The Italian National Parc of the Sila was added to UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves(10-13 June 2014)

During the 26th session of the International Coordinating Council of the Man and Biosphere Programme (MAB) which was held in Jonkoping, Sweden, on June 10-13, the Italian National Parc of the Sila was added to UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
This biosphere reserve in Southern Italy extends over an area of 357,294 hectares. The site is host to approximately 1,000 vascular plant species and over 210 vertebrate species. The site’s plant diversity has earned it global recognition. The 230,000 permanent residents live mostly from agriculture, although eco-tourism has been playing an increasing role in the local economy in recent years, attracting over 500,000 visitors a year.
The Italian Minister of Environment, Gian Luca Galletti, declared on the occasion: “I believe that our extraordinary natural and landscape resources are key for promoting a sustainable development of our country ».
For more information :
http://www.minambiente.it/comunicati/le-riserve-di-monviso-e-sila-valorizzate-dallunesco
http://www.unesco.org/new/en/natural-sciences/environment/ecological-sciences/biosphere-reserves/europe-north-america/italy/sila/



Unesco, Mario Battaglia; Sila



The « Laricio » pine, which grows in the Sila reserve only