The United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has designated Giam Siak Kecil Bukit Batu (GSK-BB), a peatland areas in Sumatra, as one of the world’s 22 new biosphere reserves, according to local media.
The decision was made at a meeting of the International Coordinating Council of the Man and Biosphere Programme in Jeju, the Republic of Korea, last month, the Antara news agency said.
GSK-BB was recognized as one of the 553 biosphere reserves located in 124 countries, Antara reported, adding that the 22 new biosphere reserves were added to the UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR).
GSK-BB is a peatland area on the island of Sumatra featuring sustainable timber production and two wildlife reserves, inhabited by Sumatran tigers, elephants, tapirs, and sun bears. Researchers are monitoring flagship species and conducting an in-depth study on peatland ecology.
It covers 178,722 ha conservation area, including 84,967 ha Guam Siak Kecil nature sanctuary and 21,500 ha Bukit Batu nature sanctuary./.
