The 4th Meeting of the World Network of Island and Coastal Biosphere Reserves will be held in the Palawan Biosphere Reserve in the Republic of Philippines, from 17 June to 21 June 2014 under the theme “Island and Coastal Biosphere Reserves under the impact of Natural Disasters”. 

 

On behalf of Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve the network meeting will be attended by Acting In-Charge of Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve Office Mr.Abdulla Shibau. A total of 17 Biosphere Reserves are taking part in this meeting and a total of 26 presentations from Australian and the African Biosphere Reserves, Asian Biosphere Reserves, Latin American and the North American Biosphere Reserves and European Biosphere Reserves will be presented.

 

During the 4 day workshop the participants are scheduled to visit Palawan Wildlife Rescue Center, Palawan Heritage Center and Puerto Princesa Underground River (UNESCO World Heritage site).

 

The International Coordinating Council of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Man and the Biosphere Programme has added 13 sites to the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. The Network now includes 631 sites in 119 countries, including 14 transboundary reserves.

 

The new biosphere reserves are: Valdes Biosphere Reserve, Argentina; Mount Chilbo, Democratic People's Republic of Korea; Bosque Seco, Ecuador; Mont-Viso/Area della Biosfera del Monviso transboundary Biosphere Reserve, France and Italy; Sila, Italy; Minami-Alps, Japan; Tadami, Japan; Ak-Zhayik, Kazakhstan; Katon-Karagay, Kazakhstan; Crocker Range, Malaysia; Ohrid-Prespa Transboundary Reserve, Albania/Macedonia; Brighton and Lewes Downs, United Kingdom (UK); and Bioma Pampa-Quebradas del Norte, Uruguay. The transboundary reserve in Albania and Macedonia is the first UNESCO-recognized reserve in both countries.

 

The sites include highly fragile terrestrial and marine ecosystems, dry forests, mountainous regions and bird migration routes. The sites are home to: endemic species, such as the mantled howler monkey; endangered plant and animal species, including the sun bear and clouded leopard; vulnerable species, such as the southern right whale; and medicinal herbs.

 

In addition, the Council approved extensions to five existing biosphere reserves: Laguna Oca del Río Paraguay Biosphere Reserve, Argentina; Rhön Biosphere Reserve, Germany; Shiga Highland Biosphere Reserve, Japan; Montseny Biosphere Reserve, Spain; and Mancha Húmeda Biosphere Reserve, Spain.

 

Austria and the UK withdrew sites from the Network. Austria withdrew Gossenköllesee and Gurgler Kamm, which were designated in 1977. The UK withdrew North Northfolk, which was designated in 1976.

 

The International Coordinating Committee of the Man and the Biosphere Programme approved the additions, extensions and withdrawals at its 26th session, which took place in Jönkoping, Sweden. The Committee brings together representatives of 34 member States of UNESCO.

 

 

The Maldivian Government has announced today that manta ray, skates and all species of rays, species belonging to Superorder Batoidea are declared protected under the Article 4 of Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (Act No. 4/93).

 

With the Government’s directive coming into effect , any act of catching, rearing, trade or smuggling of ray or parts of ray, cruel and abusive practices towards these animals and/or their habitats will be considered an act of violation of the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act. Such acts listed above shall be considered a breach under Law No. 4/93 and will be punishable under the Environment Liability regulation (R-9/2011).

 

This announcement is a huge step forward for the conservation of all ray species in the Maldives and highlights the government’s dedication to protecting these vulnerable animals and Implementing their protection in the Maldives strengthens the countries reputation as a leader in marine conservation and promotes the valuable, sustainable tourism trade based around manta populations.