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18 sites added to UN network of global biosphere reserves

18 sites added to UN network of global biosphere reserves

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The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) today announced the addition of 18 new sites to a global network of land or coastal ecosystems dedicated to finding solutions to reconcile the preservation of biodiversity with sustainable development.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) today announced the addition of 18 new sites to a global network of land or coastal ecosystems dedicated to finding solutions to reconcile the preservation of biodiversity with sustainable development.

The new sites, located in 12 countries, have been added to the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, while another five existing sites have been extended. The new Reserves are varied in size, population density, ecological features and land use.

The Reserves are internationally recognized, nominated by national governments and remain under sovereign jurisdiction of the countries where they are located. "Biosphere reserves serve in some ways as 'living laboratories' for testing out and demonstrating integrated management of land, water and biodiversity," UNESCO said.

The Network now contains a total of 425 sites in 95 countries.