New Biosphere Reserves
26 new UNESCO Biosphere Reserves have been recognized, including Arrábida, Quiçama, Bioko Island and São Tomé Island.
UNESCO BIOSPHERE RESERVES
A network for sharing ideas, experiences and actions for sustainable development
GET TO KNOW PORTUGUESE BIOPHERE RESERVES
A network for sharing ideas, experiences and actions for sustainable development
GET TO KNOW PORTUGUESE BIOPHERE RESERVES
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WHAT ARE BIOSPHERE RESERVES
Territories that stand out for their incalculable ecological, cultural, economic and social value
Biosphere Reserves are territories distinguished by the uniqueness and conservation of their natural heritage in coexistence with the well-being and valorization of the cultural heritage associated with the resident communities.
Biosphere Reserves are nominated by national governments and distinguished by the Director-General of UNESCO within the framework of the Man and the Biosphere (MaB) Program, following the decisions of the MAB International Coordinating Council (MaB ICC).
Their status is internationally recognized.
The Biosphere Reserves are under national jurisdiction, but collaborate with each other in sharing ideas, experiences, projects and actions at regional, national and international level, in the context of the network of 785 Biosphere Reserves in 142 countries, including 25 transboundary Biosphere Reserves (Setembro 2025).
UNESCO’s Biosphere Reserves cover about 5% of the Earth’s land surface.
RESERVES IN THE WORLD
785
Number
AREA
6 987 702
km2
POPULATION
191 887 334
Residents in 2023
13
Biosphere Reserves
PORTUGAL RESERVES NETWORK
A vibrant platform, fostering sharing and exchange, ready to shape a promising future for both Portugal and the global community.
Portugal’s 13 Biosphere Reserves span across three distinct biogeographical regions: Mediterranean, Atlantic, and Macaronesia. Encompassing a wide array of ecosystems, these Reserves capture the full spectrum of Portugal’s natural richness. From the captivating islands of the Macaronesia to the aquatic realms of the Atlantic Sea, from the Tagus wetlands to the riverine landscapes, from the mountains to the northern valleys and the Alentejo plains, each Reserve is a microcosm of diversity.
The 13 Portuguese Reserves unite under the banner of the Portuguese National Commission for UNESCO, creating a harmonious connection that transcends regional differences and aligns with the universal values upheld by UNESCO.
Biosphere Reserves covers an impressive 12% of the national territory
This collective endeavour covers an impressive 12% of the national territory and constitutes a remarkable 26% of the Protected and Classified Areas within Portugal. Notably, these Reserves are homes to 283,960 individuals, contributing to 3% of the entire Portuguese population.
These Reserves serve as guardians of Portugal’s invaluable cultural and natural heritage. They harbour a staggering 79.8% of the 99 habitats designated for mandatory preservation. This commitment to conservation and heritage preservation is at the core of the Reserves’ ethos.
TERRITORY
2 134 031
Total area of Reserves (ha)
PEOPLE
283 960
Residents in the Reserves in 2021
BIODIVERSITY
10 328
Species
Discover the History of Portugal's Biosphere Reserves
Portugal has four reserves in the Azores Archipelago, two in Madeira and six on the mainland, three of which are cross-border.
The first Portuguese Biosphere Reserve, Paul do Boquilobo, was classified in 1981. In 2007, two new Reserves were designated, both in the Autonomous Region of the Azores, Corvo Island and Graciosa Island. The first Transfrontier Reserve, Gerês-Xurês, was approved in 2009, the same year as the Flores Island Reserve. Two years later, in 2011, the Berlengas and Santana Reserves were created. The Meseta Ibérica Transfrontier Reserve (2015), the Fajãs de São Jorge and the Tejo / Tajo Transfrontier Reserves (2016), Castro Verde (2017) and Porto Santo (2020) were soon added.
In 2021, 283,960 people lived in the Reserves, 3 per cent of the total resident population in Portugal, having lost around 40 per cent of their residents in the last 60 years.
Of the 25,800 villages in Portugal, around 1,800 (7%) are located in Biosphere Reserves.
DATA PANEL
Learn about the impact of Biosphere Reserves on the sustainability of the planet
Learn about the configuration of their territories, the people who live there and make up their communities, the importance of their natural and cultural heritage and their economic activity. See how the Reserves contribute to the well-being of people and the planet.
ECOSYSTEM SERVICES
Valuing what ecosystems give us
From pollination to reducing the risk of fire and soil erosion, to improving air and water quality, nature (and all biodiversity), ecosystem services play a fundamental role in human survival.
Ecosystem services are therefore the benefits that human populations obtain from ecosystems.
News
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Events
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5º Congresso Mundial das Reservas da Biosfera e 37.ª sessão do Conselho Internacional de Coordenação do Programa «Man and the Biosphere» (MaB) da UNESCO
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5th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves and 37th session of the International Coordinating Council of the Man and the Biosphere (MaB) Programme
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Transdisciplinary and anticipatory dialogue for climate resilience. Envisioning actionable societal change
A conference that seeks to address the global challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and social inequality through integrative approaches that draw on the best of science, humanities, and the arts.
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Transdisciplinary and anticipatory dialogue for climate resilience. Envisioning actionable societal change
Uma conferência que procura responder aos desafios globais das alterações climáticas, da perda de biodiversidade e da desigualdade social, através de abordagens integrativas que combinam o melhor da ciência, das humanidades e das artes.
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Festa de Nª Sra dos Milagres – Festival dos Moinhos 2025
Na Reserva da Biosfera da Ilha do Corvo irá ter lugar...
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Sagrada Família – Ilha do Corvo
Na Reserva da Biosfera da Ilha do Corvo irão decorrer as celebrações da Sagrada Família...
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Exposição Temporária Guarda Fiscal – GNR
Na Reserva da Biosfera da Ilha do Corvo o Ecomuseu leva a cabo...
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Festas do Divino Espirito Santo
Na Reserva da Biosfera da Ilha do Corvo celebra-se...
