Potential of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves to advance the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

ABSTRACT: As one of UNESCO's three key site-based designations, the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (BRs) integrates conservation and development, setting it apart from traditional protected areas (PAs). Yet its conservation effectiveness and role in advancing the global biodiversity agenda remain underexplored. This evidence-based global assessment of BRs' effectiveness and potential in supporting the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) indicates that generally BRs maintained habitat quality not lower than that of PAs, with region-specific instances where BRs surpassed sites in IUCN Categories IV-VI. Including BRs-typically omitted from global conservation statistics-into conservation efforts increased terrestrial coverage for KMGBF Target 3 from 16.57% to 19.65%. With effect

SUBMITTER: Wu H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12707068 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature