Scenery of Mount Qomolangma in Xizang Autonomous Region [IMAGE: IC PHOTO]

As of March 2025, China boasts 34 biosphere reserves as part of UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR). Among them are the notable sites like Qomolangma Biosphere Reserve, the world’s highest-altitude reserve, and the Zhejiang Nanji Islands, China’s first coastal-marine reserve.

Wang Ding, Secretary-General of the Chinese National Committee for the UNESCO Program Man and the Biosphere (MAB), highlighted that the 34 sites exemplify China’s diverse ecosystems and rich biodiversity. They are vibrant hubs of sustainable development practices and serve as outstanding models and platforms for implementing the MAB program and advancing the ecological civilization vision of “Beautiful China”.

He stated that the MAB program is a major intergovernmental scientific initiative launched by UNESCO in 1971. Currently, WNBR comprises 759 designated sites across 136 countries in the world, spanning 7.44 million square kilometers and supporting approximately 275 million residents. It serves as a premier demonstration system for advancing the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

China joined the program and was elected to its governing council in 1973. In 1978, the country established the Chinese National Committee. Through over five decades of dedicated efforts, China has emerged as one of the premier implementors of the MAB globally and now plays a pivotal role in influencing the strategic direction of this international initiative.

The World Congress of Biosphere Reserves, a pivotal international conference under the MAB framework, has been held four times previously. The fifth edition, co-organized by UNESCO and co-hosted by the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Zhejiang Provincial People’s Government, will take place in Hangzhou, China, from September 22 to 27. This marks the first time the Congress is being convened outside Europe and the Americas.

This year’s congress will review and summarize the implementation outcomes of the MAB program over the past decade; discuss and adopt a new Global Strategy and Action Plan for the program’s next decade; and launch a global declaration named after the host city. In its latter phase, the Congress will convene the 37th Session of the MAB International Coordinating Council, the program’s supreme governing body.

Wang emphasized that the MAB program champions the core philosophy of “promoting harmonious coexistence between human and nature through science”. World Biosphere Reserves embrace a green development vision that shares the same philosophical roots as China’s concept that “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets”.

The year 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of this ecological vision. With the 5th World Biosphere Reserve Congress to be held in Zhejiang — the concept’s birthplace, the event will catalyze China’s exchange of innovative governance models with the global community. This synergy will propel China’s more comprehensive and profound engagement in building a shared future for humanity.

Source: China News‍