO [1] - Discussions will focus on the "Man and the Biosphere Programme" and the Hangzhou Strategic Action Plan for the World Biosphere Reserve Network, outlining development directions, goals, and action plans for the next decade [1] - The congress will also release the "Hangzhou Declaration" [1] - China has 34 World Biosphere Reserves, the highest number in Asia, having joined the "Man and the Biosphere Programme" initiated by UNESCO in 1971 [1]

Core Points - China has 34 natural reserves approved by UNESCO as World Biosphere Reserves, ranking first in Asia, contributing to biodiversity and ecosystem protection [1][2] - The "Man and the Biosphere Programme" (MAB) initiated by UNESCO in 1971 is the longest-standing intergovernmental scientific program, with China having the largest national network for its implementation [1] - By August 2025, China will have 214 natural reserves, including the 34 World Biosphere Reserves, covering major ecosystem types and biodiversity protection areas [1] - The Chinese Academy of Sciences, as the chair unit of the National Committee for MAB, provides strong technological support for biodiversity protection and sustainable development [2] - The 5th World Biosphere Reserve Conference will be held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang from September 22 to 25, 2025, with the theme "Shaping a Sustainable Future for People and Nature," and will host around 4,000 representatives from over 150 countries and regions [2]

Group 1 - The fifth World Biosphere Reserve Conference will be held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang from September 22 to 25, with the theme "Shaping a Sustainable Future for People and Nature," marking the first time the conference is held outside Europe and North America [2] - The conference will discuss the "Man and the Biosphere Program" and its strategic action plan for the next decade, aiming to clarify development directions, goals, and action plans [4] - The conference will release the "Hangzhou Declaration," emphasizing China's commitment to global ecological challenges and the construction of a community of life on Earth [4] Group 2 - China has 34 World Biosphere Reserves, ranking first in Asia, and has actively participated in the "Man and the Biosphere Program" since joining in 1973 [4] - Significant ecological protection achievements have been made, including the integration of over 120 existing nature reserves and the establishment of five national parks, leading to improved ecosystem quality [5] - The first five national parks have planned over 20 eco-tourism routes, attracting more than 14 million visitors, while also providing various ecological products for public engagement [5][7] Group 3 - Policies have been implemented to ensure local communities benefit from ecological protection, supporting the development of green industries and enhancing local incomes [7] - The recent passage of the "National Park Law" will guide the revision of the "Nature Reserve Regulations" and the establishment of management policies for nature reserves [7] - A comprehensive monitoring system is being developed to enhance the management of natural resources and protect the ecological environment [7]

Core Points - The loss of biodiversity is recognized as one of the three major environmental crises globally, and China is actively participating in global ecological governance, particularly as the chair of the 15th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, leading to the milestone "Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework" [1][2] - The Ministry of Ecology and Environment has established a coordination mechanism to strengthen biodiversity protection, implementing a series of important policy documents, strategic action plans, and major engineering schemes [1][2] Group 1 - The establishment of a natural protected area system centered on national parks, the creation of an ecological protection red line system, and the implementation of integrated protection and restoration projects for mountains, rivers, forests, fields, lakes, grasslands, and deserts [2] - Enhanced ecological environment supervision through increased inspection efforts and the ongoing "Green Shield" initiative for important ecological spaces [2] - Utilization of technology for data collection and monitoring, including remote sensing satellites, drones, and artificial intelligence, to support ecological protection efforts [2] Group 2 - Promotion of international cooperation through the establishment of the Kunming Biodiversity Fund, facilitating green development along the Belt and Road Initiative, and enhancing South-South cooperation [2] - Commitment to an open and cooperative approach to strengthen international collaboration, promoting the synergy of the "Man and the Biosphere Programme" and the "Kunming Framework" for global biodiversity protection and sustainable development [2]