UNESCO Designates Qamishlou–Dalan Kouh, Bringing Iran’s Total to 14 World Biosphere Reserves

According to the Public Relations Office of Iran’s National Commission for UNESCO, on the occasion of World Environment Day, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated 14 new biosphere reserves in 14 countries, bringing the total number of sites in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves to 797 across 145 countries. The occasion held particular significance for Iran, with the inclusion of the Qamishlou–Dalan Kouh Biosphere Reserve in Iran in this global network.

Among the newly designated biosphere reserves, Iran’s Qamishlou–Dalan Kouh Biosphere Reserve was also approved by the International Coordinating Council of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme and joined the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.

This important achievement marks a valuable step towards biodiversity conservation, strengthening sustainable development, and enhancing the Islamic Republic of Iran’s standing in international environmental programs. It also further highlights the country’s capacities in scientific, educational, and conservation cooperation.

Messages of Congratulations and Emphasis on the Significance of This Global Achievement

Following the approval of the Qamishlou–Dalan Kouh Biosphere Reserve, a joint video message from the Vice President and Head of the Department of Environment and the Governor of Isfahan Province, as well as a message from the Secretary-General of Iran’s National Commission for UNESCO, was broadcast to participants at the meeting.

The messages highlighted the international designation of the reserve as a national achievement in protecting natural resources, safeguarding the country’s biological assets, and advancing sustainable development goals. They also expressed appreciation for UNESCO’s support and cooperation and for the contributions of the members of the International Coordinating Council of the Man and the Biosphere Programme.

14 Countries, 14 New Biosphere Reserves

UNESCO announced the designation of new biosphere reserves in Albania, Algeria, Aruba, Azerbaijan, Cameroon, Canada, Iran, Mongolia, Montenegro, Paraguay, the Philippines, Portugal, Timor-Leste, and Viet Nam.

The expansion of five existing biosphere reserves in China, Italy, and Spain was also approved.

UNESCO biosphere reserves are areas of outstanding ecological value where nature conservation, the protection of biological and cultural diversity, and the sustainable development of local communities are pursued in a mutually reinforcing manner. Since 1971, within the framework of the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, these areas have played an important role in advancing UNESCO’s environmental mission and promoting innovative approaches to sustainable land management.

UNESCO also announced that, for the first time, an entire city—Quebec City in Canada—had been designated as a biosphere reserve.

In addition, Montenegro, Timor-Leste, and Aruba received their first biosphere reserves, with Aruba becoming the second country whose entire territory has been designated as a biosphere reserve.

Qamishlou–Dalan Kouh: Iran’s 14th Biosphere Reserve

The designation of the Qamishlou–Dalan Kouh Biosphere Reserve as Iran’s 14th site in UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves underscores the global significance of this area in terms of biodiversity, natural landscapes, and sustainable development potential.

This valuable achievement will create new opportunities to expand scientific, educational, and conservation cooperation at both national and international levels, further strengthening Iran’s position in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.