Spain has several biosphere reserves designated by the UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere Programme (MAB). These are areas that aim to reconcile the conservation of biodiversity with the sustainable use of natural resources and the involvement of local communities.
One example is the Doñana Biosphere Reserve. Located in southwestern Spain, which encompasses a mosaic of ecosystems, including marshlands, dunes, beaches, and forests. It is an important breeding site for many bird species, such as flamingos and herons, and serves as a crucial stopover for migratory birds. The reserve is also home to endangered species, such as the Iberian lynx and the Spanish imperial eagle.
Another example is the Sierra Nevada Biosphere Reserve, located in southern Spain, which includes a high-altitude mountain range and several ecosystems, from Mediterranean forests to alpine meadows. It is recognized for its biodiversity, with many endemic plant and animal species, and its cultural heritage, with the presence of traditional land use practices, such as transhumance.
Biospheres (MAB) in Spain are important areas for conservation, research, education, and sustainable development, contributing to the well-being of both nature and people.
Region: Galicia (la Coruña) Declared a biosphere reserve: 2013 Protected area: 114.359,57 hectares (terrestrial) and 2.866,45 hectares (marine) Main Towns: Abegondo, Aranga, Arteixo, Bergondo, Betanzos, Cambre, Carral, Coirós, Culleredo, Curtis, Irixoa, Miño, Oleiros, Oza- Cesuras, Paderne, Sada y Sobrado. Points of interest Located on the Cantabrian-Atlantic coast of Galicia, the Mariñas Coruñesas y Tierras de … Read more
Region: Castilla y León (León) Declared a biosphere reserve: 2006 Protected area: Almost 57,000 hectares Towns and villages: Candín, Peranzanes, Vega de Espinareda, Villafranca del Bierz, Balouta, Burbia, La Bustarga, Campo del Agua, Cariseda, Cela, Chano, Espinareda de Ancares, El Espino, Faro, Fresnedelo, Guímara, Landoiro, Lumeras, Moreda, Paradaseca, Paradiña, Penoselo, Pereda de Ancares, Pobladura de … Read more
Region: Castilla y León (León) Declared a biosphere reserve: 2005 Protected area: 81,000 hectares Main towns and villages: Los Barrios de Luna, Murias de Paredes, Riello, Sena de Luna, Soto y Amío, Valdesamario Points of interest Los Valles de Omaña y Luna biosphere reserve, at some point in the future, will join with the Alto … Read more
Region: Castilla y León (Salamanca and Zamora) and Trasmontero in Portugal Declared a biosphere reserve: 2015 Protected area: 1.132.606 hectares, (475.608,57 hectares in Spain) Main towns and villages: ZAMORA (Alcañices, Argañín, Asturianos, Bermillo de Sayago, Cobreros, Fariza, Fermoselle, Ferreras de Abajo, Ferreras de Arriba, Ferreruela, Figueruela de Arriba, Fonfría, Galende, Gamones, Hermisende, Lubián, Luelmo, Mahide, … Read more