"Macaronésia" is an ancient geographic region in which Madeira Islands are included, and whose unique characteristic is that it preserves the remains of a great forest dating back to the Tertiary Era before the great ice ages. This forest once covered huge extensions of the European Continent. But glaciations led to the massive destruction of the vegetation that once covered Europe. But thanks to the beneficial influence of an ocean climate, these same species were able to survive in the Atlantic Islands.
And so Madeira Island survived as the only region in the world where one can find representative samples of this ancient forest. It is well preserved and contains a large number of species.
The Laurissilva forest occupies a coastal strip from 300 to 1300 metres above sea level, and plays a crucial role in soil preservation and the capture and filtration of rainfall on the island. Considered a living relic, almost all of it has been classified as part of the Madeira Nature Reserve, and is deemed a Total Preservation Area.
This is a unique rarity which has not yet been entirely quantified. It was awarded the distinction of UNESCO World Natural Heritage, on the 2nd December, 1999.This new position of the Region in relation to the rest of the world, enables it to be seen for its true and specific value, as a biocultural heritage for all humanity
Madeira Nature Reserve
The Madeira Nature Reserve was created in 1982 in order to preserve a huge natural heritage, which is part of the world’s heritage and includes some species in danger of extinction, as well as some high quality human habitats. It has been classified as Bioenergetic Reserve and it contains flora and fauna unique in the whole world. The Reserve covers a large proportion of Madeira Island (about two thirds of its territory), including areas of total and partial natural preservation, protected landscapes and leisure zones.
Funchal Park
Parque Florestal Park
Santo da Serra Park
Ribeiro Frio Park Queimadas Park Rare Plants
