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UNITED NATIONS EDUCATIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND CULTURAL ORGANIZATIONInternational Co-ordinating Council of the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme
Twenty-six Session
Jönköping, East Vättern Landscape Biosphere Reserve, Sweden
10 - 13 June 2014

ITEM 10 OF THE PROVISIONAL AGENDA: PROPOSALS FOR NEW BIOSPHERE RESERVES AND
EXTENSIONS/MODIFICATIONS TO BIOSPHERE RESERVES THAT ARE PART OF THE WORLD NETWORKOF BIOSPHERE RESERVES (WNBR)

1. Proposals for new biosphere reserves and extensions to biosphere reserves that are
already part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) were considered at
the last meeting of the International Advisory Committee for Biosphere Reserves(IACBR), which met at UNESCO Headquarters from 17 to 20 March 2014.
2. The members of the Advisory Committee formulated their recommendations regarding
specific sites in line with the recommendation categories as follows:

Nominations recommended for approval: the proposed site is recommended forapproval as a biosphere reserve; no additional information is needed.

Nominations recommended for approval pending the submission of specificinformation: the proposed site is recommended for approval as a biosphere reserve
subject to receiving the specific information as requested by the Advisory
Committee. If the latter is received by the Secretariat by 15 May 2014, it will beconsidered by the next session of the MAB-ICC to be held from 10-13 June 2014
and the Council may approve the inclusion of the site in the WNBR.

Nominations deferred: the proposed site is deferred as it does not meet the criteria
for biosphere reserves as stipulated in the Statutory Framework for Biosphere
Reserves and/or major clarifications with regard to the application of the Framework
to the proposed area is requested by the Advisory Committee. The relevant National
Authorities are therefore invited to revise the nomination and/or provide therequested clarifications for examination by the Advisory Committee at its next
meeting.

Nominations rejected: the proposed site is rejected as it is not sufficiently compatible
with the principles of the MAB Programme.

3. The Bureau of the MAB ICC will consider the attached recommendations of the IACBR
as well as the additional information received by the Secretariat particularly with regard tonominations recommended for approval subject to receiving additional information andnominations recommended to be deferred. The Bureau will recommend for theconsideration of the MAB ICC final decisions on all sites included in this document.
4. The MAB ICC is invited to decide on the new sites for inclusion in the WNBR andextensions of biosphere reserves already included in the WNBR that could be approved.

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Recommendations of the International Advisory Committee for Biosphere Reserves:

Nominations recommended for approval
Mt. Chilbo (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea). The Advisory Committee took noteof this site which covers a total surface area of 50,340 ha consisting of 2,930 ha as core area,
26,500 ha as buffer zone and 20,910 ha as transition area. The site is reported as being
formed at the coastal area of the East Sea of Korea by fault movement and volcanic eruption
during the period of the late Neogene and the early Quaternary. It is of great significance inbiodiversity conservation for its distribution of 16 species of plants endemic to Korea and 30
species of nationally and globally threatened plants and animals. This site is described as avery important storehouse of genetic diversity with 132 species of medical herbs, 67 speciesof wild vegetables, 16 species of wild fruits, and notably a specialty mushroom Tricholoma
matsutake (pine mushroom, it is highly priced due to its distinct spicy-aromatic odour which isof great economic and scientific value.
Tourism in the buffer zone and agriculture and fishery in the transition area are the maineconomic activities in the proposed biosphere reserve. It has 160 tourist attraction sites andhas a developed infrastructure for tourism and handles myriad of visitors every year. The
site’s potential to develop and implement an ecotourism industry is mentioned in thenomination file. Many historical remains and relics have been well preserved in the Mount
Chilbo Reserve. For example Kaesim temple built in 826 and about 11 natural monuments.
It is envisaged that this and other assets which attract people to the site will help it fully
implement the function of logistic support through the promotion of public awareness on
biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. It is reported that plans areunderway to create a demonstration site for conservation and suitable development in thetransition area and organize the regular field training and lectures for land management staff.
Local community and public authorities’ participation is described. However, no cultural andsocial impact assessment has been conducted yet. The Advisory Committee noted that no
management policy or plan for the biosphere reserve has been established. The Committee
recommended that a proposed management plan for the biosphere reserve be developedand submitted one year from the notification of nomination approval. The Committee
recommended that this site be approved.
Bosque Seco (Ecuador). The Advisory Committee welcomed the proposed biospherereserve by Ecuador. The area is located in south-western Ecuador, it covers approximately
501,040 ha of which 317,600 ha comprises dry forests and scrub similar to that of the
Noroeste Biosphere Reserve in Peru. The dry forests located within the proposed biospherereserve are the most extensive and best preserved in the country. Their rarity makes them aconservation priority as 97% of dry forest ecosystems are on the verge of extinction. The
proposed reserve is also home to one of the highest concentrations of endemic birds inSouth America. Fifty-one species have been identified in addition to fifteen endemic speciesof trees and shrubs, and three endemic species of mammals. The area has been classified
as the Tumbesino Endemism Centre and forms part of the Tumbes-Chocó-Magdalena
biodiversity hotspot. It also includes significant population of flagship species, such as theAmerican crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) and mantled howler (Alouatta palliata).
The proposed area covers eight counties in the provinces of Loja and El Oro, inhabited by
106,000 people. The main economic activities are livestock rearing and agriculture (coffee,
fruit and corn). Numerous manifestations of culture and identity are expressed throughregional productive systems (e.g. bordered systems, livestock management and albarradas)
and local crafts. The area also encompasses more than 100 heritage sites, including theSC-14/CONF.226/10
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Puyango Petrified Forest – the largest of its kind in the world – and the city of Catacocha, an
Ecuadorian national heritage site. The proposed biosphere reserve would guarantee
ecosystem services of water regulation for the Catamayo-Chira and Puyango Tumbes binational basins.
The Advisory Committee concluded that this proposal meets the criteria for biospherereserves and that there is a great potential to create a transboundary biosphere reserve with
Peru. The Committee recommended that this site be approved.
Mont-Viso/Area della Biosfera del Monviso (France/Italy). The Advisory Committee
acknowledged the receipt of the signed political agreement between the two countries toestablish the Mont-Viso / Area della Biosfera del Monviso transboundary biosphere reserve,
as a follow up of the recommendation of the 25th session of the MAB-ICC.
The Advisory Committee recommended that this proposal be used as a model fortransboundary biosphere reserve proposal. Therefore, the Advisory Committee
recommended that the site be approved.
Minami-Alps (Japan). The total surface area for this site is 302,474 ha consisting of 24,970
ha as core area, 72,389 ha as buffer zone and 205,115 ha as transition area. This site isformed from the Mountain area, enclosed on two sides by the south-flowing Fuji and Tenryu
Rivers.
It includes the Koma Mountains, the Akaishi Mountains (hereafter termed the “Minami Alps”)
and the Ina Mountains. Recorded plants growing at altitudes above 800 meters in the Minami
Alps include 138 families and 1,635 species of tracheophytes, 51 families and 248 species ofmosses, and 15 families and 98 species of lichens. The flora of the Minami Alps ischaracterized by a relict distribution of plants that have migrated south along the Japanesearchipelago in the ice age when it was connected by land to the continent. The fauna in thisarea include 15 families and 39 species of mammals, 35 families and 102 species of birds, 4families and 9 species of reptiles, 4 families and 9 species of amphibians, 4 families and 10
species of fish, 16 families and 45 species of shellfish, and 179 families and 2,871 species of
insects.
The great mountains, which are the main attraction of the Minami Alps, have hinderedinteractions among the areas in the Minami Alps foothills, and so, as a shared asset of thesemountains, interactions among the regions will be expanded, protection and sustainable useof this superb natural environment will be fostered jointly, and an attractive region will becreated which draws on the natural beauty of the Minami Alps.
The Advisory Committee acknowledged the good quality of the proposal. The Committee
recommended that this site be approved and encouraged the national authorities to develop
elaborate sustainable development programmes in order to enhance the objectives of thebiosphere reserve.
Katon-Karagay (Kazakhstan). The proposed Katon-Karagay Biosphere Reserve is situatedin the upper part of Bukhtarma, Belaya Berel and Chyornaya Berel Rivers, includingSouthern slopes of Listvyaga and Katunskiy Ridges (with the eastern summit of Belukha
mountain), ridges of Bukhtarma river's left bank: Sarymsakty, Tarbagatay (Southern Altai part)and Southern Altai. The northern section includes part of Katunskiy Ridge and has altitudes
ranging from 2000m to 4506m (Belukha Mountain); Southern part stretches from 850m
(Bukhtarma River Valley) to 3487m (Southern Altai Ridge). Abundance of meadow herbs andflowers comprises more than 1000 species of higher vascular plants, as well as mosses,
lichens and fungi. Flora of Kazakhstan Altai includes 2,450 species of 693 genera and 131

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families, including: Southern Altai – 2,052 species (83.8%) of total species number of
Kazakhstan Altai of 608 genera (87.7%) and 116 families (88.5%). The total surface area
amounts to 1,631,940 ha consisting of 126 432 ha as core area; 855 508 ha as buffer zone
and 650, 000 ha as transition area.
Local population, living in the transition area of biosphere reserve, practices mainly breedingof cattle, sheep, deers, horses and Siberian stags. Plant production is an additional activity
and the main plantations are occupied by fodder, perennial and annual herbs and cereal
fodder cultures (barley, oat) for feeding cows, Siberian stags, horses and sheep in winterperiod. Private farms are dominating in cattle-breeding sector of the region. The majority of
those farms have small numbers of animals – less than 40 sheep. In the structure of land use
the largest agricultural territories are located in Belovskiy rural district (39.6%), slightly
smaller agricultural lands in Korobikhinskiy (14.5%) and Belkaragay (12.2%) rural districts,
and the smallest in Urylskiy, Zhambylskiy, Chernovinskiy, Katon- Karagayskiy rural districts(from 7.9 to 9%).
The authorities are encouraged to develop a management plan that is inclusive of the corearea, buffer zone and transition area. This management plan should include a design forsustainable grazing of cattle. The Advisory Committee recommended that this site beapproved.
Crocker Range (Malaysia). The proposed site covers an area of 350,584 ha and it islocated in the south of Mouth Kinabalu (a World Heritage Site) in Sabah. Some 144,492 ha
make up the core area, which consists of 139,919 ha of Crocker Range Park (CRP) andthree forest reserves totalling 4,573 ha that are legally protected. An area of 60,313 ha isdemarcated as the buffer zone and 145,779 ha for the transition area. The core area as
described in the nomination form is covered by natural vegetation which is ecologicallyconnected. Limited studies on flora has been conducted; however, six permanent plots
dedicated to ecological monitoring have been established and more than 300 plant species
had been recorded as of August 2011.
Two endemic Rafflesia sp. are found in the Crocker Range. A total of 737 plant species havebeen recorded in the Trus Madi in the eastern vicinity of the Crocker Range. With regard tofauna, the number of species recorded in CRP and its surrounding area includes: 101
mammals, 259 birds, 47 reptiles, 63 amphibians, 42 freshwater fishes. CRP is also a habitatfor some endangered species, e.g. orangutan, sun bear and clouded leopard. The
development and logistic function of this proposed biosphere reserve was clearly described.
Community and local authority participation and involvement in the design and managementof a biosphere reserve were also described. The issue of the existence of a local community
in the core area was mentioned and described as contentious. The authorities, however,believe that sustainable human activities are important even within parks; therefore, theEnactment has been modified to accommodate the community in the CRP with someconditions (Section 59(1)(g), Park Enactment 1984, Amendment 2007). A local non-statutory
regulation called the “Tagal system” is used as a “cultural tool” to practice sustainable fishing.
Approximately 76 villages (19% of all the villages) in the proposed site are currently
practicing the Tagal system and this non-statutory regulation has been incorporated into the
Sabah Inland Fisheries and Agriculture Enactment 2003.
The Advisory Committee commended the national authorities for a well-prepared nomination.
The Committee noted the importance of this site for biodiversity conservation. The Advisorycommittee congratulated national authorities for extensively involving the local communities
in the nomination process for this site. They are encouraged to continue monitoring theactivities of the inhabitants in the core area to ensure that the conservation functions are notcompromised. The Advisory Committee recommended that this site be approved.

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Inlay Lake (Myanmar). The Advisory Committee welcomed this first biosphere reserve
nomination in Myanmar. Covering a total area of 561,199ha the site is situated in Taunggyi
District, Southern Shan State. The core area is 29,178 ha, the buffer zone covers 114,041 ha
and the transition area is 417,980 ha. The Inlay Lake wetland ecosystem is home to 267
species of birds, out of which 82 are wetland birds, 43 species of freshwater fishes, ottersand turtles. In addition, fresh water fish from the inland wetland constitute the major protein
food source of the people of Inlay.
In addition to its ecological importance, Inlay Lake is also unique for the socio-cultural
aspects of local inhabitants, in the way they have adapted their lifestyle and livelihoods totheir biophysical environment. Most of them earn their income by traditional methods ofhydroponic farming, fishing and shifting cultivation. The farmers practice one of the most
famous types of agriculture in the world, floating island agriculture, locally called ‘Yechan’,which is a form of hydroponic farming.
Inlay Lake and it watershed provides several ecosystem services on which local people
depend directly or indirectly; they include: clean air, clean water, cooler climate, tranquility
and serenity, fish stokes, ecotourism resources and tourism destinations, part of watersupply system for hydropower plant, sustainable livelihoods and community support. There isa significant population of people (60,000) residing in the core area of the proposed Inlay
Lake Biosphere Reserve.
The Advisory Committee noted with concern the significant human population in the corearea and recommended limiting the visitation of tourists to this area in order to maintain its
conservation and protection objectives. The Advisory Committee further urged the authorities
to strictly maintain the livelihood activities of the population within the core area at thetraditional level. The Advisory Committee recommended that this site be approved.
Brighton & Hove and Lewes Downs (United Kingdom). The Advisory Committee
welcomed this proposal by United Kingdom, the first since 1977, which is located in thesouth-eastern coast of England and includes the city of Brighton. The proposed site covers
an area of 38,921 ha. It comprises part of the South Downs National Park and is home to371,500 permanent inhabitants. Chalkdown land makes up the principal terrestrial landscapeof the area, with a coastline dominated by impressive chalk cliffs in the east and an
urbanized plain in the west. The Advisory Committee recognized the ecological value of thissite which supports more than 200 species that are on international conservation lists (IUCN
and EC CITES) and more than one thousand locally rare species. Due to its variety of rare
wildlife habitats, rich heritage and proximity to London, tourism is a particularly importantsector with up to 12 million visitors per year. Other economic activities are farming andcommercial sea fishing.
The Advisory Committee commended the efforts made to promote sustainable developmentin the area as well as the involvement of a diversity of stakeholders from different
backgrounds and knowledge in its management and particularly highlighted the active workof The Brighton & Hove and Lewes Downs Biosphere Partnership encouraging local
cooperation with initiatives like the ‘HERE HERE’ campaign. This partnership was createdspecifically to apply for the status of UNESCO biosphere reserve and it is composed of an
extensive spectrum of public, educational, community, voluntary and private sector
organizations.
The Advisory Committee acknowledged the high quality of this proposal and recommended
that Brighton & Hove and Lewes Downs be approved as a biosphere reserve.

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Bioma Pampa-Quebradas del Norte (Uruguay). The Advisory Committee welcomed the resubmission of this proposal by Uruguayan authorities. The proposed Biosphere Reserve
covers an area of 110,882 ha and comprises a mosaic of different ecosystems. They include
a primary forest with subtropical jungle, which represents the southernmost vestige of the‘Atlantic Forest’ environment. The pampa biome is rich in temperate grasslands and is an
important nesting area for many bird species. At present, however, only 0.7% of thegrasslands are protected and the ecosystem faces significant threats to its conservation.
Rare species of amphibians and reptiles in the area include the Uruguayan frog (Hylauruguaya), the Toad of Devincenzi (Melanophryniscus devincenzii) and the South American
rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus terrificus). The proposed biosphere reserve is also inhabitedby a small number of people living in settlements of ten to fifty houses amid a rural
environment. The villagers are predominantly smallholder farmers who engage in agriculturalactivities. Socio-cultural development of the biosphere reserve will be linked to the promotionand enhancement of gaucho traditions.
The Advisory Committee recommended the following to the national authorities:
 Submission of a map with more detailed zonation;
 Provision of a management plan; Consider greater coordination with the Mata Atlantica Biosphere Reserve.
The Advisory Committee recommended that this site be approved and added that there wasa great potential to create a transboundary biosphere reserve with the Mata Atlantica
Biosphere Reserve in Brazil.

Nominations recommended for approval pending the submission of specificinformation
Ohrid-Prespa Watershed Transboundary Biosphere Reserve (Republic of Albania/theFormer Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia). The Advisory Committee welcomed this
proposal for a transboundary biosphere reserve (TBR) by Albania and the Former Yugoslav
Republic of Macedonia, located in the Ohrid and Prespa regions. The landscape of the
proposed transboundary area is a balanced combination of water bodies (the Ohrid andPrespa Lakes) and surrounding mountain reliefs while flat areas border the external limits ofthe territories (stretching across three countries: Albania, the Former Yugoslav Republic ofMacedonia and Greece). With a total surface area of 446,244 ha and an estimated total of
455,000 inhabitants, the proposed area includes part of Lake Ohrid and its surroundings in
the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia that is currently inscribed on the World Heritage
List, as well as part of Lake Ohrid in Albania which is currently being considered as apossible extension of the existing natural and cultural heritage of the Ohrid Region World
Heritage Site.
The Advisory Committee acknowledged the strong involvement of local institutions during thenomination process and welcomed the plan to establish a platform for exchanging
experiences of protected areas between experts, practitioners and the local population. The
Advisory Committee noted with appreciation the decision to adopt a two-step approach in thetransboundary biosphere reserve nomination process, ‘leaving the doors open’ to Greece tojoin at its earliest convenience.
The Advisory Committee recommended that the individual national biosphere reserves of
Ohrid-Prespa Watershed in both the Republic of Albania and in the former Yugoslav
Republic of Macedonia be approved pending receiving the detailed description of theSC-14/CONF.226/10
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national coordination and management structure, involving a diversity of stakeholders, which
will be managing the national biosphere reserves in respective countries. The Advisory
Committee strongly recommended to both countries to continue the cooperation and joint
work between the two biosphere reserves.
With regards to the designation of the area as a Transboundary Biosphere Reserve, theAdvisory Committee recommended that this proposal be deferred until Greece is willing tojoin in, as the watershed and ecosystem management approach would benefit from all
countries sharing this ecosystem to cooperate and work together from the start.
Sila (Italy). The Advisory Committee welcomed the resubmission of this proposal, which wasdeferred in 2013. It recognized that the site contains a wide variety of natural environments
and habitats and, due to its morphological and geographical characteristics, hosts
approximately 1 000 types of vascular plants and over 210 species of vertebrates. It is a
hotspot of great importance for the Mediterranean Biogeographical Region, selected by
IUCN and WWF as a centre of plant diversity in the world. The proposed biosphere reserve
is located in Calabria, in southern Italy, and comprises 357,294 ha, including 71
municipalities, with almost 230,000 permanent residents. Agriculture has been the traditional
activity but, recently, nature tourism has been playing a fundamental role in the local
economy, with more than 500,000 visitors per year.
The Advisory Committee commended the initiatives to involve stakeholders during thenomination preparatory phase as well as the creation of the partnership assembly. The
Advisory Committee acknowledged the progress made in terms of harmonization of existingplanning tools, the development of a Long Term Economic and Social Plan of Sila National
Park and contiguous area (PPES) and the implementation of the MaB-Sila Observatory.
The Advisory Committee congratulated the Italian authorities for the quality information
communicated and recommended the site for approval pending receipt of the following
elements:
 Clarification on the zonation, specifically the rationale for the western and eastern
white spots not belonging to the proposed biosphere reserve, as well as thedifference between the buffer zone and core areas as regards Natura 2000
regulations; Detailed information about land use in the surrounding area, including possible
human pressures on the proposed biosphere reserve;
 More detailed information on the involvement of social scientists as well as how thescientific production/knowledge will benefit the biosphere reserve management; More detailed information on how the coordination structure led by the national park
authority will practically engage the community living beyond the boundaries of thenational park and how the coordination of the activities will be carried out in the entire
proposed biosphere reserve.
Tadami (Japan). The Advisory Committee welcomed this proposal which encompasses asite with a total area of 78,032 ha consisting of 3,557 ha as core area, 51,333 ha as bufferzone and 23,142 ha as transition area. The Tadami site is located at the eastern edge of the
Echigo Mountains, the western edge of Fukushima Prefecture, and the southern part of the
Tohoku region in Honshu. Geographically, it consists of large relief mountains of more than
600m, middle relief mountains of 400-600m, low relief Mountains of 200m-400m, a gravel
plateau and the floodplains of the Tadami River and Ina River basins.
In terms of flora, 140 families and 1,109 species of tracheophytes are confirmed in Tadami
Town which is about 96% of the proposed Tadami site. Records for fauna in about 96% of

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the site includes 15 families and 32 species for Mammals, 44 families and 145 species for
Aves, 6 families and 13 species for Amphibian and 4 families and 10 reptile species. Morethan 2,000 species are confirmed for insects.
In 2007, Tadami Town announced an initiative “The Capital of Mother Nature” targeting local
residents to re-recognize the value of the large natural environment of the Tadami area, as
the inheritance of the next generation. This announcement was publicized both inside andoutside the town, and Tadami Town is working on implementing each proposed measure.
The Advisory Committee observed that there are two categorizations of the buffer zone inthis nomination. The Committee therefore recommended that the zonation be revised suchthat buffer zone A (identified as the yellow portions) be incorporated as part of the core area.
Alternatively, buffer zones A and B could be merged into one categorization of buffer zone.
The Advisory Committee recommended that this site be approved pending theimplementation of the above recommendation.
Ak-Zhayik (Kazakhstan). The Advisory Committee welcomed this new nomination from
Kazakstan. The proposed site occupies mainly wetlands of the Ural River delta and adjacentterritories along the Caspian Sea coast, which are located on one of the largest migrationroutes, stretching from Eurasia −, across the Caspian and Black Seas − to Eastern Africa.
The total area is 396,346 ha consisting of 36,577 ha as core area, 129,769 ha as buffer zone
and 230,000 ha as transition area. The proposed area is included in the Ramsar
Convention's List of wetlands of international importance and is a concentration site for morethan 240 migrating bird species, about 110 of which are waterbirds, including 18 specially
protected species. Besides, this area is a nesting site for about 70 waterbirds, eight of which
are specially protected natural objects. It is also a haven for a rare bird – Dalmatian Pelican(Pelicanus crispus, VU) – with population of the colony reaching more than 600 nesting pairs(12% of the global population).
The proposed site is located on the lands of Makhambet district and Atyrau city of Atyrauoblast. The population of its 11 settlements is more than 17,000 people, 98% of them are
Kazakh and 2% are Russian, Tatar and other ethnicities; population density is 23 people in
1km2. The economic orientation of the region is fishery and animal stock production. The
area has productive landscapes that are good for cattle breeding as well as fisheries andhunting.
The Advisory Committees requested the national authorities to submit a management plan
covering the transition zone and emphasizing sustainable development. The national
authorities are encouraged to consider merging the two clusters by creating an ecologicalcorridor between them. The Advisory Committee recommended that this site be approved
pending the implementation of these recommendations.
Aksu-Zhabagly (Kazakhstan). This proposed site is located in the Western end of Talasskiy
Alatau and Southern part of Karatau in Western Tien Shan. The total area of the site is357,734 ha. The core area is 131,934 ha, the buffer zone 25,800 ha and the transition area
is 200,000 ha. It has 48% of the total diversity of birds in the region, 72.5% of vertebrates,
221 out of 254 fungi species, 63 out of 80 moss species and 15 out of 17 of the vegetation
types of Western Tien Shan and 114 out of 180 plant formations.
Major land use of the region is agriculture. There are several crops growing on agricultural
land: on the rain-fed area – cereal cultures (wheat and barley); on irrigated arable lands –forage cultures (corn, clover, alfalfa). Local people usually breed cattle, sheep (SouthKazakh Merino), goats, horses (trotters and Donskaya breed) and poultry (chicken andturkey). At present, the territory of the buffer zone is visited by scientists and amateurs

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interested in flora and fauna, as well as ordinary sightseers. In accordance with ten routes forscientific and educational tourism, visitors move through the reserve on trails and roads, andfor the rest-stops they use previously constructed field bases and traditional camping sites.
Currently, the potential of eco-tourism for educational purposes is still insufficiently
developed, although Aksu Zhabagly is one of the famous tourist spots for birdwatchers fromall over the world.
The Advisory Committee recommended that this site be approved pending theimplementation of the following: Enlarging the buffer zone for the protection of the core area; Undertaking activities that would enhance sustainable development functions of thesite; Preparing and submitting a management plan which is inclusive of the core area,
buffer zone and transition area.
Mura-Drava-Danube (Serbia). The Advisory Committee welcomed this submission from
Serbia, as a part of the future proposal of the Mura Drava Danube Transboundary Biosphere
Reserve spanning five countries: Austria, Croatia, Hungary, Serbia and Slovenia, and whichconstitutes a second step after the designation in 2012 of the Mura Drava Danube
Transboundary Biosphere Reserve shared by Hungary and Croatia. The proposal is locatedin the northwestern part of Serbia and comprises 176,635 ha. Situated mainly in recent andhistorical alluvial zones of the central Danube plain, the proposed biosphere reserve is amosaic composed mainly of remnants of historic floodplains and human-made landscapes
influenced by agriculture and human settlements. The floodplain includes alluvial forests,
marshes, reed beds, freshwater habitats, alluvial wetlands, as well as flood-protected forests
with significantly changed hydrology dynamics. The area of the proposed biosphere reserveis home to 147,405 inhabitants located in 26 settlements with main activities are agriculture,
forestry and industry.
The Advisory Committee commended the Serbian authorities for the quality of the proposal.
The Advisory Committee acknowledged that the Mura Drava Danube Transboundary
Biosphere Reserve proposal is an initiative from the five countries which signed a ministerial
declaration in 2011, stating that nothing in the Declaration or its subsequent document shallprejudice in any manner the delimitation between the State signatories.
The Advisory Committee took note of the boundaries discussion being held at theinternational level between Croatia and Serbia. The Advisory Committee considered that thetransboundary biosphere reserve was a unique tool for translating the mission and vision of
the MAB Programme into a cooperation programme which promotes peace, scientificexchange and shared ecosystem management. The Advisory Committee strongly
encouraged the scientific and technical cooperation in the field between the five countries tocontinue and the coordinating council established by the five countries to hold regularmeetings. It also acknowledged support from WWF in the nomination process.
The Advisory Committee recommended that the site be approved pending receipt of thefollowing information: The joint zonation map for the entire future transboundary biosphere reserve,
designed by all five countries; The joint transboundary biosphere reserve nomination form filled in by all fivecountries; Clarification of the role of the scientific panel within the coordinating council of the
proposed biosphere reserve;

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Clarification on how the various projects and research outcomes will be integrated in
the functioning of the proposed biosphere reserve.

Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve (South Africa). The Advisory Committee welcomed
this very well prepared and documented proposal of a relatively large cluster biospherereserve (3 184 723.5 ha). The Advisory committee acknowledged its unicity at global level as
it is the only place in the world where three recognized biodiversity hotspots (Fynbos,
Succulent Karoo and Maputoland-Tongoland-Albany) converge. The area also includes acoastal/marine component (0.1% of core area) which serves as a nursery for marine species.
It encompasses three units of UNESCO World Heritage site.
The biosphere reserve nomination process which started in 2005 has been highly
participative. The proposed biosphere reserve is facing deep rooted socio economic
challenges (high unemployment, wide-spread poverty, sprawling informal settlements withinadequate services, rising HIV and crime rates) that the biosphere reserve will contribute tosolve in building grassroots models of pro-poor enterprise and employment development
connected to biodiversity.
The number of formal and published research that has been conducted in the Gouritz region
in recent years is growing. The proposed biosphere reserve will have a vital role to play inthe compilation of a database and set up of a monitoring system. Environmental awarenessraising and training activities targeting schools, communities and associations have been
implemented throughout the years. The governance structure has been established since thelast submission, but more information is needed.
However, the advisory committee noted that the zonation pattern should be improved inorder to avoid transition area included in buffer zones. The budget refers to one single
source and does not explain how additional resources will be mobilized. Therefore, theAdvisory Committee recommended that the site be approved pending the receipt of thefollowing information:
 Clarification and justification of zonation with regards to the function of biospherereserve; Further information on sustainable financing scheme;
 Further information on the functioning of the governance structure.

Nominations recommended for deferral
Algeria (general recommendation)
The Advisory Committee welcomed the nomination of Belezma Biosphere Reserve, Tlemcen
Biosphere Reserve and Theniet El Had Biosphere Reserve. The Advisory Committee
commended the country’s effort in preparing these three dossiers. Having examined thesenominations, the Advisory Committee strongly recommended that the Algerian authorities
review the concordance of their national parks with biosphere reserves, especially withregard to the zonation. The authorities are encouraged to seek support from the MAB
Secretariat and the UNESCO Cairo Office to organize a capacity-building workshop on
biosphere reserves and improve their nomination files.
Belezma (Algeria). The Advisory Committee welcomed this proposal covering the existing
Belezma National Park situated in the province of Batna on the slopes of the Belezma
mountain range. Covering some 26,250 ha, Belezma is host to a rich flora and fauna, several
species of which are endemic and/or threatened, and provide opportunities for traditional

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land use, tourism and recreation. However, the Advisory Committee concluded that thecomplete overlap of the national park with the zoning of the future biosphere reserve was
sub-optimal and not entirely in line with the Seville Strategy.
Therefore, the Advisory Committee recommended that the proposal be deferred and that theAlgerian authorities consider submitting a revised nomination based on the following
suggestions: The proposed biosphere reserve should extend outside the national park, in order tobetter engage with economic and urban development issues and stakeholders,
including public and private bodies; Maps should be improved for readability, especially in respect of the zonation;
 Additional information on the participation of local communities in the management of
the proposed Belezma Biosphere Reserve should be provided; A management plan for a large biosphere reserve should be prepared, together witha management effectiveness evaluation monitoring system.
Tlemcen Mountains (Algeria). The Advisory Committee welcomed this proposal covering
the existing Tlemcen National Park situated in the Tlemcen Province, encompassing richbiodiversity, valuable archeological sites, cultural landmarks and caves receiving large
numbers of visitors. However, the Advisory Committee concluded that the complete overlapof the national park with the zoning of the future biosphere reserve was sub-optimal and notentirely in line with the Seville Strategy.
Therefore, the Committee recommended that the proposal be deferred and that the Algerianauthorities consider submitting a revised nomination based on the following suggestions: The proposed biosphere reserve should extend outside the national park, in order tobetter engage with economic and urban development issues and stakeholders,
including public and private bodies; Maps should be improved for readability, especially in respect of the zonation;
 Additional information on the participation of local communities in the management of
the proposed Tlemcen Biosphere Reserve should be provided; A management plan for a large biosphere reserve should be prepared, together witha management effectiveness evaluation monitoring system, with special emphasis on
the tourism sector.
Theniet El Had (Algeria). The Advisory Committee welcomed this proposal covering theexisting Theniet El Had National Park situated in the Ouarsenis mountain range located in
the west central Atlas of Algeria. This site includes several plants of regional or national andinternational interest. However, the Advisory Committee concluded that the complete overlapof the national park with the zoning of the future biosphere reserve was sub-optimal and notentirely in line with the Seville Strategy.
Therefore, the Committee recommended that the proposal be deferred and that the Algerianauthorities consider submitting a revised nomination based on the following suggestions: The proposed biosphere reserve should extend outside the national park, in order tobetter engage with economic and urban development issues and stakeholders,
including public and private bodies; Maps should be improved for readability, especially in respect of the zonation, as wellas in terms of biophysical, geological and vegetation data; Additional information on the participation of local communities in the management of
the proposed Theniet El Had Biosphere Reserve should be provided; A management plan for a large biosphere reserve should be prepared, together witha management effectiveness evaluation monitoring system.

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Valdes (Argentina). The Advisory Committee took note of this nomination from Argentina.
The proposed site encompasses the Patagonian Steppe, Hill Plains and Plateaus andArgentine Sea eco-regions. It is home to significant biodiversity, including highly fragile
terrestrial and marine ecosystems, the conservation of which is crucial for addressing thevulnerabilities of key species. Both the Patagonian steppe eco-region and the Argentine Sea
have been recognized as important sites and inscribed on WWF’s Global 200 list. The
marine coastal areas are suitable habitats for the feeding and reproduction of many bird andmarine mammal species. Particular bodies of water, such as the Golfo Nuevo and San José,
function as crucial sites for the reproduction of species like the southern right whale(Eubalaena australis).
The Valdes Biosphere Reserve will incorporate the Peninsula Valdés Natural Protected Area,
designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999; San Jose and Playa Fracaso, nominatedRamsar sites in 2012; the El Doradillo municipal protected area and the natural protectedareas of Punta Loma and Punta León. According to the 2010 National Census, 214,196
inhabitants in the Viedma and Rawson departments will benefit from the creation of thisbiosphere reserve. The most important economic activities in the region are livestock rearing,
tourism, fisheries, industry (aluminium, porphyry), the port movement and, more recently,
wind power generation.
The Advisory Committee pointed out that there was no marine transition area and only a verysmall terrestrial transition area. The Advisory Committee further noted that there was noclear composition of the management committee for the biosphere reserve. Lastly, theAdvisory Committee noted that only a small-scale map of the biosphere reserve had been
provided.
The Advisory Committee recommended that this proposal be deferred, as the zonation has
to be re-defined, including the transition area surrounding the buffer zone in both theterrestrial and marine areas. In addition, the national authorities are requested to re-define
clearly the composition of the management committee and to provide a larger-scale map.
Hanma National Nature Reserve (China). The proposed site covers a total surface area of
107,348ha, which consists of a core area of 46,510ha, a buffer zone of 37,250ha and atransition area of 23,588ha. This site located in Inner Mongolia is described as the core partof the Taiga distributed in China. The natural vegetation is intact, owing to very limited
interaction with humankind. The cold temperate coniferous forest is the most well- preserved
forest type in China and is of high scientific value. The vegetation plays a significant role inprotecting water resources, performing water purification, maintaining the ecological safety(balance/equilibrium) in the Heilongjiang area and along the Jiliuhe River, as well as
supporting the rare wildlife.
Forest products from this site, such as bilberry, blueberry and other wild fruit, contribute to
the socio-economic development of the communities in the area. With the development of
tourism, Hanma Nature Reserve has been searching for a path to build tourism as the pillar
industry. Authorities believe that development of ecological tourism in Hanma Nature
Reserve will not only be beneficial economically but also environmentally and socially. By
way of logistic support, it is planned that the proposed site will cooperate with universities,
colleges and research institutions to study jointly the structural functions and succession
process of forest ecological systems and wetland ecosystems at the proposed site. Anotheraim of the logistic support is to help determine a practical plan for the reasonable
development and sustainable utilization on the premise that the various ecological system
structures are not damaged.

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The Advisory Committee acknowledged the conservation value of this site. However, it
observed that its zonation did not conform to the zonation criteria prescribed in the Statutory
Framework of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. It also noted that the participationof local communities had not been well demonstrated. The Advisory Committee therefore
recommended that this nomination be deferred.
The Advisory Committee encouraged the national authorities to re-submit this nomination
with a new zonation that had a buffer zone surrounding the core area and to expand thetransition area to include a permanent human population.
Samothraki (Greece).The Advisory Committee welcomed the re-submission of this proposal,
which was deferred in 2012. The proposed site is located within the Aegean Sea andcomprises the entire island of Samothraki, with a total surface area of 22,853 ha. The site isa mountainous island with its highest peak culminating at 1,611m above sea level, making it
the second-highest island in the Aegean Sea. The mountainous terrain creates a variety ofhabitats that host a large number of species thanks to two distinct microclimates: a northernside that is more humid with related vegetation cover and a drier southern side with a typical
Mediterranean climate. The human presence on the island since prehistoric times hascreated cultural landscapes and left many monuments of international interest on the island,
making it a highly valued tourist destination nowadays. The main activities of the total
permanent population of 2,860 are agriculture, settlements and trade. The Advisory
Committee expressed its appreciation of the involvement of local associations in designing
the proposed site.
However, the Advisory Committee considered that the zonation was still not meeting thecriteria, with the legal status of the core area still being unclear and the governance andfunding of the proposed area yet to be defined. It further encouraged the Greek authorities
to address these issues and work on the zonation, governance and budgetary aspects and toseek support from the MAB Secretariat and the EuroMAB Regional Network.
The Advisory Committee recommended that the site be deferred.
Po Delta (Italy).The Advisory Committee welcomed this nomination proposal located innorthern Italy, which comprises 139,398 ha, covering 16 municipalities populated by 120,000
inhabitants. The proposed area represents a plain morphology, the current structure of which
is produced by the Po River’s action and recent human activities. The proposed area is the
only delta in Italy, created by the confluence of the main branches of the river; coastal dune
systems and sand formations, lagoons, fishing ponds, marshes, fossil dunes, canals andcoastal pine forests, vast brackish wetlands and cultivated lands dominated par rice farming.
These landscapes provide a unique identity and an extremely significant heritage of
biodiversity due to their range of habitats. The proposed Po Delta Biosphere Reserve is an
important tourist destination. Together with agriculture and fish farming, tourism is the maineconomic activity of local communities. The Advisory Committee noted with appreciation theefforts to involve local stakeholders in the consultation process.
However, the Advisory Committee considered that the status and management of the corearea needed clarifying and that the decision-making process within the Institutional
Coordination Board was unclear, even though the board was supported by ThematicTechnical Roundtables. It further noted that the governance structure was very complex anddid not seem manageable; nor had any common vision for the proposed area been defined.
The added value of the proposed biosphere reserve was not clear, as most of the actions
included in the Action Plan referred to existing, binding management plans (Natura 2000,
Environmental Plan of the Veneto Regional Po Delta Park, Area Plan of Po Delta “Pianod’Area–Regione Veneto”). Concerning research projects, the Advisory Committee

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considered that the social science studies in the whole area were missing, especially taking
into account the fact that most of the proposed area was composed of farming systems.
Lastly, the committee noted the lack of information on water management issues andchallenges, as well as the lack of discussion on water quality, despite the fact that the
proposed biosphere reserve area is mainly composed of wetlands or irrigated cultivatedlands.
The Advisory Committee recommended that this site be deferred.
Ledro Alps and Judicaria (Italy). The Advisory Committee welcomed this proposal by the
Italian authorities. The proposed area is located in the Trento region in northern Italy,
between the Dolomite World heritage Site and the famous Lake Garda, with a total surface
area of 47,427 ha. The site is representative of the southern slopes of the central-eastern
Alps, comprising different healthy habitats (Alpine meadows, forest, grasslands, moorlands)
alternating with traditional crops. Its strategic location contributes to a rich and varied
biodiversity and to creating a corridor running north−south across the Alps, establishing
territorial continuity between protected areas from the Po valley to the northern Alps. The
proposed area includes two settlements around Lake Ledro and Lake Carera recognized as
UNESCO World Heritage sites. It is also a high valued tourist destination, with tourism
representing the main source of income for a permanent population of 15,845. The Advisory
Committee acknowledged the existence of a research network and the numerous
promotional and communication efforts carried out in the proposed area; it did, however, notewith concerns the petition transmitted to the UNESCO MAB Secretariat by numerous citizensof the municipalities and cities in the proposed area.
The Advisory Committee questioned the relevance of the zonation, including the protection
status of the core areas, and also the role of the transition area as an ecological corridor
between the two core areas. It also considered that the main scientific research describedfocused on conservation aspects and that there seemed to be conflicts with the hunters in
the proposed area. It also noted that there was no clear description of the governance anddecision-making system of the proposed area, nor any comprehensive information on how
the governance would work. It also questioned how tourism would be managed and how the
new plan for the park would be integrated in the proposed site.
The Advisory Committee recommended that Ledro Alps and Judicaria be deferred.
The Advisory Committee encouraged the Italian authorities to address the above issues andto engage in full consultation with local stakeholders, in order to get full support for thedesignation of the proposed area as a biosphere reserve.
Karakoram Pamir (Pakistan). This proposed site is characterized by steep and jagged
peaks, glaciers stretching for miles, alpine meadows and pastures, scattered patches ofconiferous and birch forests, lush green high valleys and deep narrow gorges. It contains thelargest ice mass outside the poles in the form of the world’s longest glacier system, including
40 large and many small glaciers. Among the famous glaciers of Karakoram are Siachen,
Batura, Baltoro, Biafo, Hisper, Hoper, Kuksil, Yazghil, Momhil and Malanguti.
It covers a total surface area of 2,569,000 ha of which 1,132,700 ha occupy the core area,
671,800 ha the buffer zone and 764,800 ha the transition area. The rich biodiversity of thetypical mountain ecosystem of Karakoram Range is of immense socio-ecological significanceand value for biodiversity conservation on local, national, regional and global scales.
Biologically, the area falls in the Central Asian phytogeographical region, with over 400 flora
species ranging from endemic herbs and Poa sp. grasses to coniferous forests. Among thefauna species, mammals are of great importance and the proposed biosphere reserve areaSC-14/CONF.226/10
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is known to have significant populations of 33 globally important mammalian species
including species which are threatened and/ or endemic to Karakoram region.
The Advisory Committee noted the submission of this nomination and acknowledged thecontinuous effort of Pakistan to increase the number of its biosphere reserves. Whilst
appreciating its rich fauna and flora and immense socio-ecological significance and value forbiodiversity conservation at all levels, the Advisory Committee found that the northern andeastern sides of the core area were not surrounded by a buffer zone and a transition area,
contrary to the recommendations of the Statutory Framework of the World Network of
Biosphere Reserves. In addition, the management plan for the two national parks forming thecore area may not be tailored for the core area of the proposed biosphere reserve. The
Advisory Committee recommended that the management plan of the proposed biospherereserve consider integrating the management of these three zones.
The Advisory Committee therefore concluded that this nomination should be deferred.
Daghestansky (Russian Federation). The Advisory Committee welcomed this submission,
which is located in Daghestan Republic and comprises 207,600 ha. The proposed site iscomposed of two clusters: Kizlyar Bay and Sarykum Barchans, containing rich biodiversity inmarine, coastal, desert-steppe and arid foothill ecosystems. The Advisory Committee
acknowledged that this area contained one of the largest migratory routes of birds in Eurasia,
as well as large number of flora and fauna species. The total permanent population living in
the proposed biosphere reserve is 1,200 whose main activities are agriculture, stock-raisingand fishing.
The Advisory Committee considered that the proposed zonation with the two clusters wasinadequate for fulfilling the criteria and ensuring proper functioning of the proposed biospherereserve. The Advisory Committee encouraged the Russian authorities to resubmit a proposal
with a zonation that could join the two clusters and including evidence of the implementationof scientific research in management, education and awareness-raising, as well as evidenceof the participatory process and governance for the entire area.
The Advisory Committee recommended that the proposal be deferred.
Magaliesberg (South Africa).The Advisory Committee welcomed the re-submission of thisvery consistent and well-documented proposal covering an area located between the cities ofPretoria and Johannesburg in the east and Rustenburg in the west. This area is endowedwith scenic beauty, unique natural features, rich natural and cultural heritage value,
significant biodiversity and archaeological interest. This biosphere reserve encompasses the
Cradle of Humankind, which is part of a World heritage site with 4 million years of history.
The proposed site’s primary activities are agriculture, mining and tourism. It is adjacent tomajor urban infrastructure, the impacts of which will be reduced through the biospherereserve management plan. The Advisory Committee noted with appreciation that theconsultation process for delimiting the biosphere reserve’s contours has been completed
since the last submission. However, the zonation scheme still needs improvement. In
particular, with regards to the Pelindaba nuclear research centre, even though it has been
defined under the category of “highly disturbed area or areas with high impacts” andremoved from the biosphere reserve area, it still remains physically in the middle of the
proposed site.
With regard to the logistic function, research coordination and a monitoring programme forbiosphere reserve should be put in place. Therefore, the Advisory Committee recommended
that the site be deferred.

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The Advisory Committee strongly encouraged the authorities to resubmit a nomination thatwill address the following elements:
 Improvement in the zonation pattern, namely the core area and buffer zone, in orderto fulfill the criteria in the Statutory Framework of the World Network of Biosphere
Reserves;
 Exclusion of Pelindaba and the surrounding area from the biosphere reserve proposal,
possibly by using natural boundaries, for example rivers.
Macizo de Anaga (Spain). The Advisory Committee acknowledged this nomination
submission by Spain. This site is located in the northeastern part of Tenerife, Canary Islands.
It represents the island’s oldest geological formation with a peak of 1,024 m. This area is an
ecological unit separated from the rest of the island. It features a diverse geographical spacethat ranges from urban areas located on the coast to the summit. In terms of environmental
value, its remarkable cultural uniqueness is of local, regional, national and international
interest.
The proposal is an example of collaboration, primarily between different municipal governing
bodies (Cabildo Insular de Tenerife, the councils of the three municipalities of the CanaryIslands and Sustainable Holy Cross Foundation). In addition, the proposal has also been
supported by a local community. However, the Advisory Committee strongly recommended
that the marine and coastal areas be included in this biosphere reserve proposal to highlightthe connection between marine/coastal and inland ecosystems. Furthermore, the Advisory
Committee requested the submission of the official approval by the national authorities.
Therefore, the Advisory Committee recommended that this proposal be deferred.

Nominations recommended for rejection
Corridor Milan – Ticino (Italy). The Advisory Committee acknowledged this proposal, which
is located in the southwestern plain surrounding the city of Milan in northern Italy. The total
surface area proposed is 15,755 ha, mainly composed of cultivated fields intercalated with
farmhouses, typical of the Po Valley landscape. The extended cultivated plains mixed withtraditional farmhouses, urban nuclei and woodlands represent the main features of thelandscape. The network of canals and springs is also a fascinating human-made system thattoday presents a cultural landscape rich in biodiversity. There are about 130,000 permanent
inhabitants, whose livelihoods depend mainly on the industrial and services sectors.
The Advisory Committee noted with appreciation that the proposed biosphere reserve
management aimed to reduce the urbanization process and develop ecotourism andsustainable farming systems. The proposed biosphere reserve would constitute an exampleof the implementation of sustainable development applied to an agro-ecosystem. However
the Advisory Committee considered that the lack of legal protection status of the core area,
the insufficient justification of the buffer zone and transition area delineation, the absence of
stakeholder involvement, and the deficiency in the governance concept and decision-making
process weakened the overall project.
Therefore, the Advisory Committee considered that the site did not meet the Statutory
Framework criteria and recommended that this proposal be rejected.
It recommended that the Italian authorities investigate whether other designations, such as
the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems of the FAO, may fit better with theiraims.

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Extension, renaming or changes in the zonation of biosphere reserves
Laguna Oca del Río Paraguay Biosphere Reserve (Argentina), extension and renaming.
The Advisory Committee acknowledged the extension proposal from Argentina. This
proposal follows recommendations made by the International Coordinating Council in 2000 toextend the core area, buffer zone and transition area, as their present dimensions do notallow the area to fulfill the three functions of a biosphere reserve.
The proposed new area will integrate the city of Formosa, the Laguna de Herradura and the
Riacho Salado as far as Mision Laishi, through a biodiversity and cultural corridor named‘The Way of Water’, which will pass through the Paraguay River and its tributaries. The total
area will be extended from around 12,000 ha to 61,763.39 ha. The proposed new name forthe biosphere reserve is Laguna Oca y Herraduras del Río Paraguay.
The Advisory Committee recommended that this extension and the new name be approved.
The Advisory Committee recommended that the national authorities:
 Submit clearer maps about the actual extension of the areas and the proposed
extension; Re-evaluate the importance of the buffer zone along the river as an element
connecting different landscapes and contributing to maintaining biodiversity andecological restoration in the urban, rural and natural environments;
 Elaborate a management plan for the modified biosphere reserve.
Rhön Biosphere Reserve (Germany), extension. The Advisory Committee welcomed thisextension submitted by the German authorities to the site designated in 1991. As part of theGerman central upland range, the Rhön Biosphere Reserve comprises an upland region
formed as a result of volcanic activity in the Tertiary period. With the extension of 58,113 ha,
the biosphere reserve will comprise a total surface area of 243,323 ha (with an altitudinal
gradient of 770 m between approximately 180 m and 950 m above mean sea level). Its
uniqueness and beauty results in a diversity of landscapes, hosting endemic spcies such as
Rhönquellschnecke (Bythinella compressa), the wild cat (Felis silvestris), black grouse(Tetrao tetrix) and red kite (Milvus milvus). As of October 2010, the biosphere reserve
counted a population of 135,285, the majority of whom live in rural settlements. As a result of
the extension and inclusion of some small towns, the population across the three federal
states will increase to 225,768 and the population density of the entire area from an averageof 71.6 inhabitants/km² to 87.7 inhabitants/km², the main economic activities of whom areforestry, agriculture and tourism.
The Advisory Committee congratulated the German authorities for the well-prepared
proposal for extension and considered that the extension met the Statutory framework
criteria. Therefore, the Advisory Committee recommended that the extension be approved.
Shiga Highland Biosphere Reserve (Japan), extension. The Advisory Committee noted
the submission of the extension application for this biosphere reserve, which was designatedin 1980. The size of the core area is the same as when this biosphere reserve was first
designated; the buffer zone covers 17,569 ha, which is an increment of 58%, and the newdelineated transition area 12,021 ha.
The International Advisory Committee commended the national authorities for demarcating atransition area for the site and recommended that this application for extension be approved.

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The Advisory Committee requested the national authorities to indicate how the core area is
protected, as it is not protected by a buffer zone, and to submit a revised management plan
covering the extended areas.
Montseny Biosphere Reserve (Spain), extension. The Advisory Committee acknowledged
the proposal for the extension of the Montseny Biosphere Reserve in Spain. This site is a
first-generation biosphere reserve that was nominated in 1978. The extended core area andbuffer zones follow the zonation of the National Park Montseny revised in 2008. The
extension incorporates also the transition areas not previously included. The Advisory
Committee noted that this extension proposal is a follow-up to two previous periodic reviews,
the last one received in 2011. In 2011, the Advisory Committee encouraged the national
authorities to provide additional information on the management plan for the biospherereserve and its implementation. This detailed proposal for extension describes the
harmonization process of the different management structures and plans in line with theCommittee’s recommendations. Additionally, the extension has been made in close
consultation with local communities and with the municipality’s support.
The Advisory Committee recommended that the extension be approved pending thesubmission of the official approval by the national authorities and the identification of thebiosphere reserve’s management authorities before the next MAB-ICC to be held in June
2014.
Mancha Humeda Biosphere Reserve (Spain), extension. The site encompasses a gently
rolling plain located between 600 m and 700 m above sea level, rich in Tertiary deposits andscattered with a great number of wetlands arising from the seasonal flooding of rivers andfrom the numerous upwellings of the Manchego aquifer in the depressions, known in thearea as “eyes”.
The Advisory Committee welcomed this extension proposal from Spain. This biospherereserve was designated in 1980 and in 2002 submitted a periodic review. After theassessment of that periodic review, it was concluded that this biosphere reserve was not fully
functioning according to the criteria of the Statutory Framework of the World Network of
Biosphere Reserves and that it suffered from overexploitation of water resources. The
Advisory Committee was of the opinion that the integrated approach of a biosphere reserve
was nevertheless the best way to combat the threats to water resources and also
recommended that the Spanish authorities improve the global management plan for thewhole biosphere reserve, in order to integrate conservation and sustainable use, paying
particular attention to sustainable use of water resources and the development of acoordinating structure to bring all stakeholders together.
The extension enlarges considerably the transition area and includes some readjustment tothe buffer zones and core areas, increasing the size of the biosphere reserve from 25,000 ha
to 418,087 ha. This extension proposal and re-zoning are a significant improvement, as they
will provide disconnected wetlands areas with better protection. Moreover, their designationas core areas surrounded by buffer zones is homogeneously encompassed by a transitionarea integrating areas set aside for urban development. The Advisory Committee
recommended that this extension be approved with the provision that a transition area in thesouthern part of the biosphere reserve be delineated.