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.

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Today in History

An experiment in sustainability
Nov 3, 2023Pacific sea nettles off the coast of Carmel, California, USA
Nov 3, 2025Jellyfish swimming in the Pacific, Guerrero, Mexico

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Revered ruins
A flashy, frigid waterfowl
Jan 5, 2024International Ice and Snow Festival, Harbin, China
Oct 17, 2024Kochia, Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan
A warm hug in the icy north
The festival of joy and happiness
Jan 13, 2026Hen Galan
This museum sets the prairie on fire
Nov 18, 2024Porthcawl lighthouse, Wales, United Kingdom
Jan 31, 2025Happy International Zebra Day!
Sep 25, 2024Giant sequoias, Sequoia National Park, California, USA
Jun 17, 2025Maritime forest in Cumberland Island National Seashore, Georgia, United States
A glowing square of squares
True masters of the jungle
Jan 16, 2025Pinnacles National Park, California, United States
Sep 25, 2025Chittorgarh Fort, Rajasthan
Stripes in sight
Dec 19, 2023Castle Square, Old Town, Warsaw, Poland
When life imitates art
Jul 7, 2024Rice terraces of Mù Cang Chải, Yên Bái province, Vietnam
Oct 31, 2023Füzér Castle in the Zemplén Mountains, Hungary
Aug 2, 2025Petroglyphs near Fruita in Capitol Reef National Park, Utah, United States
Dec 11, 2025International Mountain Day
Dec 13, 2025Merced River, Yosemite National Park, California, United States
Nov 20, 2023Gathering Place, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
May 3, 2024The Sonoran Desert, Arizona, US
Mar 3, 2025World Wildlife Day
Jan 21, 2024Eurasian red squirrel
Sep 18, 2025Dunquin Pier, County Kerry, Ireland
Nov 28, 2024Murudeshwara Temple, Murdeshwar, Karnataka