With the aim of continuing the actions included in the NRN's framework, the first LEADER experience exchange between Local Action Groups is being launched through digital platforms.

Theme

Biosphere Reserves are territories designated by UNESCO within the framework of the "Person and the Biosphere" Program, committed to environmental conservation and sustainable development. In Spain, the Spanish Network of Biosphere Reserves comprises a total of 49 reserves, representing 11% of the national surface area. Biosphere Reserves are territories with great potential for developing sustainable food strategies, as well as the production, processing, and consumption of local products within their area of influence.

The "Spanish Biosphere Reserves" brand highlights and differentiates natural and artisanal products from territories recognized as Biosphere Reserves and those manufactured products and/or services provided by companies registered in one of the municipalities belonging to the Reserves and that contribute to one or more of the basic functions that Biosphere Reserves must fulfill (conservation, development, and logistical support), as well as those that comply with the management plan of the corresponding Biosphere Reserve, thus respecting the unique characteristics of each one. For more information about the brand and Biosphere Reserves, please visit the website of the Autonomous Agency for National Parks, which serves as the Secretariat of the Spanish Committee of the MAB Programme. http://rerb.oapn.es/marca-reservas-de-la-biosfera-espanolas

• Video about the Spanish Biosphere Reserve Brand https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5se4RV5HRLA

The Mariñas-Betanzos Rural Development Group , the host of this exchange, is working on actions directly related to the promotion of sustainable and integrated agri-food systems. Its cooperation project proposal focuses on sustainable production, the promotion of the "Spanish Biosphere Reserve" brand , and, ultimately, raising awareness among the population as a whole regarding nutrition and food safety .

The objectives of this LEADER experience exchange focus on:

• Create a common working network between the GAL and the Biosphere Reserves with the companies adhering to the “ Spanish Biosphere Reserves ” Brand.
• The promotion of products covered by the " Spanish Biosphere Reserves " brand.
• Help position the " Spanish Biosphere Reserves " brand and the Biosphere Reserves' own brands in local markets.

The target audience for this meeting is Local Action Groups, especially those with Biosphere Reserves within their territory.

For this purpose, the Zoom digital platform will be used.

Those interested in participating in this meeting can register through the RRN website until April 30, 2020.