Bliesgau Biosphere Reserve

UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, inscribed 2009, in Germany. Located in south-west Germany in the Saarland region, Bliesgau Biosphere Reserve has a wide variety of soils and microclimates. The reserve was created to encompass very contrasting landscapes, including its industrialised and densely populated north. In the mostly rural south, it features semi-arid grasslands as well as orchid- and woodruff–beech forests. These host the greatest density of Saarland’s habitat types and species of national and international importance.