On June 5, 2026, during the 38th session of the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) International Coordinating Council in Hernandarias, Paraguay, the MAB networks of Morocco and China signed a twinning agreement between two biosphere reserves: the Arganeraie Biosphere Reserve in Morocco and the Shennongjia Biosphere Reserve in China. The agreement aims to promote sustainable development, biodiversity conservation, and knowledge exchange between the two sites.
The twinning was announced by the Moroccan National Commission for UNESCO and confirmed by the Chinese MAB National Committee. Both reserves are recognized for their unique ecosystems: the Arganeraie is known for its argan trees and traditional oil production, while Shennongjia is a biodiversity hotspot in central China, home to rare species like the golden snub-nosed monkey.
This partnership aligns with UNESCO's MAB program goals of strengthening international cooperation for biosphere reserves. The agreement includes joint research projects, capacity-building workshops, and exchanges of best practices in sustainable resource management.
The 38th MAB ICC session, held from June 1 to 5, 2026, also reviewed new biosphere reserve designations and ongoing conservation efforts worldwide. The Morocco-China twinning was highlighted as a model for South-South cooperation in environmental stewardship.
