Atlas Cedar Biosphere Reserve

The Atlas Cedar Biosphere Reserve (established 2016) is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve located in the central Atlas Mountains of Morocco. The biosphere reserve is home to 75% of the world's majestic Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica) tree population. This part of the Atlas Mountains is rich in ecosystems and its peaks, reaching up to 3700 meters, provide the region with critically important water resources. Fruit plantations, modern agriculture and tourist activities, which have replaced semi-nomadic pastoral traditions, are taking their toll on scarce water resources. The rich local Berber culture is particularly strong in this area.