Event ID: 72 Title: Voices from the Peaks: Local Solutions for a Changing Planet

This side event will showcase innovative, community-driven solutions from mountain biosphere reserves addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable livelihoods. Featuring best practice pitches and interactive dialogue, it will highlight the role of mountain territories as living laboratories for sustainability and their contribution to the MAB Programme. The session will foster cross-regional collaboration, promote inclusive governance, and engage youth and diverse stakeholders. By sharing transferable practices and tools, the event aims to strengthen networks, raise awareness of mountain ecosystems' global importance, and inspire collective action for their protection and sustainable use.

Preliminary Agenda
TimeContentSpeaker
13:15-13:25IntroductionWeihua Xu & Natalia Castro – Joint Secretariat of the WNMBR
13:25-13:35Scientific Contributions for Sustainable Mountain DevelopmentJörg Balsiger – Mountain Research Initiative (MRI) (TBC)
13:35-13:45Implementation of Open Standards for Conservation in the Chilean Network of Biosphere ReservesVíctor Hugo Gutiérrez - Bosques Lluviosos Templados de los Andes Australes Biosphere Reserve (Chile)
13:45-13:55Sustainability Credits Giuseppe Vignali – Appennino Tosco-Emiliano Biosphere Reserve (Italy)
13:55-14:05Forest Management in the Shouf Cedar Biosphere ReserveOmar Abi Al – Shouf Cedar Biosphere Reserve (Lebanon)
14:05-14:15Good practices in South African Biosphere ReservesVongani Maringa – MAB Focal Point South Africa (TBC)
14:15-14:25Dahuangnihe River Ecological Restoration ProjectDavy ZHANG - Changbaishan Biosphere Reserve (China)
14:25-14:40Discussion
14:40-14:45Conclusion