Arrábida is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

Arrábida is now a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The classification was officially announced today (27.09.25) by the International Coordinating Council of the Man and the Biosphere Programme during its 37th meeting, which brought together more than one hundred countries in Hangzhou, China.

The application was submitted by the Association of Municipalities of the Setúbal Region (AMRS), which coordinated the process, together with the three municipalities that make up the Arrábida Territory – Palmela, Sesimbra, and Setúbal, and the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (ICNF).

AMRS – Press conference on the submission of Arrábida as a Biosphere Reserve, June 2024

With this decision, Arrábida becomes part of a global network of 785 Biosphere Reserves, which includes natural areas such as the Galápagos in Ecuador, the Serengeti in Tanzania, Yellowstone in the United States, and, closer by, Doñana Park and the Canary Islands in Spain. The Portuguese network now comprises 13 Biosphere Reserves.

The Advisory Committee welcomed Portugal’s proposal, acknowledging that it “presents a diverse landscape characterized by the Arrábida mountain range and a rich marine ecosystem.” In its recommendation, it highlights “over 1,400 plant species – representing 40 percent of Portuguese flora – including 70 rare and endemic species,” and emphasizes “diverse fauna, with 200 vertebrate species and more than 2,000 marine species.” The Action Plan was also valued, as it “sets out objectives for conservation, development, and climate resilience, aligned with the Lima Action Plan and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).” The International Committee further praised the application as “very well documented.”

Approval of the Arrábida Biosphere Reserve, 27 September 2025

The designation of the Arrábida Biosphere Reserve is a unique opportunity for the promotion, protection, and sustainable development of this territory. It enables a more consistent response to the challenges facing this natural area and fosters solutions in close collaboration with the local community and through exchanges with national and global biosphere reserve networks. At the same time, it establishes a true platform for integrated cooperation between municipalities, ICNF, and the many stakeholders who use this space and its resources daily.

Arrábida Biosphere Reserve

Through the Arrábida Biosphere Reserve, it will also be possible to strengthen awareness and knowledge of the region’s natural and cultural values, while encouraging experimentation, allowing this territory to stand out as an example of balance, sustainable use, and good community practices.

Press release from the Association of Municipalities of the Setúbal Region (Setúbal, 27 September 2025)