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 (Lugo) Declared a biosphere reserve: 2002 Protected area: Almost 366,000 hectares Towns and villages: Includes territories of 26 municipalities in the province of Lugo and includes the capital: A Pastoriza, Abadín, Alfoz, Baralla, Begonte, Castro de Rei, Castroverde, Cospeito, Friol, Guitiriz, Guntín, Láncara, Lugo, Meira, Mondoñedo, Muras, O Corgo, O Páramo, O Valadouro, … Read more
Region: Castilla y Leon (Leon) Declared a biosphere reserve: 2005 Surface area: 38,000 hectares Towns and villages: Villamanín (Arbas del Puerto, Barrio de la Tercia, Busdongo de Arbas, Camplongo de la Tercia, Casares de Arbas, Cubillas de Arbas, Fontún de la Tercia, Golpejar de la Tercia, Millaro de la Tercia, Pendilla de Arbas, Poladura de … Read more
Region: Castilla y León (León) Declared a biosphere reserve: 2005 Surface area: 33,000 hectares Towns and villages: Cármenes (Almuzara, Campo, Canseco, Felmín, Genicera, Gete, Getino, Lavandera, Pedrosa, Piedrafita, Piornedo, Pontedo, Rodillazo, Tabanedo, Valverdín, Villanueva de Pontedo). Valdelugueros (Arintero, La Braña, Cerulleda, Lugueros, Llamazares, Redilluera, Redipuertas, Tolibia de Abajo, Tolibia de Arriba, Valdeteja, Valverde de Curueño, … Read more
Region: Extremadura (Badajoz) Declared a biosphere reserve: 2019 Surface area: Almost 156,000 hectares Towns and villages: Baterno, Casas de Don Pedro, Castilblanco, Esparragosa de Lares, ,Fuenlabrada de los Montes, Garbayuela, Garlitos, Helechosa de los Montes, Herrera del Duque, Peloche, Puebla de Alcocer, Risco, Sancti-Spíritus, Siruela, Talarrubias, Tamurejo, Valdecaballeros, Villarta de los Montes Points of interest … Read more