by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 8:00 AM ET, Fri April 17, 2026
Biosphere Reserves are some of the most biologically diverse and important protected areas in the world—but what exactly makes them so unique? What kinds of reserves exist across the world—and how can a nature-loving traveler experience one for themselves?
As we celebrate Earth Month all April long, let’s dive into the unique UNESCO designation of the biosphere reserve, introduce ourselves to a few unique reserves around the world, and learn a bit about why and how you should visit one for yourself.
What is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve?
A tapir at La Amistad International Park and Biosphere Reserve. (Photo Credit: Costa Rica Tourism Authority)
UNESCO is the universal governing body that determines what regions are designated as a biosphere reserve, and are chosen similarly to UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.
Different to a world heritage site, however, is that they’re chosen for their natural, as opposed to human, importance, often being places that have a naturally high amount of biodiversity; a commitment to sociocultural and environmentally sustainable economic development; and logistical support, which includes education and research initiatives.
UNESCO has thus far designated 784 biosphere reserves across the world, from the Channel Islands off the coast of California to the Ziarat juniper forests of Pakistan.
What Do Biosphere Reserves Have to Do With Travel?
Rainbow Beach on the Sunshine Coast. (Photo Credit: Visit Sunshine Coast)
The designation’s requirement to protect natural biodiversity along with the reserve’s commitment to sociocultural and environmentally sustainable economic development is where travel comes in.
A biosphere reserve can contain a park or preserved space, like Costa Rica’s La Amistad International Park and Biosphere Reserve and Western Australia’s Fitzgerald Biosphere Reserve, or even a designated Dark Sky Park like Denmark’s island of Møn.
These provide breathtaking natural spaces for travelers to visit, and feature some incredibly important or unique (or often both) landscapes and wildlife, bringing visitors from around the world.
La Amistad International Park is known for its high-altitude environment called a páramo, as well as its endangered wildlife, including the elusive tapir.
The Fitzgerald Biosphere Reserve offers plenty of wildlife to discover, from kangaroos Southern Right Whales. Beyond whale- and wildlife-watching, travelers can enjoy hiking, camping and wandering through endemic wildflowers.
Møn and its chalk-white cliffs provide dramatic scenery for photographer lovers and artists, while fossil hunters can’t go wrong with a guided geology or fossil hunting tour of the island. Stargazers can enjoy nighttime viewings of the Milky Way, annual star showers or even a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis.
Beyond these natural places are local organizations and communities working within the reserve.
Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec. (Photo Credit: Bonjour Quebec)
Mont Saint-Hilaire is a biosphere reserve in southern Quebec, Canada. Home to the endangered peregrine falcon and over 20 species of endangered migratory birds, the breathtaking area is also offers the tradition of apple growing and cider production, attracting thousands of bird lovers and cider sippers every year.
Tourism companies, hotels and even destination management or marketing organizations might also help support a biosphere reserve’s unique attractions.
Australia’s Sunshine Coast is the only place in the world where three UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserves align: the Sunshine Coast Local Government Area, the Great Sandy Biosphere Reserve and the Noosa Biosphere Reserve, making this a truly amazing destination full of natural wonder. Here, travelers can find one of only two Everglades in the world, a thriving marine park, the Hinterland region, vast beaches, several climbable mountains and much more.
Because of this unique geography and the three biosphere designations, the tourism industry there prioritizes sustainability. Beyond simply being a great location from which to explore the region's many natural wonders, Visit Sunshine Coast has its very own sustainability program that visitors can participate in by tracking their carbon footprint and offsetting their trip’s emissions, staying at eco-certified properties, participating in eco-tours and more.
How Can Travelers Experience the Beauty of a Biosphere Reserve?
The mile high swinging bridge at Grandfather Mountain. (Photo Credit: Todd Bush)
Biosphere reserves are located all around the globe—and one might even be located nearer to you than you think!
Here in the United States, one such spectacular place is Grandfather Mountain in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. It’s home to 16 different “natural communities,” or ecosystems and microclimates, including a High Elevation Red Oak Forest and a Canada Hemlock Forest. Plus, it’s home to over 70 species of endangered or rare flora and fauna, from the gray’s lily to the Saw-whet owl.
Other biosphere reserves in the United States might be located in national parks, making them easier to find, like the Yellowstone - Grand Teton biosphere reserve.
Sometimes, a special reserve might be in your backyard, or just a road trip away.
Whether you’ll be spanning the globe or just a few hours’ away, biosphere reserves are incredibly unique places that deserve to be protected, appreciated and loved for generations to come. Consider visiting a biosphere reserve the next time you want to integrate the natural world into your travel plans, and make sure to research the specific reserve, its communities and its tourism offerings to travel responsibly and make the most of your trip.
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