UNESCO - MAB Biosphere Reserves Directory

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UNESCO - MAB Biosphere Reserves Directory

Morocco

Intercontinental Biosphere Reserve of the Mediterranean

The first of its kind in the World Network of Biosphere Reserve (WNBR), the Intercontinental biosphere reserve of the Mediterranean encompasses the Tingitane Peninsula in Morocco and the southern Iberian Peninsula of Andalusia. The landscape is dominated by the Numidian chain, the mid-ocean ridge, the Chefchaouen furrow and Jebel Lakraa. It brings together two peninsulas linked by the Strait of Gibraltar. The diverse landscape made up of deciduous forests, evergreen sclerophyllous scrub, river basins, the coastline and the sea. It is a patchwork of cork oak, Spanish maple, common alder, Iberian white birch, Spanish fir, Atlas cedar, holm oak, black pine and Barbary thuya. The biosphere is a safe haven for the Barbary macaque, otter, golden jackal, porcupine, ichneumon, common genet and least weasel. It nestles the red kite, Levaillant's woodpecker, Moussier's redstart, Audouin's gull, white stork, black-crowned tchagra and common rock thrush. The reserve is a refuge for the endemic Riffian skink, worm lizard and the Moroccan eyed lizard. The area features renowned archaeological and historical sites, such as the ancient Phoenician and Roman town and Lixus, which is located near Larache.

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EXPERIENCE

WHAT INTERCONTINENTAL BIOSPHERE HAS TO OFFER

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