UNESCO expands biosphere network

AI-powered article analysis with grammar and vocabulary notes.
Society & Culture
Source: unesco

This year marks a record expansion of UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves. At the 5th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves, held in September 2025, UNESCO approved the creation of 26 new biosphere reserves across 21 countries — the largest addition to the network in the past 20 years. Among the countries where a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve was established for the first time is Tajikistan, with the designation of the Romit Biosphere Reserve.

Main Idea
UNESCO’s biosphere network hits a record expansion: at the 5th World Congress (Sept 2025), 26 new reserves in 21 countries were approved—the largest increase in two decades. The milestone includes first-time entrants such as Tajikistan (Romit Biosphere Reserve).
Tone & Implications
The tone is informative and celebratory. It signals rising global commitment to conservation and sustainable development, strengthens cross-border scientific collaboration, and elevates national prestige for new member countries.
Meaning Flow
2025 (This year)→Record expansion→5th World Congress (Sept 2025)→UNESCO approves 26 sites→Across 21 countries→Largest in 20 years→First-time country: Tajikistan→Romit Biosphere Reserve
🌍 Message: Conservation is scaling up—both in breadth (more countries) and depth (historic pace).

Sentence 1 — “This year marks a record expansion of UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves.”

  • Subject (S)This year — temporal NP functioning as grammatical subject.
  • Verb (V)marks — reporting verb meaning “signifies/represents.”
  • Complement (C)a record expansion of UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves — noun phrase naming the milestone.
S: This year→V: marks→C: a record expansion
Simplified Rewrite
This year represents the biggest-ever growth in UNESCO’s biosphere-reserve network.

Sentence 2 — Prepositional opener + main clause + appositive dash clause

  • Modifier (M)At the 5th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves, held in September 2025, — place/time context with a reduced relative clause (held …).
  • Subject (S)UNESCO
  • Verb (V)approved
  • Object (O)the creation of 26 new biosphere reserves
  • Extent (M)across 21 countries
  • Appositive (C)— the largest addition to the network in the past 20 years — noun phrase adding evaluative scale.
M: At the 5th Congress (held Sept 2025)→S: UNESCO→V: approved→O: creation of 26 reserves→M: across 21 countries→C: largest addition in 20 years
Simplified Rewrite
At the September 2025 congress, UNESCO approved 26 new reserves in 21 countries—the biggest increase in two decades.

Sentence 3 — Inversion + accompaniment phrase

  • Fronted PP (M)Among the countries where a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve was established for the first time — relative clause specifies the subset.
  • Link Verb (V)is — note inversion: verb precedes the true subject.
  • Subject (S)Tajikistan — true subject placed after the verb for focus.
  • Accompaniment (M)with the designation of the Romit Biosphere Reserve — with + NP adds the specific site.
M: Among the countries … (first time)→V: is→S: Tajikistan→M: with the Romit designation
Simplified Rewrite
Tajikistan is one of the first-time countries, with the Romit area named a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Usage: mark + NP signals milestones (“This year marks …”); reduced relatives (held …) compress information; em-dash appositives add evaluative scale; inversion after fronted location phrases (“Among … is X”) highlights the focus; designation of is a formal collocation for official naming.

biosphere
noun
Definition

The area of Earth where life exists, including land, water, and the atmosphere.

Example

The biosphere is essential for maintaining the balance of ecosystems on our planet.

reserve
adjective
Definition

Kept back or saved for future use, often referring to supplies or resources that are not currently being used.

Example

The restaurant has a reserve stock of ingredients for busy nights.

designation
noun
Definition

A name or title that identifies someone or something, often used to show a specific role or position.

Example

Her designation as the team leader was announced at the meeting.

expansion
noun
Definition

The act of increasing in size, number, or importance, or a part that has been made larger or more extensive.

Example

The expansion of the city has led to more job opportunities.

network
intransitive verb
Definition

To connect with others in a way that allows for sharing information and support, often in a professional or social context.

Example

She decided to network with other professionals at the conference to find new job opportunities.

Located on the southern slopes of the Gissar Range, the Romit Biosphere Reserve covers an area of 657.6 km². Its ecosystems span three elevation zones: mountain steppe, forest-steppe, and alpine areas. The reserve is home to 32 species of mammals, including the snow leopard (Panthera uncia), as well as other rare species listed in the Red Book of Tajikistan. This rich biodiversity makes Romit an important site for scientific research, environmental education, and the development of ecotourism.

Main Idea
The passage profiles Romit’s location, scale, and ecological breadth, highlighting flagship fauna (snow leopard) and its listing importance, then links that biodiversity to research, education, and ecotourism value.
Tone & Implication
Informative and conservation-focused. By pairing a quantified area with named elevation zones and protected species, the text frames Romit as a high-priority conservation landscape and a living laboratory that can also support sustainable local economies via ecotourism.
Meaning Flow
Southern Gissar slopes→657.6 km² extent→3 elevation zones→Fauna (32 spp.)→Flagship: snow leopard→Red Book rarity→Uses: research/education/ecotourism
🧭 Elevational diversity → habitat variety → higher biodiversity → stronger case for protection and sustainable visitation.

Sentence 1

  • Modifier (M)Located on the southern slopes of the Gissar Range — participial opener setting place.
  • Subject (S)the Romit Biosphere Reserve
  • Verb (V)covers
  • Object (O)an area of 657.6 km²
M: Located on southern slopes→S: Romit Reserve→V: covers→O: 657.6 km²
Chunking: [Located … Gissar Range] [the Romit Biosphere Reserve] [covers] [an area of 657.6 km²]

Sentence 2

  • Subject (S)Its ecosystems
  • Verb (V)span — extend across.
  • Object (O)three elevation zones
  • Apposition (C): mountain steppe, forest-steppe, and alpine areas — colon introduces a list naming the zones.
S: ecosystems→V: span→O: three elevation zones→C: list after colon
Chunking: [Its ecosystems] [span] [three elevation zones]: [mountain steppe, forest-steppe, and alpine areas]

Sentence 3

  • Subject (S)The reserve
  • Link Verb (V)is
  • Complement (C)home to 32 species of mammals — idiomatic predicate “be home to.”
  • Additive Modifiers (M)including the snow leopard (Panthera uncia), as well as other rare species listed in the Red Book of Tajikistan — “listed …” = reduced relative clause.
S: The reserve→V: is→C: home to 32 mammal spp.→M: including snow leopard & other Red Book species
Chunking: [The reserve] [is] [home to 32 species of mammals], [including …], [as well as other rare species listed …]

Sentence 4

  • Subject (S)This rich biodiversity
  • Verb (V)makes
  • Object (O)Romit
  • Object Complement (OC)an important site for scientific research, environmental education, and the development of ecotourism — “make + O + OC” causative pattern.
S: biodiversity→V: makes→O: Romit→OC: important site for research/education/ecotourism
Chunking: [This rich biodiversity] [makes] [Romit] [an important site for …]
Simplified Rewrite
On the Gissar Range’s southern slopes, Romit spans 657.6 km². Its habitats cover mountain steppe, forest-steppe, and alpine zones. It hosts 32 mammal species—among them the snow leopard—and other nationally protected species. Because of this diversity, Romit is valuable for research, teaching, and sustainable tourism.
Usage: participial opener (Located …) sets context; colon introduces an appositive list; idiom be home to; reduced relative (species listed …); causative make + O + OC expresses how one factor creates a status.

biodiversity
noun
Definition

The variety of different types of living things in a particular area or environment, including the differences within species and between species.

Example

Conserving biodiversity is essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems.

ecotourism
noun
Definition

A type of travel that focuses on visiting natural areas while trying to protect the environment and support local communities.

Example

Many travelers choose ecotourism to experience nature and help preserve it at the same time.

elevation
noun
Definition

The height of a place or position above a certain level, especially above sea level.

Example

The elevation of the mountain is over 3,000 meters.

alpine
adjective
Definition

Related to high mountains, especially those found in the Alps, or to plants and animals that live in mountainous areas above the tree line.

Example

The alpine flowers bloom beautifully in the summer.

steppe
noun
Definition

A large, flat area of land that is mostly covered with grass and has very few trees, typically found in regions with dry climates.

Example

The herd of wild horses roamed freely across the steppe.

The transition zone, covering 467.7 km², is home to about 12,000 people engaged in agriculture, livestock farming, and forest management. Local communities maintain traditional practices, such as fruit tree farming and the use of medicinal plants, while integrating new initiatives for ecotourism development and cultural heritage preservation.

Main Idea
The passage explains the human use of Romit’s transition zone: ~12,000 residents practice agriculture, herding, and forest management, preserving traditional knowledge while adding ecotourism and heritage projects—showing a blend of conservation, culture, and livelihoods.
Tone & Implications
Neutral–informative with a sustainability lens. It frames local people as stewards rather than threats, emphasizing continuity (traditions) plus adaptive change (new initiatives) to support conservation goals and community income.
Meaning Flow
Transition zone (467.7 km²)→~12,000 residents→Agriculture • Livestock • Forest mgmt→Traditional practices kept→New ecotourism & heritage efforts→Integrated human–nature management
🌱 Takeaway: The transition zone functions as a living interface where cultural traditions and modern sustainable enterprises reinforce biosphere-reserve objectives.

Sentence 1

  • Subject (S)The transition zone
  • Non-finite Modifier (M)covering 467.7 km² — present participial phrase adding area info.
  • Verb (V)is
  • Complement (C)home to about 12,000 people — idiom “be home to.”
  • Extended Complement (C)engaged in agriculture, livestock farming, and forest management — reduced relative describing the residents’ activities.
S: transition zone→M: covering 467.7 km²→V: is→C: home to ~12,000 people→C(ext): engaged in agriculture/livestock/forest mgmt
Chunking: [The transition zone] [covering 467.7 km²] [is] [home to about 12,000 people] [engaged in …]

Sentence 2

  • Subject (S)Local communities
  • Verb 1 (V)maintain
  • Object 1 (O)traditional practices — specified by apposition.
  • Appositive Detailsuch as fruit tree farming and the use of medicinal plants — examples via “such as.”
  • Coordinatorwhile — contrasts simultaneous action.
  • Verb 2 (V)integrating — non-finite verb introducing the second action.
  • Object 2 (O)new initiatives for ecotourism development and cultural heritage preservation.
S: communities→V1: maintain→O1: traditional practices (e.g., fruit trees, medicinal plants)→while→V2: integrating→O2: ecotourism & heritage initiatives
Sentence pattern: S → V(O) … while + V-ing(O). The while-phrase shows simultaneous contrast: continuity + innovation.
Simplified Rewrite
The transition zone (467.7 km²) has about 12,000 residents who farm, raise livestock, and manage forests. They keep traditions—like fruit orchards and medicinal plants—while adding projects for ecotourism and protecting culture.
Usage: (1) be home to + NP for resident populations. (2) such as for giving examples (not exhaustive). (3) while + V-ing to show two actions happening together with a contrast (preserving vs. integrating).

transition
intransitive verb
Definition

To change from one state or condition to another.

Example

The team will transition from defense to offense during the game.

livestock
noun
Definition

Animals that are raised on farms for food, work, or other purposes.

Example

The farmer sold some of his livestock at the market.

medicinal
adjective
Definition

Relating to or having the properties of medicine, often used to treat or heal illnesses.

Example

The herbal tea has many medicinal benefits for your health.

heritage
noun
Definition

The traditions, values, or properties that are passed down from previous generations, often related to culture or family.

Example

The festival celebrates the rich heritage of our ancestors.

The reserve hosts environmental workshops, school excursions, and scientific expeditions, managed in accordance with Tajikistan’s Law on Specially Protected Natural Areas. A Coordinating Council, which includes representatives of local authorities, communities, and NGOs, ensures participatory decision-making and a shared vision for conservation and sustainable development.

Main Idea
The passage links activities (education, research) with governance (legal compliance + a multi-stakeholder council). It presents the reserve as a legally grounded, community-inclusive system for advancing conservation and sustainable development.
Tone & Implications
Institutional and affirmative. Emphasis on being “in accordance with” national law and on “participatory decision-making” suggests legitimacy, transparency, and long-term buy-in from local actors.
Meaning Flow
Workshops • excursions • expeditions→Run per national law→Coordinating Council (state+community+NGOs)→Participatory decisions→Shared vision→Conservation & sustainability goals
💡 Authority comes from law; durability comes from participation.

Sentence 1

  • Subject (S)The reserve
  • Verb (V)hosts
  • Object (O)environmental workshops, school excursions, and scientific expeditions — coordinated list.
  • Postmodifier (M)managed in accordance with Tajikistan’s Law on Specially Protected Natural Areas — reduced passive clause showing legal compliance.
S: reserve→V: hosts→O: workshops/excursions/expeditions→M: managed per national law
Chunking: [The reserve] [hosts] [workshops, excursions, expeditions] [managed in accordance with … Law]

Sentence 2

  • Subject (S)A Coordinating Council
  • Relative (M)which includes representatives of local authorities, communities, and NGOs — non-defining relative clause adds membership detail.
  • Verb (V)ensures
  • Object (O)participatory decision-making and a shared vision
  • Purpose/Domain (C)for conservation and sustainable development
S: Coordinating Council→[which includes …]→V: ensures→O: participatory decisions & shared vision→C: for conservation & SD
Pattern: S → V → O/C (+ non-defining relative).
Simplified Rewrite
The reserve runs workshops, school trips, and research missions under Tajikistan’s protected-areas law. A Coordinating Council—bringing together government, communities, and NGOs—guarantees inclusive decisions and a common conservation-and-sustainability agenda.
Usage: in accordance with + law = formal compliance; non-defining which adds extra information; abstract-noun pairs (participatory decision-making, shared vision) commonly follow ensure.

accordance
noun
Definition

A state of being in agreement or following rules, instructions, or standards.

Example

The project was completed in accordance with the guidelines provided.

participatory
adjective
Definition

Relating to or allowing people to take part in something, especially in decision-making or activities.

Example

The community organized a participatory event to gather input from residents.

expeditions
noun
Definition

A journey or trip taken for a specific purpose, often involving exploration or research.

Example

The scientists went on several expeditions to study the effects of climate change in the Arctic.

conservation
noun
Definition

The act of protecting and preserving something, especially natural resources and wildlife, to prevent loss or damage.

Example

The conservation of forests is essential for maintaining biodiversity.

sustainable
adjective
Definition

Able to be maintained or continued without causing harm to the environment or depleting resources.

Example

The company is committed to using sustainable practices in its production processes.

The designation of the Romit Biosphere Reserve represents a historic milestone for Tajikistan and a significant contribution to the growth of UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves in Central Asia — promoting the conservation of natural heritage and the advancement of sustainable development in the region.

The designation of the Romit Biosphere Reserve represents a historic milestone for Tajikistan and a significant contribution to the growth of UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves in Central Asia — promoting the conservation of natural heritage and the advancement of sustainable development in the region.

“The designation of the Romit Biosphere Reserve represents a historic milestone for Tajikistan and a significant contribution to the growth of UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves in Central Asia — promoting the conservation of natural heritage and the advancement of sustainable development in the region.”

  • Subject (S)The designation of the Romit Biosphere Reserve — head noun designation + of-phrase.
  • Verb (V)represents — linking/reporting sense “amounts to/is.”
  • Complement 1 (C1)a historic milestone for Tajikistan — national significance.
  • Complement 2 (C2)a significant contribution to the growth of UNESCO’s World Network … in Central Asia — regional/institutional significance.
  • Non-finite Result/Purpose (M)— promoting the conservation of natural heritage and the advancement of sustainable development in the region — dash + -ing clause expressing result/aim.
S: designation→V: represents→C1: milestone (Tajikistan)→C2: contribution to network growth→M: promoting conservation & sustainability
Chunking map: [The designation of Romit] [represents] [a historic milestone …] [and] [a significant contribution …] — [promoting conservation & sustainable development in the region]
Simplified Rewrite
Romit’s UNESCO status is a big step for Tajikistan and helps expand Central Asia’s biosphere network, supporting nature protection and sustainable development across the region.
Usage: (1) S + represents + NP to state significance. (2) Parallel complements (a historic milestone / a significant contribution) build emphasis. (3) Em-dash + V-ing clause adds outcome/purpose succinctly: “— promoting X and Y.”

designation
noun
Definition

A name or title that identifies someone or something, often used to show a specific role or position.

Example

Her designation as the team leader was announced at the meeting.

milestone
noun
Definition

A significant event or point in a process that marks progress or achievement.

Example

Graduating from college was a major milestone in her life.

contribution
noun
Definition

Something that is given or added to help achieve a goal or support a cause.

Example

Her contribution to the project was invaluable and helped it succeed.

heritage
noun
Definition

The traditions, values, or properties that are passed down from previous generations, often related to culture or family.

Example

The festival celebrates the rich heritage of our ancestors.

advancement
noun
Definition

A noun that refers to the process of making progress or moving forward, often in terms of improvement, development, or promotion in rank.

Example

The advancement of technology has greatly improved our daily lives.