Did you know the Everglades isn’t only protected by the United States? In addition to its national park status, it’s also internationally recognized as a highly important piece of land. Why? Well, the reasons are abundant, which is why the Everglades is designated not only as a national park but also as a biosphere reserve, a world heritage site and a wetland of international importance. In essence, the Everglades is a vital part of not just Southwest Florida or the United States, but of the world as a whole.

So why is the Everglades so important?

The entire world knows the Everglades a big deal, but why? In a word: biodiversity. Its unique flora and fauna, spread across over 1.5 million acres, make it a sanctuary for endangered species as well as a spacious home to countless thriving plants and animals. The Everglades is responsible for protecting roughly 15 federally threatened and endangered species like crocodiles, sea turtles, West Indian manatees, wood storks, Florida panthers, and more.

And the Everglades doesn’t just preserve exotic animals. It maintains one of the vastest pine rockland habitats in the world. On top of that, it shelters over 1,000 species of plants and over 350 species of birds, some of which are rare or endangered. And as a whole, the Everglades is the single largest area of land east of the Mississippi River where plants and animals are granted immunity from human intervention. As a protected wilderness area, the construction of roads and buildings are forbidden, thus deeming the Everglades a massive natural area where its inhabitants can flourish.

This unique collection of plant of wildlife is why the Everglades is a designated biosphere reserve, world heritage site and wetland of international importance. But what’s the difference between the three?

The Everglades as a Biosphere Reserve

The Everglades is one of 563 worldwide biosphere reserves. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), biosphere reserves essentially serve as “living laboratories,” which assist in understanding biodiversity. Scientific researchers use biosphere reserves to learn not only about the land but also how humans affect it. From this research, we can adjust our behaviors to better preserve these important wilderness areas. UNESCO designated the Everglades as an International Biosphere Reserve under the Man and the Biosphere project in 1976.

The Everglades as a World Heritage Site

World heritage sites, as deemed by UNESCO, are “recognized as being of outstanding international importance and therefore as deserving special protection.” The World Heritage Convention operates under the umbrella of UNESCO to determine whether a site merits world heritage status. Sites are natural or man-made, and there are currently 1,031 world heritage properties spread across the globe. The Everglades joined the World Heritage List in 1979 for its subtropical biodiversity. The designation emphasizes the bond between humans and nature and the importance of preserving this bond for generations to come.

The Everglades as a Wetland of International Importance

Also known as a Ramsar Site, Wetlands of International Importance have protection under a multi-country treaty to preserve the resources found in each wilderness. Established in Ramsar, Iran in 1971, the Convention on Wetlands ensures rare and biologically diverse wetlands remain intact. There are presently 1,929 wetland sites on the Ramsar List. The designation highlights a wetlands’ scientific, economic, recreational and cultural value. In 1987, the Ramsar Convention acknowledged the Everglades as a Wetland of International Importance.

See what the hype is all about

Organizations across the globe work to protect the Everglades for your enjoyment. Do you want to experience this international treasure firsthand? Take a trip to the Everglades for a chance to see endangered and exotic plant and wildlife not found anywhere else in the world. The optimal way to see the Everglades in all its glory is by airboat. Contact Captain Mitch’s Everglade Airboat Tours by clicking here or calling 239-695-3377 to schedule your Everglades airboat adventure today.