Biosphere Reserves in Practice

Biosphere reserves harmonize conservation of biological and cultural diversity, and economic and social development, through partnerships between people and nature. They also contribute to the transition to green societies by experimenting with green development options such as sustainable tourism and training for eco-jobs. Below you will find a list of success stories and good practices in different Biosphere Reserves around the world.

Russian Federation: Solar energy to supply the electricity needs in the Altaisky biosphere reserve

The new power station in the Altaisky biosphere reserve, the only one to use solar energy in the country and supplies a large village with electricity 24 hours a day.

In English

Slovenia: Learning Sustainable Behaviour in the Škocjan Caves BR

Within the Škocjan Caves Park School Network, twelve to fourteen year old secondary school students from Slovenia and Italy explore research topics related to the Reka River, one of the largest sinking rivers in the world.

In English / French / Spanish

Brazil: Putting a Price on Conservation in the Serra do Espinhaço BR

On how the Serra do Espinhaço Biosphere Reserve (Brazil) is rewarding municipalities which protect biodiversity and ecosystems in the world’s most intensely mined biosphere reserve.

In English / French / Spanish

South Africa: Promoting Environmental and Human Wellbeing in the Cape West Coast BR

In a country where environment and agriculture are not taught formally as subjects in schools, a teacher from South Africa’s West Cape Region finds himself teaching these subjects to learners who are very willing to learn.

In English / French / Spanish

Jordan: Striving for a Better Tomorrow in the Mujib BR

The jobs created by the reserve since its establishment in 1985 mark the first time in generations that many local residents have been afforded viable economic opportunities that are also sustainable.

In English / French / Spanish

Viet Nam: Rebirth of a Hunter in the Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve

The story about a hunter who is haunted by the killing of langurs and is, more importantly, a testament to the power of inter‐generational communication.

In English / French / Spanish

Forty Years of Field Laboratories in Sustainability

Tracing the history of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme and its World Network of Biosphere Reserves.

In English / French / Russian / Spanish

Mexico: Educate for Conservation in the Sierra Gorda BR

Since its foundation 25 years ago, Grupo Ecológico Sierra Gorda I.A.P. (GESG) has been raising awareness among the population about their surroundings and natural resources.

In English / French / Spanish

South Africa: The Bushbruckridge Healer’s Path to Justice in the Kruger to Canyons BR

How traditional healers in the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Reserve in South Africa will benefit from a revolution in environmental law due to be adopted by the United Nations.

In Arabic / English / French / Russian / Spanish

Cambodia: Environmental Education in Action in the Tonle Sap BR

Environmental education in the BR was initiated in 2000 when Osmose, a not‐for‐profit association, realised there was an increase in the child population and that education was therefore needed in order to protect their natural resources.

In English / French / Spanish

Kenya and the UK: Sea-Level Rise in Malindi Watamu and Braunton Burrows–North Devon BRs

The communities of Malindi Watamu and North Devon decided to engage in an experiment. By twinning their biosphere reserves, they hope to learn from one another how best to adapt to their changing world.

In Arabic / English / French / Russian / Spanish

Honduras and Nicaragua: Mayangna Knowledge Deep in the Heart of the Rio Platano and Boswas BRs

This indigenous people’s struggle to protect one of the last extensive areas of Central American tropical rainforest, in the Boswas and Rio Platano Biosphere Reserves in Nicaragua and Honduras respectively.

In Arabic / English / French / Russian / Spanish

Germany: Rhön BR's Gastronomical Ambassadors

How the Rhön Biosphere Reserve in Germany  has turned the art of local gastronomy into a socio-economic success.

In Arabic / English / French / Russian / Spanish

Sudan: Saving the Remaining Wildlife in the Radom BR

Man in Sudan with his donkey

How a survey of the rapidly vanishing wildlife in Radom Biosphere Reserve, the victim of the proliferation of automatic weapons and refugees as a result of the armed conflict in Sudan.

In English / French / Russian / Spanish

Egypt: Using the Sun to Quench the Thirst in the Omayed BR

How a project in Omayed Biosphere Reserve in Egypt makes life more pleasant.

In English / French / Russian / Spanish

Taking the Temperature of Mountains

On a project to monitor climate change and other forms of global change in selected biosphere reserves in mountainous regions.

In English / French / Spanish

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