the central Atlas Mountains of Morocco. The biosphere reserve is home to 75% of the world's majestic Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica) tree population. This part of the Atlas Mountains is rich in ecosystems and its peaks, reaching up to , provide the region with critically important water resources. Fruit plantations, modern agriculture and tourist activities, which have replaced semi-nomadic pastoral traditions, are taking their toll on scarce water resources. The rich local Berber culture is particularly strong in this area.