The Indonesian archipelago includes three quarters of coral species on the ground, an extension of the Icelandic coast with 70 % of the life of the plant in the country and the region along the Atlantic Angola coast, which includes savanna, forests and rivers out of 26 new UNESCO specified Biological Ocean Reserves.
The United Nations Cultural Agency says – 785 sites in 142 countries, which are designated since 1971 – are home to some of the most fragile ecosystems on the planet. But the biomas reserves include more than the precisely protected natural reserves; It has been expanded to include the areas in which people live and work, and the appointment requires that scientists, residents and government officials work together to achieve a balance between maintaining the celebration and local economic and cultural needs.
“The concept of biomas reserves is that maintaining biological diversity is a column for social and economic development” and can contribute to the economy, “said Antonio Abro, head of the program.
Abro said that the new reserves, in 21 countries, were announced on Saturday in Hangzhou, China, where the program adopted a 10 -year strategic plan that includes studying the effects of climate change.
The new reserves include an area with an area of ​​52,000 square miles (135,000 square kilometers) in the Indonesian archipelago, Raja Ampat, home to more than 75 % of the types of corals on the ground as well as rainforests and endangered sea turtles. UNESCO said the economy depends on fishing, water biology, small agriculture and tourism.
on Iceland It includes the western coast, and includes the landscape of the Snæfellsnes seeds biosphere, the peaks of the lava, lava fields, wetlands, herbal lands, and ice rivers snæfellsjökul. The 1460-square-square-meter reserve (564 square miles) is an important haven for marine birds and seals and more than 70 % of the age of plants in Iceland-including 330 species of wildflowers and mirrors. Its population of more than 4000 people depends on fishing, sheep and tourism cultivation.
In AngolaThe new Quiçama Biosphere Reserve, along the 206 km (128 miles) of the Atlantic Coast, is a “haven for biological diversity” inside the savanna, forests, floods, rivers, and islands, according to UNESCO. It is home to elephants, sheep and sea turtles and more than 200 species of birds. The livelihoods include livestock grazing, agriculture, fishing, and honey production.
Abiu, the leader of the program, said that the population is important in protecting biological diversity within the reserves, and even helped determine the new species. At the same time, scientists also help restore ecosystems in favor of the local economy.
For example, in PhilipiniCoral reefs around the Panjatlan Island were severely damaged because local fishermen used dynamite to find angels. Scientists have helped design a structure to help coral reefs restore the fishermen and teach them to raise fish by raising aquatic neighborhoods so that coral reefs can recover.
“They have food and they also have fish for sale in the market,” Abro said.
Abiu said that in the African nation in Sao Tommy and Brenysibi, the Biotechnit Ocean reserve on Princepe Island led to the restoration of the mangroves, which helps to play against storms and provide important habitats.
Environmental tourism has also become an important industry, with vital ocean paths and guided bird watch tours. A new type of owl has been determined in recent years.
This year, a vital ocean reserve has been added to the island of Sao Tome, making the country completely first in a reserve.
Abraio said that at least 60 % of UNESCO’s vital reserves were affected by the severe weather associated with climate change, which causes in the first place the burning of fossil fuels such as charcoal and gas, including severe heat and sea levels high.
Abro said that the agency uses satellite images and computer modeling to monitor changes in coastal areas and other areas, which are numbering historical databases. Information will be used to help determine the best ways to maintain and manage reserves.
Some vital ocean reserves are also under pressure from environmental deterioration.
In Nigeria, for example, habitats of a population of endangered Africans Forest elephants are under threat With the expansion of cocoa farmers to Omo Forest ReserveA rainy forest and one of the oldest and largest UNESCO reserves in UNESCO. The forest is also important to help fighting Climate.
The Trump administration announced in July The United States will withdraw From UNESCO as of December 2026, just as it did during its first administration, saying that the involvement of the United States is not in the national interest. The United States has 47 biomas reservesMost of the Federal Protected areas.
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