The workshop took place at the HNEE and brought together 30 participants, including researchers and practitioners from 16 countries and different biosphere reserves (BRs). It promoted networking and learning on BRs’ research progress, gaps and collaborations, and data accessibility/management. Given the broad interest and importance of the topic, it was decided to develop a proposal for the organisation of a follow-up workshop at the upcoming EuroMAB meeting at the Elbe River Landscape BR.