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Hello my name is Evangelia Avramidou and I am a forester with specialization in forest genetics! I expect from this course to dive into details about MAB program and to learn about possibilities to protect Natural - Cultural Hetitage in the Biosphere reserves

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Hello! My name is Nara Nikoghosyan, and I collaborate with the UNESCO MAB Biosphere Reserve of Monte Peglia. I am writing to express my strong interest in your course, from which I hope to gain updated and in-depth knowledge of best practices in integrated management and sustainable governance within Biosphere Reserves.I am particularly eager to explore opportunities for building meaningful international partnerships with Biosphere Reserves, fostering the exchange of experiences, methodologies, and innovative approaches. methodologies, and innovative approaches. Moreover, I aim to further strengthen my ability to effectively present and discuss case studies and project proposals within UNESCO forums and relevant regional networks, contributing proactively to dialogue and cooperation at the international level.

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Maria Peroni - Maiella UNESCO Global Geopark (Italy)

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Maria Peroni - Maiella UNESCO Global Geopark (Italy)

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My name is Maria Peroni, I have a degree in Forest sciences and I work at the Maiella UNESCO Global Geopark (Italy) mainly on educational activities. I took part in Phase A last October (a truly wonderful experience for me!) and so I decided to join this phase too. This especially to further expand my knowledge and meet new people with whom I can exchange ideas and experiences.

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I work for Kouklia Community Council, and I believe that the course will strengthen my understanding of sustainable heritage management. Kouklia is a community with exceptional historical and cultural significance, including the Sanctuary of Aphrodite and the wider Palaipafos archaeological landscape. By participating in this seminar, I aim to enhance our capacity to protect, promote, and manage our natural and cultural assets more effectively, while adopting best practices that support long‑term sustainability and community development.

Thank you!

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My current work focuses on strengthening water monitoring systems and supporting river basin management planning aligned with the Water Framework Directive. I joined this course to expand my perspective beyond technical and institutional dimensions, and better integrate natural and cultural heritage approaches that are essential for effective management of rivers, wetlands, and protected/designated sites. The Mediterranean context is particularly relevant to my work in Albania, where conservation and water governance are closely tied to cultural landscapes and local livelihoods.

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Hi, my name is Lorenzo Peter castelletto and I work for the Marine Protected Area of Miramare. We manage the Biosphere Reserve of Miramare and Trieste coast. I am in charge to develop a youth program inside the MaB and I am following this course for inspirational ideas to do it.

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Hi, my name is Lorenzo Peter castelletto and I work for the Marine Protected Area of Miramare. We manage the Biosphere Reserve of Miramare and Trieste coast. I am in charge to develop a youth program inside the MaB and I am following this course for inspirational ideas to do it.

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Hi! I'm Iván Cortijo, from Villuercas-Ibores-Jara UNESCO Global Geopark in Extremadura, Spain.

I'm the geoscientist in charge of the educational project. I also collaborate on the educational projects of the two Biosphere Reserves in the province of Cáceres.

I hope this course will help me professionally, allowing me to acquire new knowledge and skills, as well as meet new colleagues :)

Cheers

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This is Aybars from Turkiye. And it's been quite long time, for about 25 years, that I've been working within the GD of Nature Conservation and National Parks. But since I was concentrated on working threatened species mostly, my profession on protected areas is very limited. And now, I begin to work on protected areas and these courses on "Management of Biosphere Reserves" is really atractive for me. Thank you for the chance... 

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This is Aybars from Turkiye. And it's been quite long time, for about 25 years, that I've been working within the GD of Nature Conservation and National Parks. But since I was concentrated on working threatened species mostly, my profession on protected areas is very limited. And now, I begin to work on protected areas and these courses on "Management of Biosphere Reserves" is really atractive for me. Thank you for the chance... 

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Lulash Keqi’s Kulla, Theth (Shkodër, Albania) – my photo

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Hello everyone! My name is Fatjon Mlloja and currently I live and work in my hometown in Albania. After being selected to participate in person, I am also following the Asterousia Hybrid online course that integrates cultural heritage. I work in the field of cultural heritage conservation and I am currently a PhD candidate in sustainable tourism, so this course feels very close to both my professional and academic path. I am especially interested in learning from real experiences that show how culture, nature, and local communities can coexist within Biosphere Reserves and Protected Areas, and in reflecting on how these ideas can be applied in my own context.

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Hello everyone, My name is Abigail Mathebula from South Africa. I'm currently working at the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment under Man and Biosphere Programmes. I aim to gain more knowledge on Biosphere Reserve.

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Hello everyone, My name is Abigail Mathebula from South Africa. I'm currently working at the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment under Man and Biosphere Programmes. I aim to gain more knowledge on Biosphere Reserve.

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I'm Emmanuel from Ghana  studying Master of Science Biosphere Reserve Management at University of Sustainable Development - Eberswalde (Germany). 

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I'm Emmanuel from Ghana  studying Master of Science Biosphere Reserve Management at University of Sustainable Development - Eberswalde (Germany). 

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I'm currently doing my internship at Lake Bosomtwe Biosphere(Ghana)with A Rocha Ghana on Nature-Based Solutions implementation and Environmental Education.

Hoping to study more on Natural & Cultural heritage approaches in BRS and other designated areas in the Mediterranean.

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Mukona Kone- Youth and Community Engagement Manager

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Mukona Kone- Youth and Community Engagement Manager

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Hello everyone, I am Mukona Kone from South Africa, working for the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve as a Youth and Community Engagement Manager. In this role, I work closely with rural communities to develop programs that align nature conservation with sustainable development, with a focus on using what is already available within the communities. My expectation for this course is to learn how to integrate natural and cultural heritage towards sustainable development within the scope of work

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My name is Ana Carvalho, and as manager of the Transboundary Biosphere Reserve Meseta Ibérica, I expect this course to provide practical and innovative approaches to integrated management that effectively connect natural and cultural heritage. The Meseta Ibérica Biosphere Reserve is an extraordinary transboundary territory, rich in biodiversity, cultural landscapes and living traditions, shaped by centuries of interaction between people and nature across Portugal and Spain.

I am particularly interested in exchanging experiences and learning from Mediterranean and South-Eastern European case studies, and in gaining tools to strengthen cross-border governance, community engagement and sustainable development, while reinforcing Biosphere Reserves as living laboratories for integrated heritage management.

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Research-Practice interface (Portugal) - Irene Katsaros

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Research-Practice interface (Portugal) - Irene Katsaros

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Hello everyone,

Over the past week, I have been conducting weed sampling as part of my work as a research fellow at the University of Coimbra, contributing to a Horizon Europe project that explores how agroecological practices can reduce weed emergence in agricultural fields. In parallel, I am working within the Tejo–Tajo Internacional Biosphere Reserve and developing a PhD proposal focused on the role of cultural ecosystem services in shaping agroecological transitions across Biosphere Reserves and a UNESCO Global Geopark.

My research interests lie particularly in understanding how cultural values, identity, and sense of place can inform the future governance of Biosphere Reserves, contributing to governance frameworks that are responsive to local communities and grounded in what people wish to preserve within their own territorial contexts. Through this work, I aim to explore how Biosphere Reserves can be embedded in policies of care, and how communities living within these designations can meaningfully value and articulate their territories through their own perspectives.

I am especially interested in learning more about frameworks and tools for assessing cultural ecosystem services (CICES), as well as engaging with first-hand experiences from experts working in this field.

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Hello! My name is Daniel. I'm from Portugal. I've been working with on a Research project with Biospheres Reserves and exploring them as effective conservation measures. With this course I expect to learn more about how we can look to the natural heritage and manage it more efficiently within this designated areas

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Hello! My name is Daniel. I'm from Portugal. I've been working with on a Research project with Biospheres Reserves and exploring them as effective conservation measures. With this course I expect to learn more about how we can look to the natural heritage and manage it more efficiently within this designated areas

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Hello ! I am Asefa from ETHIOPIA . I am professional in climate change and sustainable development . currently i work in environment protection authority being expert of Biodiversity. By participating in the Hybrid University Phase B, I expect to strengthen my understanding of integrated natural and cultural heritage-based approaches, especially how these approaches are applied in Mediterranean Biosphere Reserves and other designated sites, and how the lessons can be adapted to Ethiopian contexts.

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Hi, my name is Alex. I am a young scientist and conservationist who comes from the poorest part of the European Union - Northwestern Bulgaria. My goal is to gain knowledge and experience to share with the municipalities in the area and improve the local economy with the help of the rich culture and beautiful wildlife, which are important components of the BR. We have them in abundance, but we do not use them properly. Northwestern Bulgaria has a huge potential for creating biosphere reserves, and they meet the requirements. All that is needed is a little organization and guidance, which I hope to be able to give to the locals and the municipalities.

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Hello, I'm Dragan and I'm an professional in tourism destination and heritage menagment. I'm also a PhD student. Currently I work in the Agency for heritage protection and tourism development of the town of Jajce in BiH. From this course I expected to get to know new tools and approaches in menagment of natural and cultural sites.

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Hello everyone, my name is Giacomo Luperini and I work at the Museo del Mare in Capoliveri, on Elba Island. For the past three years we have been running an experimental project aimed at placing the residents of our island—rather than, as in the past, only tourists—at the center of the museum experience. The museum thus becomes a local cultural hub, hosting “human libraries,” that is, live interviews with local elders and bearers of traditional culture, in order to rediscover our roots and use them as a foundation for the future. The core of the museum remains the archaeological treasure we display, but from it branch out environmental education, the study of local folklore and traditions, and knowledge of the territory and its potential. I hope to discover new strategies and new tools to continue striving to build a future for the community of our Archipelago that is respectful of its unique characteristics.

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Hello everyone! My name is Alex and I work for National Agency for Environment and Protected Areas in Romania. I hope to get from this course ideas of how to improve the management of the Romanian BR using the best practices from you all.

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Hello everyone, my name is Alba Bonàs and I'm the Coordinator of the MedMaB Network, I work to strengthen collaboration among Mediterranean Biosphere Reserves and to support the exchange of knowledge, tools, and best practices across the region. I expect this course to help me deepen my understanding of natural and cultural heritage approaches. In particular, I am interested in learning about best practices and gaining practical resources that will allow me to continue supporting the Mediterranean Biosphere Reserves more effectively.

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Hello    my  name   is  Nikola  Archaeologist  from  Ohrid   Unesco  protected   city  with 20  years   working  expirience, focused  in  protection of  Natural and  Cultural  heritage of  Ohrid -Prespa  Biosphere Reserve from  Our  side . From  This  course J  expect  learning  knowledge, sharing  expirience and  aspecialy  practical  aproach for  MAB   program for  this  Ohrid-Prespa  B.R.  who  is  in  threat  and  destruction  by   human  activities   and  climate  changes

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Hello    my  name   is  Nikola  Archaeologist  from  Ohrid   Unesco  protected   city  with 20  years   working  expirience, focused  in  protection of  Natural and  Cultural  heritage of  Ohrid -Prespa  Biosphere Reserve from  Our  side . From  This  course J  expect  learning  knowledge, sharing  expirience and  aspecialy  practical  aproach for  MAB   program for  this  Ohrid-Prespa  B.R.  who  is  in  threat  and  destruction  by   human  activities   and  climate  changes

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Hi, I'm Núria. I hold a degree in Environmental Sciences and a Master’s in Natural Resources Management. For 16 years, I worked in nature conservation. Last May, I started working with Biosphere Reserves, and now I would like to further develop my competencies in cultural and traditional heritage for sustainability, in order to enrich my professional skills.
Nice to meet you all! 😊

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Hi, my name is Celine, based in South Africa. I have been involved with Cape Winelands Biosphere Reserve for almost 10 years now. I hope to learn more about how biosphere reserves can create awareness and protect/ honor (without becoming political or choosing a side) all local cultures (past and present - it is very complex) and the history within BR's. And to what extent is the BR's role in conveying local cultures? Seeing as each BR is different, has different strengths, and different focuses. With the Cape Floristic Kingdom (Fynbos kingdom - a Heritage site) forming part of our core area, there is strong focus on fauna and flora. We also have a strong social upliftment component, working with and in many different communities.

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Hello everyone, my name is Klea Koci and I am from Albania. I have studied Environmental Biology and I’m really interested in expanding my knowledge and skills. I’m joining this course to broaden my horizons, learn new perspectives, and gain practical insights that I can apply in my future work and studies.

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Hello, I am Igor Eftimovski. I have a PhD in Archaeology and I work for the Macedonian Ecological Society. I am based in the transboundary Prespa region, where natural and cultural heritage are intertwined. I hope that this course will provide me knowledge and practical examples of successful symbiotic relations between cultural and natural heritage sites, in terms of their preservation, conservation, as well as sustainable promotion - especially in a multicultural and transboundary context.

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My name is Maria Catana and I am Portuguese. I am a Senior Technician for the Municipality of Idanha-a-Nova, working in the Sustainability and Natural Heritage Protection Department. This municipality is part of two areas classified by UNESCO, based on its rich natural heritage: the Tagus/Tajo International Transboundary Biosphere Reserve (biodiversity), since 2016, and the Naturtejo UNESCO Global Geopark (geodiversity), since 2006.  I have dedicated most of my work to environmental education for sustainability and nature conservation. At the Naturtejo UNESCO Global Geopark, I have been the coordinator of the Educational Service since 2007. For several years, I also represented the Municipality of Idanha-a-Nova in the Biosphere Reserve Management body and promoted environmental education actions within the scope of the same. I hope to improve my knowledge and skills to enhance the quality of my daily activities by sharing experiences.

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Rhino encounter during my internship in South Africa

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Hi all,

I am David, studying Biosphere Reserve Management at HNEE in Germany. I have done an internship at South African National Parks and will be working with Canadian & Norwegian Biosphere Reserves in a few months. I am interesting in wildlife and visitor management, as well as participatory approaches and local benefits of BRs.

I hope to get more hands-on real world knowledge complimenting my studies and to connect with people with similar interests.

Cheers

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Hi my name is Ke, who worked in the UNESCO office for Eastern Africa. As I mainly focus on East African regions, I wish this opportunity could give me a broader perspective on the MAB in the Mediterranean region, especially on the best practice.

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Greetings,

I am studying an MSc in Biosphere Reserve Management at Ebersrwalde University for Sustainable Development. I did my Bachelor's degree in Natural Resource Management from Ethiopia and have been working as a graduate assistant at Jimma University.

I hope that this course will expand my understanding of cultural heritage and the MAB program through case study and discussion, and also create a network with people from around the world.

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Hello, I work in a regional government organization in Bulgaria, which, among all its other duties, is responsible for the management of the Chervenata Stena Biosphere Reserve - approved in 2017 by UNESCO as one of the first Bulgarian biosphere reserves. My position is public relations. For 2 years now, I have been actively involved in promoting the benefits of the biosphere reserve among local communities and stakeholders. Last year, I participated in a project to create our own trademark for our biosphere reserve. Now it is time to promote it and create a partner network. I expect to get new ideas from the training for additional non-standard ways of how this can be done.

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11_Връх Червената стена

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I am an environmental engineer with expertise in ecology, natural resource management, and environmental law. I currently work in forest conservation, with responsibilities related to sustainable forest management, biodiversity protection, and the implementation of environmental policies and international conventions.

My expectation from this course is to deepen my understanding of natural heritage conservation frameworks, governance models, and best practices. I am particularly interested in the integration of natural heritage conservation with local development and community-based approaches. I also look forward to professional exchanges and knowledge sharing with fellow participants.

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Hello 🤗 I'm Isadora from Venice

My background:

- I'm graduated last march in Environmental Humanities masters degree

-I'm now working for an N.g.o called Sumus aimed at creating and fostering environmental awareness

My expectations:

-I'm enthusiastic of meeting new colleagues with whom sharing experiences and practises

-I'm happy to have this dive in my study field after a period of more practical experience

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Just a hiking photo from Kyrgyzstan to make this padlet more colourful 

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Hey, I‘m Chrissie and currently studying Biosphere Reserves Management in Germany (like Johanna) :)

I‘d like to see some more practical examples of the concepts that we hear about in our lectures and connect theory with best practices

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As a non formal educator at the Pedoulas Environmental Education Centre, located within the UNESCO Global Geopark of Troodos, my goal is to evolve our educational framework. Through this course, I expect to: Learn methodologies to merge natural and cultural interpretation, creating more holistic educational programs for our visitors. Network with Mediterranean peers to find shared solutions for climate resilience and the preservation of rural heritage.

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I have an academic background in cultural heritage and archaeology, with professional experience related to heritage sites, including fieldwork and public engagement. I am particularly interested in the relationship between natural and cultural heritage, community involvement, and sustainable development in protected areas, especially in the Mediterranean and Balkan context.

Through this course, I expect to deepen my understanding of governance approaches, biosphere reserves, and practical strategies for integrating conservation, local communities, and sustainable tourism. I also hope to gain comparative perspectives that can be applied to heritage management and planning in my professional work

Griselda Kanushi

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My expectations:

- To share my experience and be exposed to others' experience in a constructive way

- To refresh my perspectives for my work through the lenses (experiences) of others

- to be exposed to the real life context of environmental managers (I am not a manager myself)

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Hi, I'm Luana Alessandrini, I'm sector manager in the Municipality of Urbino, Department World Heritage - Historic Centre Development - Urbino Provincial Capital - Public Hygiene - Urban Decorum - Community Policies.

I hope to apply the engagement and participation methodologies commonly used in Man and the Biosphere Reserves programmes, to my work in a World Heritage property.

I also aim to deepen my understanding of Biosphere Reserves and apply them to our naturalistic context.

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Hello everyone, my name is Luciano Macaluso and I work for the Po River District Basin Authority, which has the role of Secretariat of the Po Grande Biosphere Reserve in Italy. I hope this opportunity will give me a broader perspective on the UNESCO MAB Programme at the Mediterranean and international levels, allowing me to gain new viewpoints and effective tools to better manage the biosphere reserve I work for. Luciano Macaluso

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Hello, my name is Julien Innocenzi, and i work for the Biosphere reserve in Corsica, the Falasorma - Dui Sevi BR. Through this learning i want to know more about all the possible interaction (mutual actions, governance, role of scientists, etc) between Unesco sites (BR, World heritage, geopark, immaterial) because we will have some project about this from this year.

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Hello, my name is Rodrigo Moço and currently I am doing my Master’s internship in a future Biosphere Reserve in Serra da Estrela.

My expectations for this course is to help me get a better insight on how can such a diverse Biosphere Reserve can be managed and how to overcome certain challenges that may come forth in its development.

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My name is Ruslana Boyadzhieva, and I live in the buffer zone of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve “The Red Wall” in Bulgaria. I am part of a local community dedicated to the protection and promotion of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve “The Red Wall.”

Since 2022, together with the Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Water, we have been fighting against a contract of an investor whose permit for opening a stone quarry in the biosphere reserve had expired. The RIEW and local residents managed to win the court cases, but the investor is trying to continue their activities through local loopholes.

We are the guardians of the biosphere reserve, and we want to preserve it at all costs for future generations. The park contains an extraordinary amount of biodiversity and historical heritage dating back thousands of years, including chalcolite rock sanctuaries, Thracian mounds, chapels, and monasteries.

What interests me the most is the integration of cultural and historical heritage within the biosphere reserve, as well as the promotion and maintenance of these sites, so that the entire richness can be preserved.

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My name is Johanna, and I’m a student of Biosphere Reserves Management in Germany. Right now, I’m doing an internship at the Tepilora Rio Posada and Montalbo Biosphere Reserve in Sardinia, which has really sparked my interest in conservation in the Mediterranean region. The area faces many different, interconnected pressures, making conservation work especially challenging and interesting. I’m looking forward to learning more about practical ways to protect the rich natural and cultural heritage the Mediterranean has to offer.

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My name is Charlotte Besombes. I worked for over ten years in UNESCO Global Geoparks. I am now in charge of cultural heritage and mediation in the south of France, on a territory that is protected at the national level. I chose to take part in this course in order to gain perspective on existing practices and on what can be developed to better connect cultural heritage and biodiversity conservation, both in mediation activities and in development and planning projects.

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My name is Isabel Caldeira and I am part of the management team of the Santana Madeira Biosphere Reserve. I hope to deepen my knowledge so that I can apply it in some way to my daily work at the biosphere reserve, in this case as part of the management team. It will also be immensely rewarding to learn from the best practices applied at other UNESCO-designated sites.

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From this course I am expecting be able to be more sensitive to the topic of Natural and Cultural Heritage in the Biosphere Reserves, while learning tools I can apply to other constexts