Local Pride & International Recognition
Improving Livelihoods and Conserving Our Natural and Cultural Heritage
The Congaree Biosphere Region represents the beauty and biodiversity of our special region of the South Carolina Midlands.
The Congaree Biosphere Region was initially designated in 1983
UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) designated Congaree as a biosphere region which “protects, studies, and interprets the resources, history, stories, and wilderness character of the nation’s largest remaining tract of southern old-growth bottomland forest and its associated ecosystems.”
Covering 466,062 acres, we are one of 28 sites in the U.S. Biosphere Network and one of 701 sites in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
Driving Sustainable Solutions Through Local Collaboration
Our community depends on the benefits that healthy rivers, floodplains, agriculture, public lands, and urban areas provide: benefits such as crop pollination, water supply, natural flood control, wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation and tourism, and carbon sequestration. A sustainable future depends on maintaining these at a regional level.
A Unique Sanctuary with Cultural and Ecological Importance
Congaree National Park, is at our core, protecting the nation’s largest remaining tract of southern old-growth bottomland forest. This habitat provides a rare environment for hundreds of bird, reptile, fish, and bird species to thrive, such as the red-cockaded woodpecker, indigo snake, and southern fox squirrel, all of which are threatened or endangered due to habitat loss.
Long, rich, and complex cultural legacies in the Congaree Biosphere Region encompass native American traditions, African American culture (including slavery, maroonage, and a powerful Reconstruction story), colonial and Revolutionary War sites, logging, moonshining, and more.
our community-centric approach
The Congaree Biosphere Region’s Goals
Conserve natural resources, including water quality, biodiversity, and natural forest cover.
Preserve cultural legacies, including community sites, stories, institutions, and traditions.
Encourage sustainable community planning and collaborations.
Promote ecotourism and heritage tourism, sustainable agriculture and silviculture, and support local businesses and commerce.
Inform and inspire decisions through scientific research, scholarship, monitoring, and education.
Remain positive, proactive, and vigilant as we seek to ensure the long-term integrity of our natural resources and cultural heritage.
Together We Are Stronger
By aligning around our shared values and combining our complementary yet diverse skills and programs, we all gain more capacity to accomplish our mutual goals.