The Secretary General for Territory and Biodiversity of the Ministry of the Environment, Antonio Serrano, inaugurated today in Madrid the First Conference on Research in the Network of National Parks. The objective of the conference, which will take place on March 13, 14 and 15, is to present the results of the research projects subsidized by the Autonomous Agency National Parks of the Ministry of the Environment.

During the conference, the results of three-year projects related to work that covers different areas of knowledge will be presented: from specific studies on species of flora and fauna, to issues related to activities for public use, including knowledge about the functioning of natural, marine and terrestrial systems. All of them are works carried out and endorsed by research teams with extensive and recognized professional careers, which guarantees the high quality of their results.

The event held today has also contributed to promoting the consolidation of Biosphere Reserves and strengthening their sense of Network, with the delivery of the four diplomas to the new Spanish Biosphere Reserves, within the MaB, Person and Biosphere programme, of UNESCO. The Ancares Leoneses, Ancares Lucenses, Sierra de Béjar and Francia Reserves and the Mediterranean Intercontinental Reserve have received their accreditation today.

Currently, the Spanish Network has 37 spaces included in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, and is the third country in the world in areas attached to the Programme, only behind the United States and the Russian Federation. Currently, 14 autonomous communities have territory declared as a Biosphere Reserve. The draft Law on Natural Heritage and Biodiversity aims to incorporate a specific section that provides a legal and institutional framework to these unique spaces.