Morocco and China are formalizing a strategic partnership within UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) program to enhance biodiversity preservation. During the 38th ICC-MAB session in Paraguay, leaders from both nations pledged to implement joint initiatives, including expertise exchanges and training programs, to foster sustainable development across their respective biosphere reserves.
How will Morocco and China reshape biosphere reserve management?
The bilateral meeting between the Moroccan and Chinese MAB networks marks a shift toward practical, hands-on cooperation. Rather than focusing solely on high-level policy, the two nations are prioritizing the “how” of environmental protection. According to official reports from the 38th session of the International Coordinating Council (ICC-MAB), the partnership will focus on several concrete mechanisms.
Ambassador Samir Addahre, Morocco’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, expressed a desire to see strategic cooperation reflected directly in the management of biosphere reserves. This involves strengthening exchanges between the two national MAB networks to promote territorial resilience and biodiversity preservation.
To achieve this, the two parties are looking at several collaborative pillars:
- Expertise Exchange: Developing mechanisms to share technical knowledge between scientists and managers.
- Joint Training Programs: Creating educational frameworks to equip local stakeholders with modern conservation tools.
- Study Visits: Organizing direct exchanges between biosphere reserves in Morocco and China to observe successful field practices.
Why does the transition of UNESCO leadership matter for global biodiversity?
The meeting in Hernandarias, Paraguay, also served as a bridge between two eras of leadership. Morocco has held the presidency of the ICC-MAB for the 2024-2026 mandate, a period highlighted by Ambassador Yang Xinyu for its successful organization of the 36th session in Agadir.
As the current mandate nears its end, the focus shifts to China. The Chinese ecologist and academician Ma Keping has been elected to preside over the ICC-MAB for the 2026-2028 term. This transition took place during the 38th session held within the Itaipu Biosphere Reserve.
Moroccan representatives, including Latifa Yaakoubi, President of the Moroccan National MAB Committee, expressed full confidence in this new leadership. By supporting the incoming Chinese presidency, Morocco aims to ensure a “spirit of continuity” in the global efforts to strengthen the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
The Importance of Continuity
When leadership shifts in international environmental bodies, there is often a risk of stalled momentum. However, the recent dialogue between Ambassador Addahre and Ambassador Yang Xinyu suggests a deliberate attempt to prevent this. By aligning the visions of both nations, they are working to ensure that the goals of sustainable development and innovation remain consistent across presidential terms.
What are the core pillars of this new MAB cooperation strategy?
The cooperation isn’t just about protecting trees or animals; it’s about the people living within these ecosystems. The discussions between Morocco and China centered on the “convergence of visions” regarding sustainable development and the dialogue between peoples.
According to the meeting’s outcomes, the strategy is built on three fundamental concepts:
- Innovation: Using new scientific methods to address the evolving challenges of climate change and habitat loss.
- Sustainable Development: Ensuring that biosphere reserves contribute to the economic well-being of local communities without compromising ecological integrity.
- Knowledge Sharing: Moving away from isolated national efforts and toward a collaborative model where “good practices” are exported from one country to another.
This ambitious approach aims to create a “mutually beneficial” dynamic. By sharing both successes and failures, the Moroccan and Chinese networks can accelerate the implementation of effective conservation strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ICC-MAB?
The International Coordinating Council of the Man and the Biosphere (ICC-MAB) program is the governing body for UNESCO’s MAB initiative, which focuses on the relationship between people and the biosphere.
Where did the 38th ICC-MAB session take place?
The 38th session was held in the Itaipu Biosphere Reserve in Hernandarias, Paraguay.
Who will lead the ICC-MAB from 2026 to 2028?
Ma Keping, a Chinese ecologist and academician, has been elected to lead the council for the 2026-2028 mandate.
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