ROMSO Cyprus Knowledge Base

World Network of Biosphere Reserves in Europe and North America

The world network of biosphere reserves is a global initiative that aims to protect the natural heritage of regions around the world. In Europe, there are numerous biosphere reserves that have been designated by UNESCO as part of this program.

One notable example is the Wienerwald in Austria, which has been recognized since 2005. Another reserve is located in Salzburger Lungau & Kärntner Nockberge, Germany and Austria, respectively, since 2012. In Belarus, there are three biosphere reserves: Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve (established in 1978), Belovezhskaya Pushcha (designated in 1993), and West Polesie Transboundary Biospheric Reserve (created in 2004).

In Bulgaria, several biosphere reserves have been established over the years. These include Dupkata (designated in 1977 but withdrawn in 2017), Kamtchia (established in 1977 but retired in 2016), and Kupena (recognized in 1977 but removed in 2017). Other Bulgarian reserves are Boatin, Tsarichina, Dzhendema, Ali Botush, Bistrishko Branishte, Bayuvi Dupki Dzhindzhiritsa, Pirin National Park, Mantaritza, Uzunbodzhak, and Parangalitsa.

The Central Balkan National Park in Bulgaria was created in 2017 by merging four existing reserves. In Canada, there are numerous biosphere reserves that have been designated since the program's inception. These include Mont Saint-Hilaire (established in 1978), Waterton (recognized in 1979), Long Point (designated in 1986), Riding Mountain (created in 1986), Charlevoix (recognized in 1988), Niagara Escarpment (designated in 1990), Clayoquot Sound (established in 2000), Redberry Lake (recognized in 2000), Lac Saint-Pierre (designated in 2000), Mount Arrowsmith (created in 2000), Southwest Nova (recognised in 2001), Frontenac Arch, Georgian Bay (designated in 2004), Manicouagan Uapishka (established in 2007), Fundy (recognized in 2007), Bras d