Belo-sur-Mer - Kirindy-Mite Biosphere Reserve

UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, inscribed 2016, in Madagascar. Situated on the western coast of Madagascar, the Belo-sur-Mer–Kirindy-Mite Biosphere Reserve comprises a watershed and a mosaic of rich but fragile ecosystems, including dry forests, thickets, thorn forests, savannahs, salty swampy depressions known as tannes, mangroves and coral reefs. The reef is a feeding area for spectacular marine megafauna, including the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), dolphins, dugong (Dugong dugon) and marine turtles. People in the area rely on these natural resources for their livelihoods and income. The site’s marine biodiversity, islands and two sacred saline lakes, home to the lesser flamingo (Phoenicopterus minor), are valuable assets for tourism. Aquaculture, pelagic fishing and salt production are also key areas of development.