Sahamalaza-Iles Radama Biosphere Reserve

UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, inscribed 2001, in Madagascar. Located on the north-west coast of Madagascar, this biosphere reserve contributes to the conservation of three specific habitats: dry semi-deciduous forest, mangrove forest and coral reefs. The forest is one of the few remaining patches of dry littoral forest on the west coast of Madagascar. The outer coral reef, about 5–10 km west of the Radama Islands, protects an ancient coral reef on its western side, forming Madagascar’s slope. The Bay of Sahamalaza, which can reach a depth of 20 m, includes a large area of mangrove.