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03 June 2016

Two New Biosphere Reserves in Portugal

On 19 March, Portugal was attributed two more Biosphere Reserves, bringing its number up to 10 Biosphere Reserves out of the total of 669 in the World Network covering 120 countries.

Portugal has 3 of the world’s 16 Cross-Border Biosphere Reserves, in a good example of cooperation with Spain and which emphasises the importance of the network in organising this Programme, bringing all the benefits derived from making contact, sharing and exchanging experiences in a World Network.

The two new Portuguese Biosphere Reserves are:
- Tejo /Tajo International Cross-Border Biosphere Reserve presented by Portugal and Spain;
- Fajãs de S. Jorge Biosphere Reserve, in the Azores.

The biosphere reserves are identified by the national governments and their status is internationally recognised by the UNESCO scientific programme entitled “Man & Biosphere”, created in 1971. The goal of the programme is to promote biodiversity conservation, improved quality of life for the populations and sustainable economic development.

Portugal’s Biosphere Reserves are as follows:
Mainland Portugal
- Paul do Boquilobo Reserve
- Gerês-Xurés Cross-Border Reserve
- Berlengas Islands Reserve
- Meseta Ibérica Reserve (northeast Portugal)

The Azores
- Corvo Island
- Graciosa Island
- Flores Island

Madeira
- Santana

For further information visit www.unesco.org