UNESCO - MAB Biosphere Reserves Directory
UNESCO - MAB Biosphere Reserves Directory
Regional meeting
The second sub-regional workshop organized in the context of UNESCO biennium initiative aiming towards ensuring inclusive planning within and beyond UNESCO designated sites in the Arab region, was organised on October 17 and 18, 2018. It was held under the patronage of Dr. Ryad El Moakhar, the Tunisian Minister of Social Affairs and Environment, and in close cooperation with the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO). The opening speeches highlighted the role of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in Education and Sciences, Biodiversity conservation and sustainable development, as well as improving the governance and management of the ‘land’ through the integrated landscape and participatory approaches. They tackled the importance of integrating Biosphere Reserves within the National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans, as is the case in Tunisia. The sub-regional event brought together around 25 participants leading UNESCO Biosphere Reserves (BRs) and National Competent Authorities (NCAs) in Algeria, Libya, Morocco, Mauritania, Tunisia, and Sudan to present their management plans’ objectives and targets at ALECSO headquarters in Tunis. BRs’ Managers and NCA’s representatives displayed in details their MPs in a virtual tour in the BRs of Taza, Belezma, Tassili Najer, Chrea, Tlemcen, El Kala, Gouraya and Djurjura in Algeria; Transboundary BR of Delta of Senegal (Mauritania/Senegal) in Mauritania; BRs of Argan and Southern Oasis, and Intercontinental BR of the Mediterranean (Spain/Morocco) in Morocco; BRs of Bou-Hedma, Chambi, Ichkeul and Zembra and Zembretta Islands in Tunisia; and the potential site of Amslata and Protected Areas in Libya. The outcomes of the sub-regional workshop brought to the frontline potential activities and cooperation with ALECSO to provide a push for effective implementation of the MAB Strategy 2015-2025 and Lima Action plan in the BRs of Maghreb region, Libya and Sudan.
