The 5th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves, also known as Biosphere 2025, will be held in Hangzhou, China, from 22nd to 26th September 2025.
Objectives and Significance
The primary goal of the congress is to foster a harmonious relationship between humanity and the environment, serving as a platform for global cooperation in advancing ecological sustainability. This event is the main international gathering for UNESCO’s “Man and the Biosphere” (MAB) Programme, an intergovernmental scientific initiative established in the 1970s to improve the relationship between people and their environments.
A key focus of the congress will be the finalization and adoption of the new MAB Strategy and Action Plan. This plan will define the development strategies for the more than 730 biosphere reserves worldwide for the next ten years, guiding future efforts of the MAB Programme. The event is also expected to strengthen international cooperation and partnerships in ecological conservation.
Agenda and Activities
The five-day congress will feature a comprehensive agenda, including an opening ceremony, plenary sessions, parallel forums, networking meetings, and additional events. Key session topics include:
- Biodiversity, Science, and Education: Exploring the latest scientific advancements and educational strategies for biodiversity conservation.
- Optimising Partnerships and Finance for Biosphere Reserves: Discussing ways to strengthen collaborations and secure funding.
- Enhancing global, regional, and thematic networks: Focusing on improving the connectivity and effectiveness of biosphere reserve networks.
- Biosphere Reserve Dialogue: Providing a platform for open discussion and knowledge sharing among participants.
In addition to formal sessions, the congress will feature field visits to nearby biosphere reserves, offering participants first-hand experience of China’s conservation efforts. There will also be an exhibition at the Lin’an Ecological Museum showcasing materials from the MAB Programme.
Luxembourg’s first participation
The conference is being held in Hangzhou, a city renowned for its natural beauty and commitment to environmental protection. This is the first time that the Minett UNESCO Biosphere will be representing a Luxembourgish biosphere reserve. Luxembourg had not yet joined the global MAB network at the last World Congress of Biosphere Reserves in Lima. The Minett Biosphere Reserve was only recognised by UNESCO in October 2020.
For more information, please visit the official website.