Caribbean flamingo egg in nest, Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, Yucatán, Mexico

© Claudio Contreras/Minden Picture

Where nature meets sustainability. International Day for Biosphere Reserves

Today is the International Day for Biosphere Reserves. Biosphere reserves may sound like a scientific mouthful, but they're essentially nature's sweet spots—places where biodiversity, or variety of life on Earth, thrives. These areas, recognised by UNESCO, keep ecosystems healthy, protect endangered species and help regulate climate through forests, wetlands and other crucial habitats. There are 759 biosphere reserves across 136 countries. From the lush greenery of Sundarbans in India to the vast expanses of the Great Sandy Biosphere Reserve in Australia, each reserve is unique.

Biosphere reserves are all about balance, and Ría Lagartos, featured here is a prime example. It is a biosphere reserve in Yucatán, Mexico, a UNESCO-protected sanctuary since 2004. Its lush forests and savannas cradle over 550 vertebrate species, including 142 species that are found only here. There are over 400 bird species in this reserve, including a large population of flamingos whose nests are seen in today's image. India is home to 18 biosphere reserves including Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, Nokrek Biosphere Reserve and Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve, like Ría Lagartos, which safeguard extensive natural habitats that surpass the area of a typical national park or animal sanctuary. These reserves often encompass one or more national parks, along with buffer zones that permit certain economic activities.