News from the World Network of Mountain Biosphere Reserves

Just as the evolution of life leaves behind a summary of the past in the genome, which does not contain precise information but rather instructions for survival, useful at some point in time, in compact toolboxes that have reached the present day, and whose manual is difficult to unravel due to its enormous complexity, oral tradition can be an unexpected resource for tapping into the accumulated wisdom of rural, fishing or indigenous communities, where we can trace evidence of proverbs, idioms, sayings, riddles, couplets, romances, nursery rhymes, songs, recipes, spells… that show greater respect for their natural environment, or greater caution felt by those communities about their future, about new products on sale, about youthful illusions or excessive ambitions.We imagine that this line of work provides stimulus, every 3rd of November in each Reserve or Network of Reserves, to send messages as a fruitful exchange between the countryside and the city, between grandmothers and grandchildren, between philosophy, anthropology and linguistics… Perhaps it will be possible to transfer the wisdom that time has accumulated with greater serenity, in the face of metropolitan frenzy.The messages to be issued by the Biosphere Reserves should be selected based on the diagnosis (Pablo Meira, Univ. Veracruzana, 28/05/25) of the cultural, social, psychological, and other reasons that motivate the behaviour of individuals and entities who are irresponsible towards the future of the planet and its many living beings.This web section has been created for a new stage of the Tapestry, which may reach the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. We ask that you link and develop from Networks of Reserves, Universities, schools, nursing homes, associations, etc.

On Friday 27 June 2025, an inspiring virtual session was held under the International Year of Glacier Preservation 2025, led by the World Network of Mountain Biosphere Reserves. Titled “Glacier Talks”, the event brought together global experts, researchers, and biosphere reserve managers to reflect on the vital role of mountain biosphere reserves in glacier monitoring, research, and conservation.Koen Verbist (UNESCO) opened the session with an overview of the International Year’s five strategic pillars, ranging from awareness-raising to policy support, and introduced the Decade of Action on Cryospheric Sciences (2025–2034), emphasizing the opportunity for mountain biosphere reserves to lead on-the-ground adaptation efforts.Samuel Nussbaumer (World Glacier Monitoring Service) followed with a compelling presentation on the global retreat of glaciers, positioning them as both symbols of climate change and indicators of our success (or failure) in limiting global warming. His data revealed that while many glaciers are doomed, decisive climate action can still preserve up to half of current glacial volume.Yang Wei (Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences) shared insights on glacier monitoring in the Southeastern Tibetan Plateau, highlighting scientific efforts in one of the planet’s most sensitive cryospheric regions.Felipe Ugalde (University of Chile) addressed the growing threats posed by glacier hazards, such as glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) and the importance of risk assessment and early warning systems in glacier regions.Marc Pons (University of Saskatchewan) presented early results from an analysis of glacier coverage across the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. A total of 64 mountain biosphere reserves with active glaciers were identified, covering more than 80,000 km². He emphasized the role of biosphere reserves not only in protecting glacier ecosystems but also in advancing long-term monitoring and conservation.Finally, Abdías Villoslada Taipe (Huascarán Biosphere Reserve) and Paola Moschella Miloslavich (INAIGEM) shared experiences from Peru, showcasing glacier monitoring initiatives in the Andes that connect high-altitude ecosystems with local livelihoods, spiritual values, and traditional knowledge.Here is a link with the presentations.For more information about the International Year of Glacier Preservation: https://www.un-glaciers.org