The Everglades is a National Park, but it’s also a national and international treasure. It is protected by the United states, and internationally, it is seen as a highly-important piece of land. Besides being a National Park, the Everglades is a biosphere reserve, a world heritage site and a wetland of international importance. As you can see, the Everglades is a vital part of the world.
The Everglades has unique flora and fauna within it spread across 1.5 million acres. It is a sanctuary for endangered species. Currently, it helps protect about 15 federally-threatened and endangered species like Florida panthers, sea turtles, West Indian manatees, wood storks, crocodiles and more.
Residing in the Everglades is also one of the vastest pine rockland habitats in the world. There are also over 1,000 species of plants, and 350 species of birds inside this Park. The Everglades is the single largest area of land east of the Mississippi River where plants and animals are granted immunity from human intervention.
How is the Everglades a biosphere reserve, a world heritage site and a wetland of international importance? It is due to its unique collection of plants and wildlife.
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. UNESCO designated the Everglades as an International Biosphere Reserve under the Man and the Biosphere project in 1976.
World heritage sites, deemed by UNESCO, are “recognized as being of outstanding international importance and therefore as deserving special protection.” 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.
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. There are presently 1,929 wetland sites on the Ramsar List. In 1987, the Ramsar Convention acknowledged the Everglades as a Wetland of International Importance.
Globally, the Everglades are being protected. No one wants to see this magical place disappear.
An airboat tour is a great way to explore the Everglades and see plant and wildlife not found anywhere else in the world.
Captain Mitch’s Airboat Tours will give you a glimpse of the Everglades like no other on the water. To book an airboat ride, call 800-368-0065 or visit our Private Everglades Airboat Tours page. We are open seven days a week 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. If paying by cash, adults cost $40 (plus tax) and children 12 and under cost $20 (plus tax. If paying by credit card, adults cost $45 (plus tax) and children cost $25 (plus tax).
