The forum is aimed at young people aged 18–35 that live or work in biosphere reserves, or study or conduct research on these areas. It is organized by UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Secretariat and the UNESCO Regional Office for Science and Culture in Europe.

As young people represent the future of biosphere reserves, their voice plays a crucial role in shaping these territories and defining their engagement in the MAB Programme. This forum therefore provides an opportunity for young people interested in biosphere reserves to gather and share ideas and find new ways to contribute to the sustainable development of their communities, in line with the Lima Action Plan.

The main topics to be discussed at the forum are: (i) the contribution of young people to the life of biosphere reserves, (ii) research and studies into the sustainable development of biosphere reserves, (iii) and a sustainable future for the youth of biosphere reserves.

The BRESEP project is coordinated by the MAB Programme with the support of the Government of Flanders of the Kingdom of Belgium.

The objective of this project is to create and reinforce existing biosphere reserves on the coastal areas and islands of the west coast of Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama and Peru. The project also aims to promote biosphere reserves as tools for innovative projects to bring added value to local socio-economical activities, and to sensitize and build the capacity of stakeholders in the area.

Thanks to the BRESEP Project and the financial support of the Government of Flanders, the MAB Programme will cover travel and accommodation expenses for one participant from each BRESEP country (Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama and Peru).

Applicants from these countries should send an application to their national MAB Focal Point/Committee before 10 April 2017.

• Application process (in Spanish)