The municipality of Santana, located on the northern side of the island of Madeira, was honoured by UNESCO in June 2011 with the distinction of “Biosphere Reserve”, recognizing the richness of an ecosystem where the conservation of biodiversity and its sustainable use are brought together.
This reserve includes a land component, corresponding to the entire surface of the municipality above sea level and still a marine component, which presents a wide variety of natural and unique human, landscape, environmental and cultural values of local, regional, national and international interest.
In Portugal there are six Biosphere Reserves of the utmost importance, namely:
• Paul do Boquilobo
• Peneda-Geres National Park
• Berlengas Archipelago
• Biosphere Reserve of Flores Island
• Biosphere Reserve of Corvo Island
• Biosphere Reserve of Graciosa Island
Within the international context, and according to data from UNESCO – United Nations, Educational, Science and Cultural Organisation, there are about 621 Biosphere Reserves spread across 117 countries.
Among some of the nominated biosphere reserves highlight goes to:
– Mont Saint Hilaire (Canada)
– Mont-Viso (France) Mount Olympus (Greece)