UNESCO/Toson-Khulstai Biosphere Reserve
Cévennes
General information
This Biosphere reserve, located in the south of the Massif Central, offers majestic contrasting landscapes – from the limestone plateaux of the Causses, to the granite formations of Mont Aigoual and Mont Lozère, to the schist slopes of the Cévennes. These formations originate from geological, topographical and climatic diversity, but also from human activities, including agriculture and grazing, which have been practised in the area for centuries.
Detailed information
Key data
Year of nomination
1984
Country
France
Total population
66770
Area
Surface
297,326.00 ha
Total terresterial area
297,326.00 ha
Location
Latitiude: 44.2243 - Longitude: 3.74061
Contact
Ecosystem-based network
EuroMAB
Ecological Characteristics
Located in the south of the Massif Central, the Cévennes Biosphere Reserve and National Park encompasses some very different landscapes such as the limestone ‘causses’, the granite massifs of Aigoual and of Mont Lozère and the schist mountains of the Cévennes.The geology of the area and the presence of man since the Neolithic have led to the current biological richness. Habitats include beech, oak, pine and fir forests, Mediterranean scrublands, high altitude grasslands, rivers and peat lands. The great diversity of the Cévennes is dependent on human activity.The decline in agricultural activities has reduced the grazing pressure, with the result that many previously open areas and grasslands are being invaded by ligneous plants. This is the reason why the biosphere reserve aims in particular to support rural activities such as setting up maintenance contracts for farmers, providing grants for the restoration of farm buildings, maintaining old breeds (Aubrac cattle, Raïole sheep), labeling meet products, restoring long-abandoned chestnut groves and managing hunting and forestry.This biosphere reserve is twinned with the Montseny Biosphere Reserve in the Catalonian region of northeastern Spain and cooperates closely in research, training and education activities.
Socio-Economics Characteristics
This vast territory has one of the lowest population densities in France (40,600 inhabitants in 1998). However, about 800,000 tourists annually visit this rural region (1998).A rich network of ecomuseums and visitor centers provides environmental education to tourists. Apart from tourism, agriculture and mining are the main economic activities.