Best Tropical Highland
Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park is a protected area situated in the state of Goiás, within the central highlands of Brazil. Established in 1961, the park encompasses a diverse landscape of cerrado savanna, deep canyons, and numerous waterfalls along its river systems. It is recognized by UNESCO...
Why this score?
UNESCO recognition, dramatic waterfalls, ancient plateaus, rich cerrado biodiversity, and excellent hiking underpin an outstanding reputation.
Scoring methodology
Cerrado rupestre is a specific type of savanna vegetation found in the Brazilian Cerrado biome, typically occurring at higher elevations on rocky, nutrient-poor quartzite soils. It is characterized by a landscape of exposed stone interspersed with sparse woody shrubs, herbs, and grasses. This format...
Why this score?
Dramatic rocky terrain, exceptional plant endemism, and distinctive microhabitats earn strong expert regard; restricted distribution increases vulnerability and limits familiarity.
Scoring methodology
The Heart of Borneo is a transboundary conservation agreement spanning approximately 220,000 square kilometers of equatorial rainforest on the island of Borneo. Initiated by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the agreement was formally signed by the governments of Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia in 2007...
Why this score?
Huge transboundary conservation concept with major biodiversity importance, but initiative scope and uneven protection dilute site-specific acclaim.
Scoring methodology
Kayan Mentarang National Park is a vast protected area in North Kalimantan, Indonesia, situated in the highlands of Borneo. Covering over 1.3 million hectares, it preserves one of the largest remaining blocks of tropical rainforest in Southeast Asia. The park is a biodiversity hotspot and is co-mana...
Why this score?
Large Kalimantan rainforest and indigenous landscape, strong conservation value, but remote and less internationally rated.
Scoring methodology
Crystal Mountains National Park is a protected area in northwestern Gabon, established in 2002 as part of a network of thirteen national parks created under a national conservation initiative. The park protects the Crystal Mountains, a forested highland range that serves as a biological corridor bet...
Why this score?
Botanically rich Gabon mountain rainforest, respected specialist site, but limited access and public ratings.
Scoring methodology
The Ecuadorian Páramo is a high-altitude neotropical alpine tundra ecosystem situated above the timberline in the Andes mountains. It is defined by its unique vegetation, particularly the endemic frailejón plants, which feature large rosettes and hairy leaves adapted to the cold climate. El Ángel Ec...
The Madagascar subhumid forests ecoregion occupies the central highlands of Madagascar, serving as a crucial habitat for endemic species despite facing severe deforestation threats.
Why this score?
Rich endemic biodiversity and crucial highland habitats support strong scientific value; extensive clearance, fragmentation, and less iconic scenery temper consensus.
Scoring methodology
The Atewa Range Forest Reserve is an upland evergreen forest located in Ghana's Eastern Region, recognized globally as a critical biodiversity hotspot. The forest ecosystem features high species richness and numerous endemic plants and animals. The range also serves as the headwater source for the D...
Why this score?
Important Ghanaian upland forest and water source, high conservation concern, but bauxite threat and limited tourism recognition.
Scoring methodology
Cibodas Botanical Garden, located in West Java, Indonesia, showcases an extensive collection of over 17,000 plant species across its varied elevations, from tropical rainforest to cool montane forests, established in 1894.
Fettercairn 12 Year Old is a Highland single malt Scotch whisky produced at Fettercairn Distillery in Aberdeenshire. The expression is matured in American oak ex-bourbon casks and bottled as part of the distillery's core range. It is associated with a fruit-led profile that can include citrus, vanil...
Peruvian Puna is the high-altitude grassland, shrubland, and wetland landscape of the Peruvian Andes. It forms part of the Central Andean puna, a Neotropical montane-grassland ecoregion extending through Peru, Bolivia, northern Chile, and northern Argentina. Its bofedales are peat-forming mountain w...
