Albay Biosphere Reserve

UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, inscribed 2016, in Philippines. The Albay Biosphere Reserve is at the southern end of Luzon Island in the Philippines and covers about 250,000 ha. Terrestrial elevation culminates at 2,462 m, and the marine area reaches a depth of 223 m below sea level. The site has high conservation value, notably with 182 terrestrial plant species, 46 of which are endemic. Its marine and coastal ecosystems contain 12 mangrove species, 40 species of seaweed or macroalgae, and 10 species of seagrass. Five of the world’s seven marine turtle species are also found in Albay. Agriculture is the main source of income in the area.