On September 27, UNESCO designated 26 new biosphere reserves, including China's Daqingshan Biosphere Reserve and Zhouzhi Biosphere Reserve. This brings the total number of protected areas in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves to 785.

Pic from Xinhua

The Daqingshan Biosphere Reserve encompasses the central reaches of Inner Mongolia's Yinshan Mountains across a vast 3,900 square kilometers. Renowned as the most ecologically diverse section of the range, this protected sanctuary hosts an astonishing array of life: roughly 1,200 species of higher plants, 300 vertebrates, and 1,800 arthropods.

Pic from Xinhua

The Zhouzhi Biosphere Reserve is situated at the junction of the northern and southern slopes of the Qinling Mountains in Shaanxi Province, covering an area of approximately 690 square kilometers. With a forest coverage rate of 96%, the area boasts abundant flora and fauna resources, including rare species such as the Qinling panda, golden snub-nosed monkey, and takin.

Spread across 21 nations, the new biosphere reserves form part of UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Programme—a pioneering intergovernmental scientific initiative launched in 1971. The program envisions biosphere reserves as living laboratories where the well-being of local communities, economic vitality, social advancement, and environmental stewardship are integrated. Its mission is to chart a course that protects natural and cultural treasures while enabling sustainable economic and social growth.

Zhouzhi Reserve joined the China Biosphere Reserve Network in 2023 and, in 2024, embarked on its bid for inclusion in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. It is the first reserve on the northern foothills of the Qinling Mountains to be selected and marks China's re-entry into the World Network since 2018. This recognition honors Zhouzhi's exemplary work in ecological protection and sustainable development, bringing its "Qinling Model" to the global stage.