A territory must satisfy the following criteria to be designated as Biosphere Reserve:

1) To contain a mosaic of ecological systems representative of important biogeographical regions, that includes a progressive series of human intervention forms in the environment.

2) To have importance for the biological diversity conservation.

3) To offer possibilities of trying and demonstrating methods of sustainable development at regional scale.

4) To have the adecuate dimensions to develop the three functions that Biosphere Reserves must fulfil.

5) To facilitate the integration and participation of a suitable range of sectors, among others, public authorities, local communities and private interests in the conception and execution of Biosphere Reserves functions.

6) To have taken, in addition, measurements to equip it with:

• Management of mechanisms of resources uses and human activities in the damping or buffer zone.
• A policy or a territorial management plan in its quality as biosphere reserve.
• An authority or an institutional device in charge of applying that policy or plan.
• A permanent programme based on observation, research, education and qualification.