CPLP BIOSPHERE RESERVES NETWORK

A privileged network for permanent dialogue, cooperation, and firming Lusophony

IN FOCUS
São Tomé Island Biosphere Reserve

The São Tomé Island Biosphere Reserve was classified in 2025, joining Príncipe Island. With this classification, São Tomé and Príncipe becomes the first country in the world to have its entire territory recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.


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São Tomé Island Biosphere Reserve
CPLP (Community of Portuguese Language Countries) Biosphere Reserves Network

Biodiversity conservation and economic and social development in Portuguese-speaking territories.

The CPLP Biosphere Reserves Network is a privileged and permanent space for dialogue, cooperation and affirmation of Portuguese-speaking countries in a key sector such as development based on the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.


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RESERVES IN CPLP
28
Number
AREA
230 964 744
Hectares
POPULATION
150 192 249
People

Biosphere Reserves of Brazil

The six Brazilian Biosphere Reserves were recognized in various phases between 1991 and 2005 and, together, comprise 2,064. 161 km2, around 24% of the Brazilian territory, being more than half of the sum of the areas of the other RBs in the World Network.

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Biosphere Reserves of Cape Verde

The Fogo Biosphere Reserve and the Maio Biosphere Reserve, in Cape Verde, were included in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves in 2020. This was considered a historic event for the archipelago.

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Biosphere Reserves of Guinea-Bissau

The Bolama Bijagós Archipelago Biosphere Reserve (RBABB) is located on the West African coast. The archipelago is made up of 88 islands and islets that cover a total surface of 1,046,950 ha (10,000 km²) and is located at the confluence of coastal corridors coming from the North and South.

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Biosphere Reserve of Equatorial Guinea

The Bioko Island Biosphere Reserve, recognized in 2025, is characterized by its high ecological diversity, encompassing various types of forest and a rich endemic fauna. Its vegetation is shaped by altitude, climate, and human activity, all sustained by this unique territory.

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Biosphere Reserves of Mozambique

The Quirimbas Biosphere Reserve covers 7 districts (Ancuabe, Quissanga, Ibo, Macomia, Metuge, Montepuez and Meluco) located within the Quirimbas National Park, central part of the Province of Cabo Delgado, in northern Mozambique, includes oceanic and coastal areas and has 200 thousand inhabitants in the interior.

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Angola Biosphere Reserve

The Quiçama Biosphere Reserve, recognized in 2025, extends across the provinces of Luanda, Icolo e Bengo, and Cuanza-Sul, encompassing municipalities such as Quiçama and Cabo Ledo. Along its 206 km of coastline, the reserve includes unique geological formations, mangroves, estuaries, sandy beaches, and lagoons, which support biodiversity and provide essential socioeconomic benefits to the communities that live here.

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Biosphere Reserves of Portugal

Portugal has 12 Biosphere Reserves, covering three biogeographical regions (Mediterranean, Atlantic and Macaronesia), representing different types of ecosystems, from islands in the Macaronesian Regions and the Atlantic Sea, to the wetlands of the Tagus, riverside environments, mountainous areas and valleys of the North and to this cereal-growing region of Alentejo, on the Continent.

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Biosphere Reserves of São Tomé and Príncipe

Príncipe Island is the second largest island in the archipelago of São Tomé and Príncipe, which consists of two main islands belonging to the Cameroon volcanic line. In 2012, Príncipe was declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. In 2025, São Tomé Island also received this status, covering the Obô Natural Park and the marine area surrounding its largest islets. Thus, São Tomé and Príncipe became the first country in the world with its entire territory recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

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Explore the interactive map of the CPLP Biosphere Reserves

Find out more about these territories of vital importance for the well-being of People and the Planet.


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An important contribution to the sustainability of the planet


The Network ensures a continuous process of exchanging experiences and developing joint cooperative initiatives, all resonating around the conservation of nature, biodiversity, research, logistical support, and socio-economic advancement. This organization unfolds within the embrace of UNESCO’s MaB Programme, intricately linked to the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), setting its commitment to a harmonious world


This collaboration isn’t limited to a single thread; rather, it weaves a multifaceted web of connectivity across various thematic and operational domains. From Biological Diversity Conventions to the RAMSAR Convention, from the realms of Climate Change to the vast oceans, this network extends its hand in unity, bridging diverse arenas and fostering a holistic approach to global sustainability.


The Lima Strategy and the Lima Action Plan for UNESCO’s MAB Programme state that Biosphere Reserves (BRs) are privileged spaces for experiences that cooperate in the pursuit of different objectives.


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Contributing to a more sustainable world

Being a Biokeeper means visiting, valuing local heritage and products, supporting educational services, taking part in nature preservation and conservation projects or just getting to know Portugal’s Biosphere Reserves. Join this community and become an Ambassador.


BIOKEEPERS
Contributing to a more sustainable world
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