UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is a region recognized under UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere program (started 1971) to balance conservation, sustainable development, and research. It's different from a World Heritage Site: biosphere reserves cover entire ecosystems with zones for strict protection, sustainable use, and human activity. There are 759 reserves in 136 countries. For travelers, the label is a strong signal that your lodge is in a serious ecological area: Okavango Delta (Botswana), Galápagos, Cévennes, Camargue. The best operators (Singita, &Beyond, Wilderness Safaris) actively contribute to the reserve's research and conservation goals, and your stay funds that work.