The Sheka Forest Biosphere Reserve (Sheka Zone) comprises unique natural landscapes of about 240,000 hectare, ranging from cool, humid highlands to hot lowlands. As in Kafa and Bench-Sheko, the characteristic Afromontane rainforests contain wild Coffea arabica in the undergrowth.
In the past, large areas of forest were converted into industrial tea production. Nevertheless, both the local government and the local population are keen to preserve the forests, which are strongly linked to spiritual beliefs and traditions and provide an important basis for life.