Belezma Biosphere Reserve

UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, inscribed 2015, in Algeria. The Belezma Biosphere Reserve is in the north-east of Algeria within the Batna Province. It lies on the slopes of the Belezma Range which forms part of a subrange in the Aurès Mountains. The biosphere reserve comprises a rich mosaic of habitats, including forests, thickets, lawns, cliffs, mountain foothills, rivers and mines. It also contains 5,315 ha of Atlas cedar, which represents almost one third of the cedar forests of Algeria. This tree is several hundred years old and is the flagship species of the Aurès region. Its wood is used for traditional crafts such as weaving and agriculture. The biosphere reserve also contains several historical and archaeological sites, including caves and tombs that represent traces left by ancient civilisations. Local people engage mostly in agricultural activities such as livestock and grain farming, administrative and commercial activities, as well as handicrafts.