UNESCO Biosphere Reserves.
Biosphere reserves are protected areas dedicated to conserving plant and animal species while also preserving the traditional lifestyles of local tribes.
They play a vital role in safeguarding biodiversity.
By securing funding from The Ocean Foundation, our team is addressing the destructive impact of sargassum pileups in these secluded areas.
Guanahacabibes, Cuba.
The Guanahacabibes peninsula in Cuba's southwestern corner encompasses over 120,000 hectares of land, including a National Park. This diverse reserve showcases mangrove forests, coastal areas, grasslands, numerous lakes and marshes, caves, and pristine fields of 99.8% pure silica sand. Its rich wildlife includes nearly 200 bird species and 4 out of the 7 global marine turtle species. The peninsula's uninhabited beaches serve as crucial nesting sites for green and loggerhead turtles.
Xcalak Reefs, Mexico.
Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO Heritage Site, is the largest protected area in the Mexican Caribbean. Xcalak, a small village at the southern end of the Costa Maya, enjoys the presence of diverse tropical ecosystems and the world's second largest barrier reef. The reserve showcases remarkable flora and fauna, including jaguars, pumas, ocelots, tapirs, corals, crustaceans, nesting turtles, and birds. With over 300 bird species, it is a haven for avian biodiversity.