Arrábida Officially Designated as UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
The Arrábida region was formally classified as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve on Saturday, September 27, following a decision by the International Coordinating Council of the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) program. The announcement was made during the 37th session of the MAB Council in Hangzhou, China, officially adding Arrábida to a global network of 785 protected sites. The distinction recognizes the region's unique natural landscape, where the Serra da Arrábida's limestone cliffs meet the Atlantic, and its rich biodiversity, which includes over 1,400 plant species and thousands of marine animals.
The successful bid was spearheaded by the Association of Municipalities of the Setúbal Region (AMRS) in a joint effort with the municipal councils of Palmela, Sesimbra, and Setúbal, and the national Institute for the Conservation of Nature and Forests (ICNF). Sofia Martins, the secretary-general of AMRS, expressed her satisfaction from Hangzhou, stating, "It was with enormous satisfaction that we received this distinction that we have been working on since 2016." The region now joins twelve other Biosphere Reserves in Portugal, enhancing the country's profile in global conservation efforts.
The geographic scope of the new reserve covers a diverse territory known for its significant ecological value. The UNESCO Advisory Committee highlighted the area's "diversified landscape characterized by the Serra da Arrábida and a rich marine ecosystem." The recommendation noted that the region's flora represents 40% of all native plants in Portugal, with 70 rare and endemic species. The fauna is equally impressive, with 200 vertebrate species and over 2,000 marine species documented in the area.
The designation was awarded based on a comprehensive application submitted in September 2024, which included an ambitious action plan. This plan outlines clear objectives for conservation, sustainable development, and climate resilience. "This classification implies several commitments that we have undertaken for the next decade," Martins explained. The plan's alignment with the Lima Action Plan and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals was specifically valued by the international committee, which praised the Portuguese candidacy as "very well documented."
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Álvaro Amaro, the mayor of Palmela, who was part of the delegation in China, stressed the responsibilities that come with the title. "The Arrábida Reserve belongs to everyone, the region, Portugal, and the world, and our work will be evaluated," he said, noting that some reserves globally are at risk of being declassified if they fail to meet their commitments. The governance structure for the reserve is already being prepared and will include an executive committee, a technical committee, a scientific committee, and a broad advisory council involving over one hundred local entities.
The implementation of the action plan will be managed by AMRS and will require close collaboration among all local stakeholders. "All the various economic, cultural, and social agents. All those who work in the Arrábida territory will be called to participate," Martins stated. This collaborative approach aims to create a platform for integrated work between municipalities, the ICNF, and other agents who utilize the area's resources, ensuring that development is both sustainable and inclusive.
The economic impact of the UNESCO designation is anticipated to be significant, particularly through the promotion of sustainable tourism and other green enterprises. The action plan is expected to guide future investments and land use, creating a framework that balances economic growth with environmental protection. The establishment of the Biosphere Reserve is seen as a critical opportunity to address existing challenges in the natural area through a cooperative framework that leverages both local knowledge and international best practices from the global Biosphere Reserve network.
The long-term vision for the Arrábida Biosphere Reserve is to establish the territory as a living laboratory for sustainability. According to a press release from AMRS, the initiative will foster "a broad movement of knowledge and awareness about the natural and cultural values of the region, but also of experimentation." This will allow the territory to affirm itself as a leading example of ecological balance, sustainable resource use, and effective community practices on a national and international stage. Explore community-focused property opportunities at realestate-lisbon.com.