Tehran – Iran has announced that it is ready to host the Southern and Asian Biosphere Reserve Network Conference (SACAM) next year.
The 5th World World Reservoir Conference (WCBR), a conference held in three countries: Hangzhou, China and Iran, namely Sri Lanka, Kyrgyzstan and Cambodia, was appointed to hold its annual conference in 2026, the IRNA reported.
Created in 2002 as part of the global network of biosphere reserves, SACAM has 56 biosphere reserves and 14 member states, including India, Iran, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Nepal, the Maldives and Sri Lanka.
The Iranian delegation led by DOE head Shina Ansari participated in the 5th World Biosphere Reserve Conference (WCBR) held in Hangzhou from September 22-26.
The global network of biosphere reserves, held every decade, comes together to identify priorities, enhance collaboration, and define future global action plans.
More than 2,000 stakeholders, including scientists, policymakers, community leaders, entrepreneurs and parents, have come together to shape the future of UNESCO’s more than 750 biosphere reserves in 136 countries.
The discussion focused on the global network of contributions of biosphere reserves to the global biodiversity and sustainable development agenda addressed major international frameworks such as the Kunming Montorial’s Global Biodiversity Framework, the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, and the International Science for Sustainable Development.
Working on the event, Ansari expressed his readiness to promote cooperation with other countries in line with Hangzhou’s plan of action to promote twins in biosphere reserves.
“We will develop intertwining mechanisms between Iran’s biosphere reserves and other countries around the world, further promoting collaboration in research projects, sharing expertise and knowledge, and boosting scientific visits.”
“We will highlight an ecosystem-based and community-centric approach to managing biosphere reserves, allowing these regions to expand their impact across borders and stimulate the surrounding area,” she added.
Unfortunately, “Iran’s biosphere reserves are affected by heat waves, water scarcity and climate change. They need solidarity, experience exchange and support from a global network of biosphere reserves.
Members of the United Nations Education, Science and Cultural Organizations (UNESCO) believe that they have the necessary capabilities to counter unilateral existence and expand multilateralism to enhance the global network of biosphere reserves.
It is a common responsibility to preserve our common home, the global network of biosphere reserves. These areas are not only sanctuaries for nature, but also symbols of the peaceful coexistence of man and nature, and are bridges between modern science and traditional knowledge. She said they should be a center of hope and a sustainable future for our children.
Officials also elaborated on the country’s biosphere reserves, saying, “It has 13 biosphere reserves, including Iran, three wetland sites, two ocean and coastal sites, two deserts and arid places and six mountainous areas, making it one of the pioneering member states of the global network of biosphere reserves.
Biosphere reserves are not sufficient as they cover less than 4% of our national territory. Therefore, we are working to expand our network by establishing four more biosphere reserves. ”
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