Antonio Abreu Highlights the Role of Biosphere Reserves in Climate Action at #MedMaB 2025 

At the 4th Meeting of the Mediterranean Network of Biosphere Reserve Managers (MedMAB), Antonio Abreu, Director of the Division of Ecological and Earth Sciences at UNESCO, delivered a compelling address on the crucial role Biosphere Reserves play in climate change adaptation and mitigation—particularly in the Mediterranean, a region warming faster than the global average. 

Abreu underscored the unique value of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves in offering climate solutions that are deeply rooted in the interaction between people and nature. He noted that, as of 2022, more than 77% of Biosphere Reserves were engaged in climate-related initiatives. He cited projects such as Yangambi in the Democratic Republic of Congo and MangRes in Latin America and the Caribbean, which focus on mangrove restoration and coastal resilience against extreme weather events. 

Looking ahead, Abreu introduced the forthcoming Strategic Action Plan of the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, which places climate action at its core. The plan, set to be officially adopted at the 5th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves this September in China, outlines three strategic objectives aimed at establishing “more and better” Biosphere Reserves worldwide. 

Concluding his talk, Abreu issued a strong call to action: to scale up the impact of Biosphere Reserves through robust monitoring systems, increased investment, enhanced partnerships, and greater political support. He also called for deeper cooperation between the Global North and South and urged Biosphere Reserve managers to continue leading efforts to implement global sustainability goals. 

 “Biosphere Reserves are living laboratories that demonstrate it is possible to ensure enough nature not just as an intangible value, but as a pillar for socioeconomic development,” concluded Abreu.