The Saylem Woreda forms the northern part of the Biosphere Reserve and the western boundary constitutes the Gesha National Forest Priority Area.

The Kafa Zone contains more than 50% of the remaining montane forests in Ethiopia and it is the center of origin and genetic diversity of wild Coffea arabica.

Along with other plant life, Aframomum corrorima, Bothriocline schimperi, Clematis longicaudata, Erythrina brucei, Millettia ferruginea, Tiliacora troupinii, and Vepris dainellii are recorded as endemic species of Ethiopian Highlands.

[3] Kafa Biosphere Reserve is home to 300 species of mammals consisting of bats, rodents, carnivorans, monkeys, and even-toed ungulates.

Incomtus), African clawless otter (Aonyx Capensis), African giant shrew (Crocidura Olivieri), Yellow-spotted rock hyrax (Heterohyrax Brucei), Rock hyrax (Procavia capensis), and Gambian sun squirrel (Heliosciurus Gambianus) are found in wetlands and forest habitats.

Wattled Ibis, Rouget's rail, Black-winged Lovebird, White-cheeked Turaco, Banded Barbet, Abyssinian Slaty Flycatcher, and Thick-billed Raven are near-endemic within the reserve.

[4] The Biosphere Reserve includes the East Afromontane Biodiversity Hotspot and other endemic crops such as Ensete ventricosum and Eragrostis tef, and a cultural and linguistic identity quite distinct from the rest of Africa.

The area includes an array of rural settlements, traditional land-use patterns, and sites of cultural and natural significance, which are home to approximately 608 227 people.

The key management focal areas of the Biosphere Reserve include coordination of conservation initiatives with the focus on the protection of the endemic and global important genetic resources of Coffea arabica and its associated ecosystems, provision of a sustained flow of high-quality water to adjoining regions, and the promotion of sustainable development to alleviate poverty and inequality.