Sister reserves

The NRS has established collaborative research and educational relationships with several research centers around the world. These relationships are meant to raise awareness of these field stations among NRS users and thereby facilitate their use. The University of California does not own or administer NRS sister reserves; use is at the visitor’s discretion.

Gobabeb Namib Research Institute
The Gobabeb Namib Research Institute is located in the midst of the Namib Desert. Image: Violet Nakayama

Gobabeb Namib Research Institute

Located in Namibia, in southwestern Africa, the Gobabeb Namib Research Institute provides a base for researchers studying the hyperarid Namib Desert. Nearby ecosystems include the Sand Sea, the Gravel Plains, and the riparian woodlands of the ephemeral Kuiseb River. The field station is situated within Namib-Naukluft Park, in an ecotone between fog and rain precipitation.

Eco-Alianza de Loreto, A.C.
Eco-Alianza de Loreto, A.C. provides access to the Sonoran Desert. Image: Richard Jackson

Eco-Alianza de Loreto, A.C.

Along the Gulf of California, midway down Mexico’s Baja California peninsula, the historic town of Loreto enjoys easy access to a national marine park with five islands, teeming wetlands, and the Sonoran Desert. The nonprofit Eco-Alianza de Loreto, A.C. encourages scientific study of the region and offers its headquarters and staff to facilitate the work of visiting researchers.

UC Chile
The Atacama UC Station – Alto Patache is situated in the world’s driest desert. Research here focuses on the ecology of arid regions and technologies enabling human settlement in water-limited environments. Image: UC Chile

Regional Centers and Field Stations, Pontifical Catholic University of Chile

The seven regional centers and field stations of the Regional Centers and Field Station (RCER) of the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile (UC Chile) range from the Atacama Desert in the north, to the Andean peaks and wild rivers of Patagonia, to the southern tip of South America. Other facilities include a marine laboratory west of the capital city of Santiago, a forest station on the island of Chiloé, and a center devoted to the discovery of medicines derived from wild plants.