Biosphere Reserves: sustainable territories, resillient communities

About this project

<p>The project aims to enhance sustainable development in Biosphere Reserves and will target the territory level, through the integration of heritage assets and ecosystem services. A special focus will directed towards people and strengthening their skills as well as on the governance model. The project will follow the objectives of the "Sustainable Development Plans" (SDP), following participatory methodologies, that will be the programmatic framework aimed at different territorial developments, resilience and sustainability of the Biosphere Reserves (BRs). The SDP will function as a guiding instrument within each reserve and between national BRs and international thematic and geographic networks. Exchange of knowledge will be ensured through the participation and cooperation between universities (Portuguese and Norwegian), the UNESCO chairs of Coimbra, Bergen and Nova Lisboa, and the participation of an international network in the fields of ecology, biodiversity and sustainability This will reinforce the role of knowledge as a social transformation and territorial enrichment tool and promote new dynamics of interdisciplinary research. Emphasis will be placed on the integrated valorization of ecosystem services, involving local communities in the identification of priorities, for their own benefit and for the sustainability of their territories.</p>

Bilateral cooperation results

The "Biosphere Reserves: Sustainable Territories, Resilient Communities" project made significant contributions to strengthening bilateral relations between Portugal and donor countries, including Norway and Iceland. The collaboration fostered knowledge exchange, shared experiences, and mutual benefits, positioning it as a model for cross-border cooperation. The project achieved shared results by addressing common challenges in biosphere reserve management. Donor partners provided critical expertise in governance, ecosystem services management, and participatory planning, which were instrumental in developing Sustainable Development Plans (SDPs) and innovative methodologies. Knowledge and mutual understanding were enhanced through bilateral exchanges, including study visits to Nordic biosphere reserves and collaborative workshops. These activities exposed Portuguese teams to effective governance models and sustainable tourism strategies while allowing donor countries to engage with Portugal’s unique socio-ecological contexts. The partnership generated broader interest, engaging stakeholders through high-profile events like the Festival of Portugal’s Biosphere Reserves and the final seminar. Media coverage and public engagement increased awareness of the global significance of biosphere reserves and the contributions of donor partners. The collaboration's impacts extended beyond the project. Tools, methodologies, and lessons learned are being adapted for broader applications, and the strengthened relationships have laid the foundation for ongoing cooperation. The project aligned with UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere Programme and the Sustainable Development Goals, reinforcing regional and European collaboration. By promoting visibility, innovation, and sustainability, this partnership exemplifies how international cooperation can address shared environmental challenges and deliver long-term benefits for all stakeholders.

Project partners

• University of Bergen Donor project partner· Norway
• Icelandic National Commission for UNESCO Donor project partner· Iceland
• Nordhordland Utviklingsselskap IKS Donor project partner· Norway
• University of Coimbra Project partner· Portugal
• New University of Lisbon - FCSH Project partner· Portugal
• PC&A Project partner· Portugal
• Pedro Nunes Institute Project partner· Portugal
• Biologists Order Project partner· Portugal
• KEEP–KNOWLEDGE FOR PEACE, PEOPLE AND THE PLANET, ASSOCIATION Project partner· Portugal