Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, Yucatán, Mexico

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.
© Claudio Contreras/Minden Pictures