With 727 biosphere reserves in 131 countries, 20 of which are in Italy, the MAB programme, which turns 50 this year, was set up to promote a balanced relationship between man and the environment through the protection of biodiversity and good practices of sustainable development.
The Biosphere now includes 80 municipalities
The Tuscan-Emilian Apennine Biosphere Reserve was created in 2015 on an area of over 223,000 hectares, across 38 municipalities. This year UNESCO approved the extension to an area of over 490,000 hectares and 80 municipalities, including the Ligurian municipality of Luni, the first municipality in Liguria to join the Unesco project.
“An ethical and voluntary pact”
The mayor of Luni, Alessandro Silvestri explains: “Entering this worldwide network does not involve costs or constraints. It is an ethical and voluntary pact that commits us to a sustainable use of natural resources, to a model of equitable economic and social development, to the promotion of cultural values and traditional practices with an eye, above all, towards the younger generation.”
A new bond between the Apennines and the Tyrrhenian coast
The president of the National Park Fausto Giovanelli, adds: “ Luni is an important addition to our Biosphere Reserve. Today’s agreement is a pact, a new bond between the hinterland and the sea, the Apennines and the Tyrrhenian coast. It represents a step forward for our network and communities, which are ready to share projects and best practices.”
