The 5th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves was held in Hangzhou, marking the first time the event has convened in Asia. With the participation of around 4,000 delegates from over 150 countries and regions, the congress adopted two key outcome documents that will guide UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme for the next decade: the “Hangzhou Strategic Action Plan (2026–2035)” and the “Hangzhou Declaration.”
The congress emphasized priorities such as biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, climate change mitigation, green development, and empowering local communities. UNESCO officials welcomed China’s commitment as the host country to transform the strategic plan into concrete actions and share its experiences in ecological civilization with the international community.
China’s technology-driven practices in nature conservation also drew attention. Monitoring systems using artificial intelligence, big data, and satellite technologies have contributed to biodiversity protection. UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay praised China’s achievements in environmental governance, while participants highlighted Hangzhou as a model city that balances economic growth with ecological harmony.