The Biosphere Reserve of the Island of Porto Santo, Madeira (Portugal)

Susana Fontinha

Adjunta do Gabinete da Secretária Regional de Ambiente, Recursos Naturais e Alterações Climáticas da Madeira

The inclusion of all of Porto Santo in the Biosphere Reserve results from the respect for the island's unique geomorphology, which extends to the bathymetric line of 100m, in order to include the underwater platform and coincide with the natural boundaries of the island.

This territory harbours characteristic land, coastal and marine ecosystems of the Macaronesia Biogeographic Region. The flora and fauna of the forests which were predominant in Europe during the Tertiary Period are noteworthy. In the coastal and marine environment, the presence of fossils which are witnesses to a reef period, which was also a precursor of dune formation, should be highlighted as well.

There are referred approximately 2113 taxa, with 298 mentioned in the IUCN Red List, 66 of which are under greater threat. In addition, 136 taxa are under the Berne Convention, 25 the Bonn Convention, 31 the CITES, 42 listed in the Birds Directive and 44 in the Habitats Directive. It also houses  various  types  of  habitats,  some  of  which  are  listed  in  Annex  I of the Habitats Directive.

Porto Santo, by its heritage values and indigenous resources, has inspired scientists in various areas of knowledge: biology, geology, ecology, culture, among others, in the development of research projects, whose pursuit within the Biosphere Reserve, through networking with knowledge-holding partners, will boost its scientific status in a tribute to the consolidation of knowledge and the diffusion of science and shared accountability.

Thursday, January 14, 2020, at 12h00-13h00 (Lisbon, Portugal time)

ONLINE, on our YouTube channel, here: https://youtu.be/NpJ1GP_rz-o