International Biosphere Reserves Day

International Biosphere Reserves Day is observed annually on 3 November to promote balanced relationships between humans and nature sustainable development and ecosystem conservation. This day highlights the importance of biosphere reserves designated under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme. Biosphere reserves are defined as terrestrial or aquatic ecosystems where balanced ecological economic cultural and social relationships between humans and nature are established.

Biosphere reserves demonstrate that a life in harmony with nature is possible and provide concrete examples to local communities on sustainable development ecosystem conservation and natural resource management. These areas serve both the preservation of natural diversity and the economic and sociocultural development of local communities.

Purpose

The primary purpose of International Biosphere Reserves Day is to promote a global understanding of development that respects nature and all living beings by drawing inspiration from sustainability and conservation models implemented in biosphere reserves. The day aims to establish balanced and sustainable foundations for ecological economic cultural and social relationships between humans and nature. It seeks to encourage sustainable development by using practices from biosphere reserves as models for other regions. Additionally the day aims to raise awareness about global environmental crises such as climate change biodiversity loss environmental pollution drought pandemics and disasters and to support local communities in developing economic activities compatible with nature thereby contributing to a healthy balance between ecosystem conservation and socioeconomic development.

Significance

Biosphere reserves are areas where all physical and living components of ecosystems are conserved holistically. These areas hold great importance both in terms of biological diversity and the preservation of socioeconomic and cultural values. Their key significance includes:

• Ecosystem conservation: Biosphere reserves include regions most vulnerable to global changes and enable observation of the impacts of climate change on species distribution migration and genetic diversity.
• Sustainable development: Local communities living in reserves contribute to rural socioeconomic development and ecosystem conservation by applying sustainability principles in agriculture and other economic activities.
• Research and education: Biosphere reserves facilitate comprehensive analysis research monitoring and environmental education across diverse ecosystems.
• Global awareness: Biosphere reserves demonstrate the feasibility of sustainable living and economically viable activities in harmony with nature.

History

The first biosphere reserve was designated in 1976. During the 41st General Conference of UNESCO in 2021 marking the 50th anniversary of the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme the date of 3 November was officially adopted as International Biosphere Reserves Day.

The MAB Programme forms the foundation of biosphere reserves and aims to create a more prosperous and nature-compatible world through responsible human collaboration toward achieving sustainable development goals. The proclamation of this day has raised global awareness of the universal importance of biosphere reserves and the models they offer to humanity.

Global Data and the Example of Türkiye

Globally there are a total of 748 biosphere reserves in 134 countries covering an area of 7.442 million square kilometres and supporting approximately 275 million people living in their surrounding regions. The World Network of Biosphere Reserves holds universal significance in terms of ecosystem diversity and biological richness.^【1】 

Türkiye’s first and only biosphere reserve is the Camili Biosphere Reserve located in the Borçka district of Artvin Province. It was designated on 29 June 2005 by the National Coordination Council of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme. The area spans a total of 25 298 hectares and the core zones of Efeler and Gorgit are designated as nature conservation areas. The Camili Biosphere Reserve is notable for its wide range of natural ecosystems stretching from green valleys to high alpine meadows. The region is home to the pure Caucasian bee breed and local producers are eligible for an organic product certification. The area also possesses unique sociocultural values such as the polyphonic elderly choir. Following its designation as a biosphere reserve ecotourism nature guiding and the production of natural products and honey have increased strengthening the local economy in harmony with nature. The sustainable development and conservation practices implemented in Camili were presented in 2012 at the Rio+20 Conference in Brazil as one of Türkiye’s best practice examples.

Camili Reserve Area (Anadolu Agency)