The Mojave and Colorado Deserts Biosphere Region

NPS/ Carmen Aurrecoechea

Joshua Tree National Park is a part of the Mojave and Colorado Deserts Biosphere Region (MCDBR). The MCDBR is a vast area of 25 million acres of extraordinary desert land. It stretches from Death Valley National Park to the US-Mexico Border. In this region, you will find extreme landscapes, including the hottest, driest, and lowest places in North America, thousands of desert-adapted species, a rich human history, and opportunities for rural economic development.

The MCDBR is committed to conserving the region's heritage and building a sustainable future. Joshua Tree National Park is proud to be a core conservation area of the MCDBR alongside Mojave National Preserve/Castle Mountains National Monument, Death Valley National Park, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument. This biosphere region also includes military installations, tribal nations, private landowners, and local communities.

 

What is a Biosphere Region?

The biosphere is the zone where all life exists on Earth. A biosphere region is an area with significant environmental and cultural importance, often used for modeling sustainable development. Biosphere regions around the world test responsible initiatives to address local and global challenges.

Biosphere regions are internationally recognized by the Man and the Biosphere Programme of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). UNESCO's recognition of biosphere regions in the U.S. does not affect private property rights or impact the sovereign jurisdiction of the United States or the authorities of local, state, tribal, and federal governments. Biosphere Regions, like MCDBR, work on projects that advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

 

Mojave and Colorado Deserts Biosphere Region (MCDBR)

Despite their ability to endure extremes, deserts are vulnerable to human impacts. The challenges the region faces extend beyond any single agency or community. The MCDBR forms partnerships to promote collaborative conservation and sustainable development within the biosphere region. We believe that by working together with the MCDBR, a healthy and sustainable future is achievable.

The MCDBR is a voluntary partnership open to local, state, and federal agencies, tribal governments, nonprofits, universities, communities, and the private sector. The MCDBR aims to share knowledge and best practices regionally, nationally, and internationally through membership in the United States Biosphere Network and the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.

 

Learn More

• Explore the Mojave and Colorado Deserts Biosphere Region.
• Learn more about Biosphere Regions and National Parks working together.
• Watch this UNESCO video featuring Biosphere Regions around the world.
• Discover how Joshua Tree National Park works together with other parks and partners around the region and the world:
  • Inventory and Monitoring
  • International Dark Sky Park
  • Park Partners