International Biosphere Reserves Day is an international observance held annually on November 3, promoting the maintenance of balanced relationships between humans and nature, sustainable development, and ecosystem conservation. The day highlights the significance of biosphere reserves designated under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme. Biosphere reserves are defined as terrestrial or aquatic ecosystems where ecological, economic, cultural, and social relationships between humans and nature are maintained in a balanced manner.

Biosphere reserves demonstrate that harmonious living with nature is feasible and provide concrete examples for human communities regarding sustainable development, ecosystem conservation, and natural resource management. These areas serve both the preservation of biodiversity and the economic and socio-cultural development of local communities.

Purpose

The primary purpose of International Biosphere Reserves Day is to promote a development paradigm respectful of nature and living beings worldwide, inspired by sustainability and conservation models implemented within biosphere reserves. The day aims to establish balanced and sustainable ecological, economic, cultural, and social relationships between humans and nature. By using the practices observed in biosphere reserves as models for other areas, the day encourages sustainable development. Additionally, it seeks to raise awareness of global environmental crises—such as climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, droughts, pandemics, and disasters—while supporting local communities in developing nature-compatible economic activities, thereby fostering a healthy balance between ecosystem conservation and socio-economic development.

Significance

Biosphere reserves are areas where both the physical and living components of ecosystems are holistically protected. They are of great importance for both biodiversity and the preservation of socio-economic and cultural values. Key aspects of their significance include:

• Ecosystem conservation: Biosphere reserves encompass regions most vulnerable to global changes, allowing observation of the impacts of climate change on species distribution, migration, and genetic diversity.
• Sustainable development: Local communities residing within reserves apply sustainability principles in agriculture and other economic activities, contributing to both rural socio-economic development and ecosystem protection.
• Research and education: Biosphere reserves facilitate comprehensive analyses, research, monitoring, and environmental education in diverse ecosystems.
• Global awareness: Biosphere reserves demonstrate the feasibility of sustainable living and nature-compatible economic activities.

History

The first biosphere reserve was designated in 1976. On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, the 41st General Conference in 2021 declared November 3 as International Biosphere Reserves Day.

The MAB Programme forms the foundation of biosphere reserves and aims to achieve sustainable development goals by fostering responsible, collective action toward a more prosperous and nature-compatible world. The proclamation of this day globally highlights the universal importance of biosphere reserves and the models they provide for humanity.

Global Data and the Example of Türkiye

Worldwide, there are 748 biosphere reserves across 134 countries, covering a total area of 7,442,000 km², with 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, the Camili Biosphere Reserve, is located in Borçka district of Artvin Province and was designated on June 29, 2005, by the UNESCO MAB National Coordination Council. The area spans 25,298 hectares, with the Efeler and Gorgit regions in the core zone designated as nature protection areas. The Camili biosphere reserve features a wide range of natural ecosystems, from green valleys to high alpine meadows. The area is home to the pure Caucasian honeybee subspecies, and local producers are entitled to obtain organic product certification. Additionally, the region possesses unique socio-cultural values, such as the polyphonic elders’ choir. Following its designation as a biosphere reserve, ecotourism, nature guiding, natural product, and honey production activities increased, strengthening the local economy in harmony with nature. The sustainable development and conservation practices implemented in Camili were presented as a best practice example from Türkiye at the Rio+20 Conference in Brazil in 2012.

^{Camili Biosphere Reserve  (Anadolu Ajansı)}