PORTUGAL
BIOSPHERE RESERVE OF PORTO SANTO ISLAND.
Year of creation
2020
The Biosphere Reserve of Porto Santo Island, located in the Madeira Archipelago, comprises the entire 42 km2 of land and the six neighbouring islets, in addition to the surrounding marine area to a depth of 100m. Its total area is 27,310.54 ha, of which 5,059.59 ha correspond to land and 22,250.95 ha to the ocean.
It features some very unique characteristics, most notably the immense 9 km long beach of fine, golden, biogenic sand with rare therapeutic properties.
The island is a treasure trove of biological and geological diversity, well-preserved ecosystems and a large number of endemic species of notable interest, with 2113 taxa (1660 terrestrial and 453 marine).
With 600 years of history, the people of Porto Santo have always been deep-rooted in customs and traditions that exemplify the life of this resilient community, as the festivities of São João, the pilgrimages, the folklore, the typical gastronomy with its unique delicacies, the handicrafts of palm hats, and so forth.
The main economic activities include tourism, farming and fishing, all with a strong connection to natural resources, biodiversity, landscape, as well as historical and cultural heritage.
Contacts
reservabiosfera@cm-portosanto.pt
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