UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) programme has expanded its network with 26 new biosphere reserves across 21 countries, several of which are in Europe. This growth strengthens the EuroMAB network, which already comprises hundreds of European sites dedicated to integrating conservation, sustainable development and support for local communities.

In Europe, new reserves help regions in countries such as Albania, Iceland, Slovenia, Spain, and possibly others, gain global recognition for their natural and cultural value. For example, Albania’s Vjosa Valley has recently been designated as a biosphere reserve, highlighting its status as one of Europe’s last wild river systems. This recognition has attracted attention both for ecological protection and for the possibility of responsible tourism development.

Biosphere reserves operate under a zoning model—core, buffer and transition zones—allowing human activities and tourism to coexist with ecosystem protection. Many European destinations already host reserves such as Krkonoše / Karkonosze (shared between Czechia and Poland), or the transboundary West Polesie reserve encompassing Poland, Belarus and Ukraine.

For European destinations, the new additions mean both prestige and duty. They offer a platform to attract visitors interested in nature, conservation and community-centred tourism, but also require enhanced governance, monitoring, and stakeholder collaboration. Destinations must ensure that tourism aligns with ecological limits, supports local communities, and helps preserve cultural landscapes.

If you wish to explore the full list, maps, case descriptions and implications for tourism development across Europe, you can find the original announcement and details in the UNESCO article.

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