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Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Zhiyun OUYANG, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, ChinaFollow
Yunong YAO, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
Jun TANG, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
Weihua XU, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
Xiaosong LI, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100094, China; International Research Center of Big Data for Sustainable Development Goals, Beijing 100094, China
Li ZHU, College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China
Lei CAO, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
Mingli LIN, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; Institute of Deep-Sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya 572000, China
Yueyu ZOU, Secretariat of Man and the Biosphere Programme, Sector of Natural Sciences, UNESCO, Paris 75352, France

Keywords

biosphere reserve; biodiversity; climate change; threatened species conservation

Document Type

Academic Progress and Strategic Thinking

Abstract

Biosphere Reserves are areas recognized by UNESCO that represent key terrestrial, coastal, and marine ecosystems. These areas are strictly protected and designed to fulfill three primary functions: conserving biodiversity, promoting sustainable development, and supporting scientific research and education. As of now, 759 biosphere reserves have been established in 136 countries and regions worldwide, supporting the livelihoods of approximately 236 million people. The total area of biosphere reserves covers 7.67 million km2, accounting for 4.10% of global terrestrial area, 5.08% of freshwater surface, and 0.21% of marine areas. The reserves encompass diverse ecosystems, including 2.22 million km2 of forests, 2.24 million km² of grasslands, 0.34 million km2 of wetlands, 0.64 million km2 of deserts, and 1.17 million km2 of aquatic systems. According to species occurrence records from the GBIF database (2010-2024), global biosphere reserves harbor 96 147 plant species (representing 45.10% of all plant species recorded in the database) and 17 603 vertebrate species (covering 56.39% of the global total). Notably, these include 3 351 threatened plant species (29.88%) and 2 551 threatened vertebrate species (36.78%). Global biosphere reserves collectively function as a substantial carbon sink, with an estimated total capacity of 1.35×1015 g C and an average annual sequestration rate of 205.02 g C/m2·yr. These reserves thus play a dual vital role in maintaining global biodiversity and mitigating climate change impacts. However, biosphere reserves face several challenges, including the under-representation of globally threatened plant species, loss of natural ecosystems, and gaps in biodiversity data. Moving forward, it is essential to enhance the role of biosphere reserves in biodiversity protection, promote green development pathways, and strengthen their contributions to local socioeconomic development. Biosphere reserves should serve as pioneering zones and demonstration areas for implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals, making meaningful contributions to global biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.

First page

1515

Last Page

1522

Language

Chinese

Publisher

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences

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