The 5th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves recently concluded in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, with practical visions for the next 10 years, advocating for harmony between human and nature and strengthening global cooperation to advance environmental restoration and conservation worldwide.

The congress, themed "Shaping a Sustainable Future for People and Nature", was held for the first time in Asia. Convened by UNESCO every 10 years or so, the four-day congress drew nearly 4,000 representatives from more than 150 countries, hitting a record high with the widest representation of participating countries, industries and fields.

"The congress arrives at a critical moment when biodiversity loss, climate change and human well-being face urgent challenges," said Antonio Abreu, director of the Division of Ecological and Earth Sciences at UNESCO, at a news conference after the closing ceremony on Thursday.

Abreu, also secretary of the Man and the Biosphere Programme of UNESCO, said the congress is "a milestone both in logistics and in vision", emphasizing China's leadership in the area by establishing one of the largest national networks of biosphere reserves, many of which serve as global models.

"Through investments in scientific research, capacity building and community involvement, China enhances the MAB Programme. Its actions embody the ecological civilization vision, inspiring both national and international progress and fostering South-South cooperation," he added.

"The congress produced two landmark outcome documents: the Hangzhou Strategic Action Plan for the MAB Programme and the Hangzhou Declaration," Abreu said. "Together, these provide a global roadmap for strengthening the MAB network and reaffirming the role of biosphere reserves as learning sites for sustainable development."

Abreu said that the action plan offers a practical roadmap for the next decade, emphasizing science-policy interfaces, digital innovation and youth involvement as transformation drivers. The declaration, as a significant political statement, underscores the need to integrate indigenous people, women and youth into decision-making, ensuring their voices are heard alongside governments, international organizations and local communities.

Han Qunli, former secretary of the MAB Programme, said that compared to previous outcomes, the new documents have made significant strides in strategic integration by establishing a collaborative implementation framework for multilateral agendas.

Han mentioned the Hangzhou Declaration, which fully considers the goals and tasks of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, outlining 37 specific actions to enhance coordination and effectiveness in achieving global sustainability and biodiversity goals.

Liu Weidong, director of the Bureau of International Cooperation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, said that to implement the documents, China plans to take further actions in the advancement of biosphere reserves.

"Over the next 10 years, we plan to have at least one biosphere reserve in every province, autonomous region and municipality," Liu said, adding that China now boasts 34 biosphere reserves across 20 provinces and autonomous regions, the highest number in Asia.

Liu pointed out that China's progress in developing biosphere reserves over the past decade relied heavily on technological support, including satellite remote sensing, infrared imaging, environmental DNA techniques, UAVs, big data and artificial intelligence. "China aims to further enhance the intelligent, refined and scientific management of these reserves, aligning with the requirements of the Hangzhou Declaration," he added.

He also emphasized the importance of global cooperation in advancing environmental governance and sustainable development. China plans to take an active part in creating regional and thematic networks, developing the existing World Network of Mountain Biosphere Reserves, and fostering international collaboration to establish networks for less-studied ecosystem types, such as those in oases and marine environments.

limenghan@chinadaily.com.cn