MaB Somiedo

Biosphere reserves are sites recognized under UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Programme, which innovate and demonstrate approaches to conservation and sustainable development. They are of course under the national jurisdiction of each country, yet share their experience and ideas nationally, regionally and internationally within the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. There are 553 sites worldwide in 107 countries.

The Biosphere Reserve of Somiedo comprises several different habitats: alpine eco-systems among high peaks, dense woodlands of beech and oak on the slopes and swiftly flowing rivers through low meadows in the valleys. The huge beech forests found here are home to a substantial population of brown bears, as well as chamois, lynx, capercaille and several amphibians and reptiles exclusive to Northern Spain. The steep terrain, with elevations ranging from 400m to 2194m, encourages seasonal grazing rotations which turn the countryside into a beautiful patchwork of infinite greens. Local residents continue the ancient practise of transhumance, taking their herds up to graze on the high meadows, or brañas, during the warmer months. The traditional broom-thatched structuresk, or teitos maintained by local vaqueiros, have become Somiedo's picturesque trademark.