The Abertis Foundation has presented its International UNESCO Centre for Mediterranean Biosphere Reserves at the Cervantes Institute in Marrakech, coinciding with this city’s hosting of the United Na-tions Climate Change Conference (COP22).
This ceremony, organised by the Spanish Embassy in Morocco and the Abertis Foundation in partner-ship with the Cervantes Institute of Marrakech and Cadi Ayyad University, will be attended by Spain’s ambassador in Morocco, Ricardo Díez-Hochleitner; the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Con-vention to Combat Desertification, Monique Barbut; the President of Cadi Ayyad University, Abdellatif MIRAOUI; the President of the Regional Council of Marrakech-Safi, Ahmed Akhchichine; the scientific coordinator of the UNESCO Centre, Doctor Martí Boada; the Secretary General of Abertis, Josep M. Coronas; and the Director of Institutional Relations and CSR and of the Abertis Foundation, Sergi Loughney.
Castellet Castle, headquarters of the Abertis Foundation, houses the International UNESCO Centre for Mediterranean Biosphere Reserves, set up by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The centre conducts in-depth research into the Mediterranean region, given Castellet Castle’s setting in a unique, richly biodiverse location, and holds ISO 14:001 certification, which guarantees sound environmental management that minimises its impact on the area.
26 November 2025
•This new agreement between Abertis Foundation and the Spanish National Parks Agency (OAPN in its Spanish acronym)—a Spanish public body under the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO)—ensures the continued operation of the UNESCO-endorsed International Centre. The renewed partnership strengthens cooperation and knowledge exchange among Mediterranean Biosphere Reserves.
•The agreement aims to foster research initiatives, training programmes, pilot projects and outreach activities that advance the sustainability of Mediterranean ecosystems and enhance the resilience of biosphere reserves in the face of climate change.
•The renewal consolidates the role of the Abertis Foundation's headquarters at Castellet Castle as a leading hub for biosphere reserve activities, both within the Mediterranean region and internationally.
23 September 2025
•El congreso, que se celebra en Hangzhou (China) del 22 al 26 de septiembre, ha reunido a la Red Mundial de Reservas de la Biosfera -entre las que se incluye la MedMAB apoyada por Fundación Abertis- para consolidar prioridades, reforzar la colaboración y definir el Plan de Acción Mundial para el futuro.
