International Day for Biosphere Reserves Nov. 3, 2024

Today is the International Day for Biosphere Reserves. Biosphere reserves may sound like a scientific mouthful, but they"re essentially nature"s sweet spots—places where biodiversity, or variety of life on Earth, thrives. These areas, recognised by UNESCO, keep ecosystems healthy, protect endangered species and help regulate climate through forests, wetlands and other crucial habitats. There are 759 biosphere reserves across 136 countries. From the lush greenery of Sundarbans in India to the vast expanses of the Great Sandy Biosphere Reserve in Australia, each reserve is unique.

© Claudio Contreras/Minden Pictures

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Today in History

An experiment in sustainability
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Nov. 3, 2025World Jellyfish Day

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Apr. 28, 2024El Capitan in the Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas, USA
Apr. 24, 2025Spire Cove in Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward, Alaska, United States
A warm hug in the icy north
Sep. 12, 2025World Dolphin Day
Nov. 7, 2024Vancouver Coastal Sea wolves in the Great Bear Rainforest
Ride the wave
Sep. 3, 2025Grizzly bears at Katmai National Park and Preserve, Alaska, United States
Dec. 28, 2023Humpback whale, Disko Bay, Greenland
Mar. 25, 2025Tolkien Reading Day
Apr. 2, 2025Sandstone formations in the badlands near Caineville, Utah, United States
Dec. 8, 2023La Rocque Harbour, Island of Jersey
Oct. 11, 2024Celtic Colours International Festival
Strong sibling bonds
Is anybody home?
Aug. 2, 2024Banff National Park, Alberta
Mar. 16, 2025Happy Panda Day!
God’s Own Country
A breathtaking cave when it’s cold
A dramatic celebration of peace
Hiding in the woods
Mar. 22, 2025Happy World Water Day!
An island crossroad of culture
Platinum Jubilee celebrations
Apr. 1, 2024April Fools Day
Mar. 27, 2024World Theatre Day
Aug. 20, 2024Sunrise at Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, USA
Aug. 15, 2025The Canadian National Exhibition is here!
Black sands in a tropical paradise
Oct. 1, 2023Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park, British Columbia
Jan. 8, 2026Starling murmuration over the ruins of Brightons West Pier, England