Outstanding Participation of ICTA-UAB in the 4th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves

The Institute of Environmental Science and Technology (ICTA-UAB) played an important role in UNESCO’s 4th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves held from 14 to 17 March in Lima, Peru, with the aim of defining the objectives and strategic lines to be followed in the future in the conservation of Biosphere Reserves. These guidelines will be reflected in the Lima Action Plan of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves for 2016-2025.

ICTA-UAB researcher Dr Martí Boada chaired one of the seven workshops on ecosystems and ecological issues of the MAB Regional Networks focused on forests, and also participated as a speaker and moderator of the workshop on UNESCO category II centres. The UNESCO International Centre for Mediterranean Biosphere Reserves is a unique example in the world combining a model of public-private management. The "Workshop on Forests" took place on Tuesday, 15 March and featured two round tables. The first one was moderated by Dr Martí Boada and hosted several presentations related to forestry research in biosphere reserves followed by a debate to determine the objectives to consider in this matter. Then a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Eduardo Rojas hosted the exhibition of experiences in forestry management.

On Wednesday, 16 March, Dr Martí Boada participated as a speaker presenting the UNESCO International Centre for Mediterranean Biosphere Reserves, with headquarters in the Castellet Castle. Dr Boada talked about the activities and strategic lines of action of this centre, a pioneering example of collaboration between UNESCO and a private company, the Abertis Foundation. The centre has become a reference point in the Mediterranean region and serves as a model of international cooperation and collaboration platform between the two shores of the Mediterranean as an agreements facilitator between the reserves.

Dr Martí Boada explained that the future Lima Action Plan should emphasize the cross-border role of the biosphere reserves as an enabling element of dialogue and understanding between North and South in the framework of natural and cultural resources conservation and management.

Another objective addressed during the World Congress was to increase the presence of local communities in participatory processes and to promote social and human dimensions in the conservation and management of the reserves.