Hangzhou, China | September 22–26, 2025
The 5th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves, organized by UNESCO MAB, will take place in Hangzhou, China, from September 22 to 26, 2025. The Congress, under the theme “Adapting and Transforming Biosphere Reserves to Face Future Challenges of Climate Change”, will bring together global experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to explore innovative strategies for sustainable development and climate resilience in biosphere reserves.
The RES-MAB project will be represented by experts from the Forest Science and Technology Centre of Catalonia (CTFC). Key participants include:
Dr. Roser Maneja, RES-MAB Project Coordinator
Dr. Mari-Carmen Romera, RES-MAB Project Manager
Mrs. Alba Bonàs, Coordinator of the MedMaB Thematic Network
As part of the official program, Dr. Mari-Carmen Romera will deliver a dedicated presentation on the goals and impact of the RES-MAB project. The project focuses on UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserves (BRs), areas recognized for their contribution and capacity to balance human activity and nature conservation. Dr. Romera will highlight efforts to promote WEFE Nexus-based adaptation and mitigation solutions while strengthening landscape resilience to climate change across Mediterranean Biosphere Reserves. The WEFE (Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems) Nexus approach is a holistic strategy that acknowledges the interconnectedness of these vital resources.
In addition, Dr. Romera will participate in an expert roundtable, addressing the RES-MAB implementation and its essential role in tackling the impacts of climate change in seven biosphere reserves across seven Mediterranean countries: Morocco, Jordan, Lebanon, Spain, Italy, France and Slovenia.
This strong representation at the 5th WCBR Congress underscores the RES-MAB project’s growing relevance as a Mediterranean and global reference point in climate action in Biosphere Reserves. The project’s central mission remains clear:
To promote WEFE Nexus-based adaptation and mitigation solutions and landscape resilience to climate change in Mediterranean Biosphere Reserves.
Led by the Forest Science and Technology Centre of Catalonia (CTFC), RES-MAB brings together ten Mediterranean partners, linked to UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, from Spain (Alto Bernesga Biosphere Reserve Foundation), Jordan (Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature), France (Mont-Ventoux Natural Regional Park and Organization for the Defense and Management of AOC Ventoux), Italy (Veneto Regional Park of Po Delta Authority and Istituto Oikos), Slovenia (Public Institute Park Skocjan Caves), Morocco (National Agency for the Development of Oases and Argan Zones), and Lebanon (Association for the Protection of Jabal Moussa).