Gorge of Samaria Biosphere Reserve

UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, inscribed 1981, in Greece. Located on the south-western coast of Crete, this biosphere reserve and national park lie in a mountainous limestone area famous for the deep, narrow Samaria Gorge. The area comprises high-altitude Mediterranean forest, including virgin stands of cypress (Cupressus sempervirens), as well as maquis and phrygana. Typical Mediterranean fauna includes the endemic wild goat (Capra aegagrus cretensis). As in much of the Mediterranean, the area was formerly subject to grazing and timber extraction. As of 1999, the designated biosphere reserve is uninhabited. The region around the gorge is culturally notable, with ancient ruins, churches and castles. Tourism is the main economic activity, though activities are restricted within the national park. There is a visitor centre at the gorge entrance.