Event
2nd Congress of the Network of MAB Focal Point Committees and Biosphere Reserves of the Latin America and the Caribbean, Spain, and Portugal (Iberomab Network)
It was an opportunity to evaluate the road traveled and the achievements made by the IberoMAB network since its creation in 1997.
Participants conducted an intermediate evaluation of the achievement of the Lima Action Plan for UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme and its World Network of Biosphere Reserves (2016-2025). Needs and challenges were identified, and submitted to the MAB programme for consideration during the elaboration of the next MAB Strategy, to be developed from 2026 onwards.
Pre-final Agenda of the Congress ()
Logistic information for participants ()
2nd Congress of Biosphere Reserves of Ibero-America and the Caribbean: a space for reflection and commitment to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development
More than 250 participants from 24 countries of the Network of National Committees and Biosphere Reserves of Iberoamerica and the Caribbean (IberoMAB Network) met from 31 October to 3 November 2023 in the city of Copán Ruinas, Honduras, part of the Trifinio-Fraternidad Transboundary Biosphere Reserve, to celebrate the 2nd Congress of the Network.
During three intense days of work, participants evaluated the implementation by the IberoMAB Network countries of the Lima Action Plan for the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme and its World Network of Biosphere Reserves (2016-2025).
The Congress, organised by the IberoMAB Network, the Forest Conservation Institute of Honduras, the Trifinio Plan, the Autonomous Organism of National Parks of Spain (OAPN) and the MAB Programme, was an excellent opportunity for participants to analyse and actively discuss the path travelled and the achievements of the IberoMAB Network during its 25 years of existence.
The event also identified challenges and opportunities in crucial areas for biosphere reserves such as governance, funding, participation and communication. Participants also shared projects and initiatives being carried out in various biosphere reserves of the IberoMAB Network on issues related to biodiversity conservation, sustainable development of local communities, research and education, governance and participation of Indigenous Peoples and youth, transforming the Congress into a true forum for exchange.
The exchange of information and experiences contributed to the regional input process for the new strategy and action plan of the MAB programme and its World Network of Biosphere Reserves, which will be adopted at the World Congress of Biosphere Reserves to be held in Hangzhou, China in September 2025.
