Chinese Biosphere Reserves Network opens conference in Yancheng

The Chinese Biosphere Reserves Network (CBRN) held the 23rd conference in Yancheng City of Jiangsu Province on February 14 along with the celebration of the 50th anniversary of UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme.

The MAB programme, launched in 1971, aims to establish a scientific basis for enhancing the relationship between people and their environments. The World Network of Biosphere Reserves currently counts 738 sites in 134 countries and regions all over the world. Established in 1993, the CBRN saw its members grow from 45 to 191 at present, including three in Jiangsu, namely the Rare Birds National Nature Reserve in Yancheng Wetlands, Dafeng National Nature Reserve for Elk and Nanjing Nature Reserve for Yangtze Finless Porpoise.

As China''s first World Natural Heritage site of coastal wetlands, Yancheng is home to 17 endangered species on the IUCN Red List and two members of the CBRN. The city attracts over three million migratory birds that come for winter every year.