18 awe-inspiring UNESCO biosphere sites you can visit

Nordhordland Biosphere Reserve, Norway

By Editorial Team, dearJulius.com

UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) programme today added 18 new sites in 12 countries to the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, which now numbers 701 biosphere reserves in 124 countries around the globe.

Lower Mura Valley Biosphere Reserve, Austria

From homes of threatened species to coral reef systems, 18 new sites in 12 countries have been added to the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Biosphere reserves are "learning places for sustainable development" and places that provide local solutions to global challenges. The sites were inducted based on their sustainable co-existence of humanity and nature, starting with Lower Mura Valley Biosphere Reserve in Austria, along the border with Slovenia. The reserve is rich with marine biodiversity: 50 fish species, 14 of which are threatened species.  UNESCO

Lower Mura Valley Biosphere Reserve (Austria) covers 13,180 hectares along the border with Slovenia and is part of the European Green belt. Surrounded by agricultural land, the Biosphere Reserve is Austria’s second largest alluvial forest on a major river. It is characterized by a high biodiversity of water-bound flora and fauna, including 50 fish species, of which 14 are on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of threatened species. The creation of the Biosphere Reserve completes the commitment by Austria, along with Hungary, Croatia, Serbia and Slovenia to protect the multi-river system of the transboundary Mura Drava Danube Biosphere Reserve.

Lubombo Biosphere Reserve, Eswatini

Lubombo Biosphere Reserve in Eswatini encompasses land in both Mozambique and South Africa and consists of forest, wetland and savannah ecosystems. Twenty of the 88 mammals identified in the area are only found in the Lumomba region, such as the white rhinoceros, cape buffalo and roan antelope.  UNESCO

The 294,020 hectare site, in the Lubombo Mountain Range, which straddles Mozambique and South Africa, is part of the Maputoland-Phondoland-Albany Biodiversity Hotspot and consists of forest, wetland and savannah ecosystems. Local Flora species include the Lubombo Ironwoods (Androstachys jonsonii), Lubombo Cycads (Encephalartos lebomboensis), the recently discovered Barleria species (Barleria lubombensis) and the Jilobi forest. Twenty of the 88 mammals identified in the area are only to be found only in the Lumomba region. Notable among these mammals are the White Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum), Cape Buffalo (Syncerus caffer), Roan Antelope (Hippotragus equines), Tsessebe (Damaliscus lunatus) and the Suni (Nesotragus moschatus zuluensis), as well as threatened species such as the Leopard (Panthera pardus). The biosphere reserve is home to numerous conservation and monitoring projects, as well as commercial enterprises, industry, agriculture, animal husbandry, and forestry.

Saleh-Moyo-Tambora Biosphere Reserve, Indonesia

Saleh-Moyo-Tambora Biosphere Reserve in Indonesia includes several major ecosystems: small islands; a coastal area of mangrove, coastal, lowland and mountain forests; as well as savannah. The Biosphere Reserve is home to 146,000 people of diverse ethnic groups. The area is important in agricultural production of fruit and vegetables, as well as other crops.  UNESCO

Saleh-Moyo-Tambora “SAMOTA” Biosphere Reserve (Indonesia), situated between the Rinjani-Lombok and Komodo Island Biosphere Reserves, covers an area of 724,631.52 hectares, comprising five major ecosystems: small islands, a coastal area of mangrove, coastal, lowland and mountain forests, as well as savannah. The Biosphere Reserve is home to 146,000 people of diverse ethnic groups. Its core area plays an important role in conserving the region’s biodiversity while its buffer zone and transition area have agricultural potential for the production of fruit and vegetable, as well as rice, coffee and cacao, and animal husbandry. The beauty of the Tambora Mountains has tourist potential, while the Sumba Island communities attract cultural tourism.

Togean Tojo Una-Una Biosphere Reserve, Indonesia

Togean Tojo Una-Una Biosphere Reserve in Indonesia is an archipelago of 483 islands and features the highest coral diversity in the world. The biosphere has mangrove forests and small island ecosystems and is home to Togean monkeys, dugong, whales and dolphins. The area is also an important spawning site for turtles and fish.   UNESCO

Togean Tojo Una-Una Biosphere Reserve (Indonesia), covers an area of 2,187,632 hectares on an archipelago of 483 islands in Central Sulawesi, at the heart of the Coral Triangle, featuring the highest coral diversity in the world, as well as mangrove forests and small island ecosystems. The Togean Islands, part of the Biosphere Reserve, is host to 363 plant species, including 33 species of mangrove. They also contain animal species including tarsiers (Tarsius spectrum palengensis) and Togean monkeys (Macaca togeanus), as well as Togean babirusa, cuscus, dugong, whale and dolphin. Coral reef fish are abundant, with 596 species inhabiting the Togean Islands National Park. The area is also an important spawning site for turtles and fish. It is home to 149,214 people of great cultural diversity.

Kobushi Biosphere Reserve, Japan

Kobushi Biosphere Reserve in Japan features around 40% of Japan’s recorded butterfly species, 24 of which are endangered. It's known for the production of highland vegetables and for its prized Japanese larch tree.  UNESCO

Kobushi Biosphere Reserve (Japan). The 190,603 hectare Biosphere Reserve encompasses most of the Kanto Mountains, including the main Okuchichibu ridge of 20 peaks rising above 2,000 metres. It is a watershed and source for major rivers, notably the Ara, Tama and Fuefuki rivers and Chikuma, or Shinano, River. The Biosphere Reserve features a wealth of geological formations and rock types with fauna that includes almost 40% of Japan’s recorded butterfly species, 24 of which are endangered. Mountains along the ridges, including Mount Kimpu and Mount Mitsumine, have long been objects of worship, entailing a ban on the felling of trees. The buffer zone in Nagano Prefecture is known for the production of highland vegetables and for its prized Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi) whose timber was widely exported during the Meiji era. The transition area of Yamanashi Prefecture has traditionally been a centre for the cultivation of grapes, persimmons, peaches and other delicacies collectively described as the “eight rare fruits of Koshu.”

Nordhordland Biosphere Reserve, Norway

Nordhordland Biosphere Reserve in Norway is located in the western part of the country and includes marine and terrestrial areas characterized by fjords and mountains. Salmon populate the fjords, and herring are found in coastal areas. The reserve is home to 54,000 people, many of whom are farmers or work in the energy industry.   UNESCO

Nordhordland Biosphere Reserve (Norway). Situated in the west of the country, the 669,800 hectare biosphere reserve encompasses both marine and terrestrial areas characterized by fjords and mountains. Salmon populate the fjords, and herring are to be found in coastal areas. Nordhordland Biosphere Reserve is home to a population of 54,000 people who maintain agricultural activities, notably sheep and crop farming, as well as fish farming, though many combine these activities with work in industry and energy generation. The biosphere reserve is developing sustainability in the area, with innovative CO2 capture and storage experimentation and the development of renewable energy to reduce the importance of oil exploitation. The biosphere reserve also aims to reinforce the conservation of several cultural landscapes by promoting tourism and local products. Nordhordland is the only biosphere reserve in Norway, following the withdrawal of Northeast Salvbard Biosphere Reserve in 1997.

Roztocze Biosphere Reserve, Poland

Roztocze Biosphere Reserve in Poland is in southeast Poland next to the Ukrainian border. The region is an ecological corridor with a range of limestone hills covered by forests and ribbon fields, deep river valleys and deposits of mineral waters and fossil wood.  UNESCO

Roztocze Biosphere Reserve (Poland). Located in southeast Poland next to the Ukrainian border, the 297,000 hectare site forms a transboundary Biosphere Reserve with Ukraine’s Roztochya Biosphere Reserve. A scenic region of great natural and cultural value, it is also an important ecological corridor encompassing loess areas, a range of limestone hills covered by forests and ribbon fields, with deep river valleys and deposits of mineral waters and fossil wood. Visited by some 600,000 tourists every year, the site is home to approximately 160,000 residents whose livelihood chiefly depends on agriculture, forestry and tourism. However, unfavourable farming conditions, notably the fragmentation of farms, have stood in the way of modernization and let to a high level of emigration by young people. Development plans for the biosphere reserve seek to reverse this trend and allow the region to draw great benefits from its natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Gangwon Eco-Peace Biosphere Reserve, Korea

Gangwon Eco-Peace Biosphere Reserve in Korea is a largely mountainous area inhabited by residents but also serves as a movement route for rare and endangered animal species.  UNESCO

Gangwon Eco-Peace Biosphere Reserve (Republic of Korea). The 182,815 hectare, largely mountainous, Biosphere Reserve at the watershed of the Taebaek Mountain Range in northern Gangwon Province, borders the southern limit of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) to the north and reaches the east coast of the Korean Peninsula to the east. It is home to a wide range of rare and endangered flora and fauna. The buffer and transition areas inhabited by residents also serve as movement routes for rare and endangered animal species; they are thus consistent with a key value of the biosphere reserve programme – the co-existence of humanity and nature. Development plans for the Biosphere Reserve focus on eco-tourism using the ecological, cultural and social resources of the area, as well as the exploration of relics of the Korean War in the area.

Yeoncheon Imjin River Biosphere Reserve, Korea

Yeoncheon Imjin River Biosphere Reserve in Korea includes temperate deciduous forests, rapids, swamps and wetlands. Water spiders, red-crowned cranes, eagles, otters and wildcats live in the area.   UNESCO

Yeoncheon Imjin River Biosphere Reserve (Republic of Korea). Located in the Chugaryeong Tectonic Valley, the Biosphere Reserve covers an area of 58,412 hectares encompassing the entire county of Yeoncheon and the Imjin River basin. Its core area consists of forests and cultural heritage protection zones, with the Imjin River as its centrepiece. The transition area outside the Biosphere Reserve’s core and buffer zone, includes residential settlements and farmlands. Temperate deciduous broad-leaved forests cover 60% of Yeoncheon County. Numerous animals travel to, and inhabit, the area around the river with its many rapids, swamps and wetlands, among them water spiders, red-crowned cranes, eagles, otters and wildcats. The Imjin River, mostly untouched by humans, is home to Korean endemic fish species, such as Acheilognathus gracilis and Tanakia signifier, and mammals, including water deer, otters and leopard cats. It serves as an ecological corridor to the DMZ and bridges inland areas with the ocean.

Lake Elton Biosphere Reserve, Russia

Lake Elton Biosphere Reserve in Russia borders Kazakhstan with a lake in an otherwise semi-arid and arid area. The lake is important to livestock as well as mammals and birds, including cranes, some of which belong to threatened species.   UNESCO

Lake Elton Biosphere Reserve (Russian Federation). The 207,340 hectare Biosphere Reserve bordering Kazakhstan contains a lake in an otherwise semi-arid and arid area whose history of salt mining and intensive agricultural exploitation, has raised issues concerning water availability and water pollution. Close 5,900 people live in 14 rural settlements and herder posts in the Biosphere Reserve, with seasonal variations almost doubling human presence in the area. The lake is important to nomads and their livestock, the only remaining agricultural activity in the Biosphere Reserve, and to numerous mammals and birds, including cranes, some of which belong to threatened species. The Biosphere Reserve aims to improve water management in the context of climate change, and develop ways to render agriculture and livestock-keeping more sustainable. Tourism development is also being planned to address the dual challenges of skilled labourer shortages and unemployment.

Alto Turia Biosphere Reserve, Spain

Alto Turia Biosphere Reserve in Spain along the middle course of the Turia River is home to 4,300 people. The region with diverse soils and vegetation has hot and dry summers. Animals found in the area include steppe birds, the Granada hare, the European rabbit and white-throated dipper.  UNESCO

Alto Turia Biosphere Reserve (Spain). The 67,080 hectare Biosphere Reserve encompasses the middle course of the Turia River with the Turia Valley as at its northwest-southeast axis. A Mediterranean biogeographic region, it is characterized by diverse soils and vegetation, as well as hot and dry summers. Predominant arboreal species in the area include pine, oak and juniper. The main fauna found in the area are steppe birds, the Granada hare (Lepus granatensis) and the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). The white-throated dipper (Cinclus cinclus) as well as the common midwife toad (Alytes obstetricans). Endemic fauna include the Catalan barbel (Barbus haasi) and the Valencia chub (Squalius valentinus). Alto Turia is home to nearly 4,300 inhabitants and some 6,500 temporary residents living in eight municipalities and several isolated population centres. There are plans to develop the trade in local products of recognized quality to drive sustainable development in the territory.

La Siberia Biosphere Reserve, Spain

La Siberia Biosphere Reserve in Spain has animals in danger of extinction, including the Iberian lynx and horseshoe bats. The reserve is harvested for cork, charcoal, firewood and honey.  UNESCO

La Siberia Biosphere Reserve (Spain). Situated in central-western Spain and bordering the Villuercas-Jara-Ibores UNESCO Global Geopark, the 155,717.49 Biosphere Reserve features major freshwater reservoirs along the Guadiana and Zújar rivers in a landscape of large plains and oak forests. Notable rare plant species in La Siberia include Drosera rotundifolia and Pinguicula lusitanica and its fauna includes species in danger of extinction (notably the Iberian lynx, Lynx pardinus, horseshoe bats, Rhinolophus ferrumequinum, and Rhinolophus serotinum). Emblematic birds found in the area include the Iberian imperial eagle (Aquila adalberti), the golden kite (Milvus milvus), the black vulture (Aegypius monachus) and the black stork (Ciconia nigra). Reptile species include the ocellated lizard (Lacerta lepida), the Mediterranean pond turtle (Mauremys leprosa) and the Lataste’s viper (Vipera latasti). The Biosphere Reserve produces prized organic products including cork, charcoal, firewood and honey, and supports organic livestock, including merino black sheep. Sustainable development plans to boost social and economic activity have been developed to curb emigration, which has led to a 57% decline in the local human population since the 1960s.

Valle del Cabriel Biosphere Reserve, Spain

Valle del Cabriel Biosphere Reserve in Spain is in eastern Spain and has mountains, rock formations, salt marshes and lagoons. Plant life includes grasslands, forests of black pines and others.  UNESCO

Valle del Cabriel Biosphere Reserve (Spain). Located in the Cabriel River basin in eastern Spain, the 421,765.93 hectare the Biosphere Reserve is characterized by a diversity of landscapes: mountains, rock formations shaped by the confinement of fluvial channels, agricultural use in alluvial plains, salt marshes and lagoons. Notable flora in the area includes Iberian gypsum vegetation (Gypsophiletalia), karstic calcareous grasslands, Mediterranean forests of endemic black pines, endemic forests of Juniperus spp, and pre-steppe areas of gramineous and annuals. Rich cultural heritage remains the area include Villar del Humo, part of the Rock Art of the Mediterranean Basin on the Iberian Peninsula World Heritage site. Fluvial channels across the Biosphere Reserve serve as ecological corridors connecting the whole territory and enabling the distribution of vegetation and fauna, as well as facilitating the dissemination of ideas and customs. The inhabitants of the Cabriel Valley have adapted to the their environment by employing unique, ancient sustainable practices based on agricultural activity, livestock and water use, which have helped them conserve their specific tangible and intangible cultural heritage.

Vindelälven-Juhtatdahka Biosphere Reserve, Sweden

Vindelälven-Juhtatdahka Biosphere Reserve in Sweden straddles the Arctic Circle and is home to two communities. Mining, forestry and reindeer husbandry are prevalant.   UNESCO

Vindelälven-Juhtatdahka Biosphere Reserve (Sweden). Straddling the Arctic Circle, the 1.3 million hectare Biosphere Reserve includes large parts of the Vindelfjällen nature reserve, the largest in northern Europe, and 34% of its total area is protected encompassing three Ramsar sites, a national park and 90 nature reserves. The northern part of the Biosphere Reserve is mountainous, forests cover its central part, while the south is a coastal area. The area is home to two distinct cultural communities, Swedish and Sami and their rich cultural traditions. Activities in Biosphere Reserve include mining, forestry, and reindeer husbandry, which enjoys official protection as a traditional activity of public interest. The Sami Parliament is officially responsible for ensuring that Sami interests are defended in spatial planning, while Samernas Riksförbund (SSR), the National Federation of Swedish Sami people, works more directly to support ‘samebys’ on planning issues. The Sami Parliament has, moreover, drawn up an action plan for Sami livelihoods and culture to deal with climate change.

Voxnadalen Biosphere Reserve, Sweden

Voxnadalen Biosphere Reserve in Sweden is home to 13,000 people and to 274 nationally endangered specifies of flora and fauna as well as 16 that are internationally threatened. Locals are seeking ways to protect wolves, wolverines and other animals in the reserve.  UNESCO

Voxnadalen Biosphere Reserve (Sweden). Located in the central part of the country, the 341,533 hectare Biosphere Reserve encompasses the catchment of the River Voxnan. Extensive boreal woodlands cover much of its northwest while open farmland to be found in the more populated southeast. The site is also home to engineering, hydro energy and high tech companies and to 274 nationally endangered specifies of flora and fauna as well as 16 that are internationally threatened. Local authorities have introduced policies prioritizing the preservation of several species including wolves (Canis lupus) and wolverine (Gulo gulo), and their habitats. The site is notable for its Decorated Farmhouses of Hälsingland, inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2012. Thirteen-thousand people live in the site, which will seek to explore and demonstrate collaborative approaches to sustainable development on a regional scale.

Isle of Wight Biosphere Reserve, United Kingdom

Isle of Wight Biosphere Reserve in United Kingdom is home to 140,000 people, making it the second most populous island in northern Europe. The island is working to foster environmental innovation, attract new investment and test climate change mitigation measures.  UNESCO

Isle of Wight Biosphere Reserve (United Kingdom). Covering an area of 91,496 hectares, including the 38,000 hectares Isle of Wight proper and marine areas along its 92 km coastline, the Biosphere Reserve is home to 140,000 inhabitants, making it the second most populous island in northern Europe. The Isle of Wight has a strong tradition of environmental action with numerous projects and initiatives promoting environmental education and awareness, increased community engagement, and healthier lifestyles and diets. The island is also developing eco-tourism and working with universities and institutions to foster environmental innovation and attract new investment, and testing new measures for climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Po Grande Biosphere Reserve, Italy

The Po Grande Biosphere Reserve in Italy is named after the Po River, which runs through varied ecosystems, including marginal wetlands, oxbow lakes, fluvial islands, riparian forests, meadows, valleys and agricultural land. There are also small islands, settlements and a marine area.

Po Grande Biosphere Reserve (Italy), is named after the Po River, which meanders through the site’s mosaic of ecosystems, among them marginal wetlands and oxbow lakes, fluvial islands, riparian forests, meadows, valleys and agricultural land. It covers an area of 286,600 hectares, and its buffer zone includes small islands, settlements and a marine area. Cultural diversity is very high in the Biosphere Reserve, whose establishment is a welcome addition to two recently created Biosphere Reserves along the Po River, Po Delta (2015) and Collina Po (2016). Connecting the three as ‘Po Grande’ is expected to contribute, notably, to the conservation, development and security of integrated water management in the region.

Julian Alps Biosphere Reserve, Italy

Julian Alps Biosphere Reserve in Italy is made up of a range of habitats, including rocky environments that alternate with forests, high grassland, mowed meadows, pastures, valleys and mountains. There are rare and protected animals in the reserve, including bears, lynx, wildcats, deer, eagles, vulturesand peregrine falcon.

Julian Alps Biosphere Reserve (Italy). The 71,451 hectare biosphere reserve encompasses three different biogeographic areas: Alpine, Mediterranean and Illyrian, which contributes to its high biodiversity. Its wide-ranging collage of habitats are marked by various degrees of human intervention. It features rocky environments that alternate with forests, high grassland, mowed meadows, pastures, valleys crossed by water courses, and mountains. It is home to a wealth of rare and protected flora and fauna, including bear, lynx, wildcat, chamois, steinbock, deer, marmot, golden eagle, griffon vulture, peregrine falcon. Its forests are predominantly beech (Hacquetio-Fagetum, Dentario-Fagetum, Polysticho-Fagetum) mixed to varying degrees with hornbeam and South European flowering ash (Ostryo-Fagetum) and mugo pine. The biosphere reserve constitutes an important Alpine corridor, notably for large carnivores as well as birds. The area is also a meeting place of the Latin and Slav worlds with millennia of cultural interaction testified by its multitude of dialects, settlement methods, agricultural and artistic practices.

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