Latin America and the Caribbean
The second largest moist forest area in the world, Mata Atlântica, covers 17 different Brazilian states, including Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. The forest is a biodiversity hotspot encompassing a spectacular patchwork of rain forest, mangroves and salt marsh scrublands.
La Selle became Haiti’s first biosphere reserve in 2012. Encompassing the Massif de la Selle and Pic de la Selle (2684m), it serves as an ecological corridor in the south of Hispaniola, marked by high levels of endemism.
Saint Mary’s is a terrestrial and marine biosphere reserve. Its land area covers 1,701.41 ha around Cayon Village and its marine area stretches out 3 km at sea, over an area of 2,338.86 ha, totalling 4,040.27 ha.
Located in south-east Uruguay, Bañados del Este harbours a remarkable complex of ecosystems, including white sand beaches, dunes and lagoons along the Atlantic coast. This variety of habitats is home to very diverse wildlife that remains almost intact both on land and at sea.