UNESCO designates 11 new biosphere reserves

El Hierro Biosphere Reserve (Spain)

Located on the island of El Hierro in the Canary Islands archipelago, this biosphere reserve is home to almost 11,000 inhabitants. It has expanded its marine area, increasing the total surface area of the biosphere reserve to 58,598.60 ha. Located in the Macaronesian biogeographic region, El Hierro was able to become entirely self-sufficient in energy in 2014, thanks to its hybrid hydro-wind electricity generation system.

Sierra del Rincón Biosphere Reserve (Spain)

The transition zone of this biosphere reserve has been enlarged by 2.5% to attain a surface area of 16,091.7 ha. This extension includes the entire municipality of Madarcos, which is historically and ecologically related to the five municipalities that currently make up the biosphere reserve. This extension ensures the protection of the area's rich biodiversity, especially its ornithological richness, and the associated cultural heritage. Enlargement should also reinforce efforts to foster socio-economic development in the region, especially in the field of sustainable tourism.