Protected Area

Complementing the island's captivating blend of history and natural beauty, Cozumel proudly hosts two vital conservation pillars: the Isla Cozumel Biosphere Reserve and the Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park. These protected areas, a harmonious pairing of terrestrial and marine sanctuaries, underscore the region's profound ecological significance and Mexico's commitment to safeguarding its invaluable natural and cultural heritage for posterity.

Located in the central zone of Coahuila, Mexico, the Cuatro Ciénegas Biosphere Reserve is a critical ecological gem nestled within the Chihuahuan Desert. It is celebrated for its rich biodiversity and endemic species. This unique wetland system, characterized by over 500 water bodies known locally as pozas, is a vital habitat for numerous flora and fauna, making it one of Mexico's most significant natural reserves.

Nestled in the northeastern region of Cuba, the Cuchillas del Toa Biosphere Reserve stands as a beacon of biodiversity and ecological significance within the Greater Antilles. Spanning the provinces of Guantánamo and Holguín, this expansive reserve encompasses a diverse range of ecosystems, from mountainous rainforests to coastal marine areas. It is renowned for its rich biodiversity and high levels of endemism.

Nestled in the southeastern region of the Dominican Republic, Cueva de las Maravillas National Park is a remarkable site that intertwines natural beauty, geological wonders, and historical significance. Known for its intricate limestone cave system and one of the most extensive collections of Taíno rock art in the Caribbean, the park offers a unique glimpse into both the island's ancient past and its rich ecological landscape.

Nestled in the northern Peruvian Andes, Cutervo National Park stands as a treasured sanctuary where the rugged beauty of the mountains intertwines with a tapestry of biodiversity and ancient heritage. As Peru's oldest protected area, this remarkable park encompasses diverse ecosystems, each with its unique character and inhabitants. The park protects the last remaining cloud forests of Cajamarca, Andean montane forests, and páramo regions crucial for headwater conservation.

In the southeastern corner of Panama, Darién National Park is a sprawling sanctuary in the Darién Province. Recognized as a World Heritage Site, it is one of Central America's most ecologically and culturally significant protected areas. The park boasts an exceptional variety of ecosystems and serves as a vital habitat for numerous species, including critically endangered mammals and birds. It is also a living cultural landscape, home to several indigenous and Afro-descendant communities.

Nestled along Colombia's northwest coast, the Darién Norte Chocoano Biosphere Reserve is one of the country's most significant ecological and cultural treasures. This extensive biosphere reserve encompasses diverse ecosystems, from lush rainforests to vital marine areas stretching into the Gulf of Urabá. Not only a sanctuary for countless species, the reserve also preserves historical landmarks from one of the earliest Spanish settlements in the Americas.

The Delta del Paraná Biosphere Reserve is a vital ecological and cultural landscape in northeastern Argentina just north of Buenos Aires. Encompassing the second and third sections of the Islands of the San Fernando Delta, this biosphere reserve plays a crucial role in preserving the rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems of the Paraná Delta region. The Biosphere Reserve includes a range of habitats, from flooded riverbeds and low forests to relict Monte Blanco forest areas.

Nestled on the southwestern tip of southeast Cuba, in the municipalities of Niquero and Pilon within Granma Province, lies a pristine and captivating landscape—Desembarco del Granma National Park. This protected area offers a breathtaking combination of karst phenomena, showcasing giant sinkholes, cliffs, canyons, and caves against marine limestone terraces. Its rich historical significance and exceptional natural beauty make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts.

Two conservation areas on Cuba's northern coast, Caguanes National Park and Buenavista Biosphere Reserve, are prime examples of environmental stewardship and cultural preservation. They form a harmonious blend of natural wonders and historical legacies, weaving Cuba's ecological richness and cultural heritage together. As guardians of diverse ecosystems and custodians of ancient traditions, they emerge as beacons of conservation in the Caribbean.