PORTO-SANTENSES VALUES - PORTO SANTO ISLAND ASPIRING THE UNESCO BIOSPHERE RESERVE

Although small, the island of Porto Santo contains heritage values ​​of undoubted importance in the local, regional and international context.

We want to make you aware of the aspects of Porto Santo's identity that make the island of Porto Santo a very special territory and which support our candidacy for UNESCO's Biosphere Reserve.

Afforestation

At the beginning of the last century, there had been a concern to cover the land in such a way as to guarantee the improvement of rainwater infiltration conditions and to reduce runoff and land loss, in a remarkable and sublime effort, which continued to leave from 1955 to the present day, leaving its testimony in the green peaks that rise on the island and that can be seen from the sea, proud and striking in the landscape. The intricate human mark on the summits of the peaks - which is an architectural work resulting from human manual effort and the geometry of shapes that the attributes, particularly in Pico do Castelo - hold the breath of those who dare to enjoy the walk up the slope to the top of the peak, in a complicity of values ​​with Nature and with Man, who dignified it, hindering erosive processes and conquering soil, the support of terrestrial life.

Porto Santo, like you there is no equal!

Application of the island of Porto Santo to the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve