News from the Biosphere Regions

Welcome to US Biosphere Network News, a periodical newsletter sharing notable national and international activities by biosphere regions and partner organizations. Cooperative efforts in biosphere regions work to maintain healthy lands, air, and water and sustain our quality of life.

USGS Intern Brings Biosphere Background to Yellowstone

Margery Price, a Cascade Head Biosphere Region local and inaugural member of the US Biosphere Network Youth Board, spent the summer and fall of 2023 working with the U.S. Geological Survey to expand the accessibility of water chemistry data in Yellowstone National Park.

First Workshop of the World Network of Mountain Biosphere Reserves in China

The World Network of Mountain Biosphere Reserves held its first workshop in September 2023 in Dujiangyan, Sichuan, China. Hosted by UNESCO's Division of Ecological and Earth Sciences, more than 60 delegates representing mountain biosphere reserves across 17 countries, including the United States, participated in the workshop. Dr. Kelly L. Cerialo, the US Biosphere Network Coordinator and Co-Chair of the Champlain-Adirondack Biosphere Network, participated in the workshop.

UNESCO Chair Visits the Everglades and Dry Tortugas Biosphere Region

Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO’s Director-General, visited the Everglades and Dry Tortugas Biosphere Region in December. During her visit, Azoulay underscored UNESCO’s commitment to supporting the site's managers by contributing scientific expertise and launching a new, local, environmental education program with the support of the LVMH group.

Enhanced Collaboration for Ocean Conservation and a Sustainable Blue Economy

Recognizing the critical importance of marine and coastal ecosystems, the United States and UNESCO have announced their intent to collaborate on addressing the challenges highlighted by the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021-2030. The USBN welcomes this collaboration and is committed to sharing its expertise on key issues, including biodiversity conservation, climate change response, sustainable community development, and youth engagement.

A Visit With Tom Gilbert: Champion for US Biosphere Regions

Tom Gilbert, National Park Service (retired) and first President of the George Wright Society, was instrumental in getting the biosphere reserve program established in the United States after its founding by UNESCO in 1971 and has remained a champion for US biosphere regions. This photo shows (left to right) Lisa McInnis, Chief of Resource Management, Great Smoky Mountains National Park; Jonathan Putnam, National Park Service Office of International Affairs; David Reynolds, President, George Wright Society, Chair of USBN Agriculture Committee; and Tom Gilbert when they enjoyed a December visit in Pittman Center, Tennessee.

Sustainable Tourism Solutions in Cave and Karst Biosphere Reserves

On November 6th, the CaveMAB Network hosted an international webinar about Sustainable Tourism Solutions in Cave and Karst Biosphere Reserves. Among the featured panelists were Lee Anne Bledsoe (Mammoth Cave Biosphere Region, Western Kentucky University) and Dr. Kelly Cerialo (Champlain-Adirondack Biosphere Network, Paul Smith’s College).

United States Becomes the 194th Member State of UNESCO

The United States officially accepted the Constitution of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). As of July 11, 2023, the US is once again a full member of UNESCO, which now has 194 Member States. US membership strengthens participation in UNESCO programs. It does not, however, affect the sovereign jurisdiction of the United States, private property rights, or the authorities of local, state, tribal and federal governments.

The US Biosphere Network (USBN) is made up of 28 internationally recognized places across the continental United States, the US Caribbean, Alaska, and Hawai’i called biosphere regions.