UNESCO Designates 11 New Biosphere Reserves During 36th Session in Morocco

UNESCO has approved 11 new biodiversity reserves, including for the first time in Belgium and Gambia. These new reserves are located in the following countries:

• Belgium
• Gambia
• Colombia
• Dominican Republic
• Italy
• Mongolia
• Netherlands
• Philippines
• South Korea
• Slovenia
• Spain

These decisions were taken at the 36th session of the International Coordinating Council of UNESCO's Human and Biological Heritage Programme.

The total area of these new biodiversity reserves is 37,400 sq km, which is equal to the size of the Netherlands. These reserves help meet the goals of the National Biodiversity Framework.