Biosphere reserve managers and experts to lead actions towards more sustainable mountain regions

Fragile mountain ecosystems and the wealth of services they provide are highly threatened by climate change. Mountain regions regulate climate, air quality and water flows, and contribute to protecting local communities against natural hazards, among many other services. They are home to approximately 15% of the world’s population and are a source of water for larger communities downstream. Managing such regions sustainably is particularly challenging. The World Network of Mountain Biosphere Reserves was recently created to allow local managers of mountain regions to share good practices, develop solutions and benefit from expertise, drawing from experiences all around the world. 

Members of the network and specialists came together for a workshop organized by the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) and the Ordesa-Viñamala Biosphere Reserve in Torla, Spain, on 18 and 19 April 2022,   to prioritize the main work themes of the World Network of Mountain Biosphere Reserves, taking into consideration that mountain biosphere reserves are rich in culture, biodiversity, endemism and multiple ecosystem services.