UNESCO marks the International Day for Biosphere Reserves

3 November 2026

UNESCO observed the International Day for Biosphere Reserves, which falls on 3 November each year. The UNESCO General Conference created the Day at its 41st session in 2021, through 41 C/Resolution 37. Biosphere reserves are places where conservation is combined with the lives and livelihoods of the people living there, and they are listed in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. UNESCO says more than 260 million people live in biosphere reserves around the world. Together these sites protect more than 7 million square kilometres, an area roughly the size of Australia. The World Network now has 797 biosphere reserves spread across 145 countries. The observance is tied to UNESCO's MAB work, including its youth roadmap.