What comes to mind when you think about biosphere reserves? This was the question that welcomed around 20 new students from the Biosphere Reserves Management (BIOM) and Forest System Transformation (FST) study programmes to the Biosphere Reserve Institute (BRI).

At the beginning of the session, the students were invited to write down their associations with biosphere reserves. Their responses reflected a broad range of perspectives – from biodiversity conservation, protected areas and zonation to the coexistence of people and nature, sustainable land use, education and human development. The exercise provided a starting point for exploring the broader concept of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves and the diverse fields in which the BRI works.

The students were welcomed by Prof. Carsten Mann, Dr. Gino Garcia and Dr. Ana Filipa Ferreira, who are all members of the BRI. Together, they introduced the institute and provided an overview of its work and activities. The students also had the opportunity to meet other BRI colleagues, including doctoral researchers and project managers, who shared insights into their current research and projects. In this way, the visit offered a glimpse into the diversity of topics, approaches and professional roles represented within the institute.

The exchange provided an opportunity for the new BIOM and FST students to become familiar with the BRI early in their studies and to learn more about how research, education and practice come together in the institute’s work with UNESCO Biosphere Reserves.

The BRI team wishes all new students a successful start to their studies at HNEE and looks forward to further opportunities for exchange and collaboration.