Matšeng Biosphere Reserve

UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, inscribed 2021, in Lesotho. Matšeng Biosphere Reserve lies in Lesotho’s northern highlands, an area often referred to as the “Kingdom in the Sky”, for the elevation of the Maloti–Drakensberg mountain range. It forms part of a transfrontier conservation area, linking Lesotho and South Africa, safeguarding a montane landscape and the headwaters that feed Katse Dam. The landscape is defined by steep, high-altitude slopes, wetlands, waterfalls, rivers and gorges. The reserve’s objectives include protecting high-altitude grasslands, wetlands and woodlands, and the emblematic and endemic species they host. It also aims to strengthen community wellbeing through research-led stewardship, climate-resilient nature-based enterprises and locally developed, locally governed low-impact ecotourism.