UNESCO has officially designated the Matibay na Bayan ng Sablayan Biosphere Reserve in Occidental Mindoro, Philippines, as one of 14 new biosphere reserves added to its World Network on June 5, coinciding with World Environment Day. This designation brings the total number of biosphere reserves globally to 797 across 145 countries. The Sablayan reserve encompasses 327,880 hectares, representing nearly 39% of the province's area, and includes diverse terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Key features include 86,265 hectares of core protected areas, which consist of seven terrestrial and ten marine protected zones. The reserve is also home to the Alangan and Taubuid Mangyan tribes, with agriculture and ecotourism being primary livelihood sources for the local population of approximately 84,898. A newly formed Biosphere Management Council will oversee the reserve's management, emphasizing the balance between conservation and community development. UNESCO highlights the importance of biosphere reserves in achieving global conservation goals, aiming to protect 30% of the world's land and sea by 2030, thereby supporting biodiversity and sustainable development.