Biosphere Reserves in South America

The Caatinga Biosphere Reserve in Northeast Brazil is a vast semiarid region known for its distinctive Caatinga vegetation. Spanning six units, the reserve hosts diverse ecosystems, from high forests to gallery forests. With a strategic focus on research, environmental education, and sustainable development, the Caatinga Biosphere Reserve is a resilient model in arid ecological conditions.

Cabo de Hornos Biosphere Reserve is located in the South American continent's extreme south, in southern Chile. It comprises marine areas, islands, fjords, channels, forests, and moorland. The core areas are Cabo de Hornos National Park and Alberto de Agostini National Park.

The Central Amazon Conservation Complex and Biosphere Reserve make up the largest protected area in the Amazon Basin and are one of the planet's richest regions in terms of biodiversity. It is where most of the ecosystems recorded in the Amazon Basin are found.

Nestled in Ecuador's northern region, just northwest of Quito, lies a pristine wilderness teeming with biodiversity and cultural heritage—the Chocó Andino de Pichincha Biosphere Reserve. Spanning from the outer foothills to the inner reaches of the western cordillera of the Ecuadorian Andes, this reserve is a haven for unique flora, fauna, and archaeological treasures. The Biosphere Reserve presents a tapestry of landscapes, each contributing to the region's remarkable biodiversity.

The Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta Biosphere Reserve is located in northern Colombia and contains one of the largest coastal wetlands in Latin America. It comprises Isla de Salamanca National Natural Park as well as the Flora and Fauna Sanctuary of the Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta.

The Cinturón Andino Biosphere Reserve is located at the Macizo Colombiano in the Andes of southern Colombia. It comprises three National Parks: the Cueva de los Guácharos National Park, the Puracé National Park, and the Nevado del Huila National Park.

Conguillío National Park constitutes the core area of the Araucarias Biosphere Reserve, while the Alto Biobío National Reserve constitutes the buffer zone. The protected area is characterized by extensive Araucarias and Nothofagus forests and the Llaima volcano, one of Chile's largest and most active.

The Cordillera del Paine, a spectacular mountain range featuring the Torres del Paine peaks, lies between the Andes and the Patagonian steppe in southern Chile. Torres del Paine National Park and Biosphere Reserve is an area of scenic beauty with glaciers, waterfalls, rivers, lakes, and lagoons.

Corredor Biológico Nevados de Chillán - Laguna del Laja Biosphere Reserve Is located in the northern part of Chile's Patagonia region. The biological corridor connects three core areas: Ñuble National Reserve, Laguna del Laja National Park and the Los Huemules de Niblinto National Reserve.

The Delta del Paraná Biosphere Reserve comprises the coastal freshwater delta of the Paraná River located just north of Buenos Aires. Predelta National Park is located where the river sediments start forming islands. It is an area rich in biodiversity, including species that find their southernmost limit of distribution.