UNESCO/Toson-Khulstai Biosphere Reserve
Madre de las Aguas
General information
In the heart of the Dominican Republic, Madre de las Aguas Biosphere Reserve is a sprawling expanse that encompasses 11 provinces and 35 municipalities, sheltering a population of 472 526 and spanning 9 374 km².
This territory is characterized by its diverse topography, which has been sculpted by the Cordillera Central. An array of natural wonders ranging from plateaus to cascading waterfalls form an intricate tapestry of landscapes. This biosphere reserve features four distinct ecosystems which harbor 88 avian species, 20 of which are endemic and 17 under threat. The Sparrowhawk (Buteo ridgwayi) is deemed to be Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, for instance.
Detailed information
Key data
Year of nomination
2024
Country
Dominican Republic
Total population
472526
Area
Surface
937,370.00 ha
Total terresterial area
937,370.00 ha
Location
Latitiude: 19.0134972 - Longitude: -70.82024694
Ecological Characteristics
The region presents a diverse landscape, with plateaus, intramountain valleys, waterfalls, gorges and canyons. It is also home to an exceptional hydrographic network comprising over700 watercourses covering the island's eight main watersheds. This remarkable environment encompasses four ecosystems: subtropical broadleaf rainforests, subtropical dry broadleaf forests, subtropical coniferous forests, and montane grasslands and shrublands.
The biosphere reserve is one of the most important sites in the country for the conservation of birds. Eighty-eight species have been recorded, of which 20 are endemic and 17 are threatened, notably the Sparrowhawk (Buteo ridgwayi), which was declared Critically Endangered by IUCN, while 6 others are protected under the CITES.
Socio-Economics Characteristics
The territory of the biosphere reserve includes 11 provinces and 35 municipalities and is home to around 472,500 people. Local stakeholders believe that the designation of the biosphere reserve will have a positive impact on current conflicts over land by providing opportunities for dialogue and sustainable development through ecotourism and agriculture primarily.
