The MAB Program United States of America
Biosphere Reserve Information - General Description
Virgin Islands
General Description
This biosphere reserve
occupies about two-thirds of the volcanic island St. John and its surrounding
waters. The area includes steep hillsides, rocky shores, coral and sand beaches,
numerous bays, fringing coral reefs, canyons of coral ledges, coral gardens,
turtle grass beds, mangrove swamps and natural salt ponds.
About 900,000 visitors per year visit the area for diving and snorkelling,
boating, fishing and hiking. The Cruz Bay Visitor Center provides orientation
talks, guided snorkel trips and cultural demonstrations. The island now faces
serious environmental problems from increasing tourism and residential
development, including destruction of wildlife habitats, reef destruction,
commercial fishing activities, water as well as land erosion and related
sedimentation on coral reefs. The main aim of the biosphere reserve is to
protect natural systems while enhancing the quality of life for the local
community.
In cooperation with other local institutions and agencies, the Virgin Island
Resources Management Cooperative (VIRMC) has completed a variety of studies
within the biosphere reserve including characterization of local fisheries,
analysis of the cultural role of fishing, mapping of nearshore marine
communities, as well as descriptions of the bays and marine communities.
Last updated: 06/27/2005