Launched in 1971, the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) programme, with its World Network of Biosphere Reserves, is UNESCO’s oldest intergovernmental scientific programme. The MAB Programme and the biosphere reserve model have, over the past 50 years, become an international example of sustainable territorial development; specifically, highlighting UNESCO’s and the MAB’s commitment to the global biodiversity agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals.

This year, the UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe would like to invite the network of biosphere reserves across South-East Europe and part of the Mediterranean to celebrate together the first International Day for Biosphere Reserves.

As part of the celebration, UNESCO will produce a graphic booklet that publicizes the unique beauty and rich biodiversity found in the region, whilst focusing on the importance of preserving and enhancing the environment.

The booklet will include interesting facts on biodiversity in biosphere reserves from the region and provide readers with pictures and useful information on visiting the sites.

Biosphere reserves which would like to join the celebration and share information on their territoriesin the booklet, are invited to send their contribution to Regional.Bureau-SC@unesco.org (see the template attached).

The contribution should include a brief text of 150 words on biodiversity and nature-based solutions of the biosphere reserve and experiences that the biosphere reserve would like to highlight to potential visitors that would like to discover the biodiversity in the area.

High quality photos (with credits), contact details and any other interesting detail they would like to share should also be included.

The deadline for application is 3 October 2022 (COB).