Candidatura Reserva da Biosfera - Santana Madeira Biosfera

15. LOGISTIC SUPPORT FUNCTION
15.1. RESEARCH AND MONITORING
15.1.1. To what extent has the past and planned research and
monitoring programme been designed to address specific
management questions in the potential biosphere reserve
The Madeira Regional Government has undertaken a remarkable effort in the
preservation of natural resources, both in the assessment, intervention and maintenance
of habitats and species as well as the management of important resources as soil and
water. The best proof Madeira’s Regional Government determination in the planning of
research and monitoring programs that allow knowing and preserving biodiversity, is the
creation of several terrestrial and marine nature reserves, where it includes the first
Portuguese nature reserve, which were subsequently incorporated as SCIs and as SPAs
under the Natura 2000 Network.
The importance of good management of these resources culminated in the creation
of several government entities for its management and supervision in particular Madeira
Natural Park (PNM) and Water Management and Investments (IGA) and equipping them
with multidisciplinary technical-scientific collaborators with capability to collect and
analyze scientific data that enable decision making based on sound scientific information,
and in establishing structures for logistical support such as nurseries, germplasm banks
and laboratories. The work developed by these entities has received international
recognition in both the high success of projects to preserve endangered species such as
monk seal (Monachus monachus) and the Madeira Petrel (Pterodroma madeira) as in
preserving unique habitats such as the altitude heathlands by regulation of grazing
activities in this area and establishing protected areas of laurel forest, classified as a
Biogenetic Reserve by the Council of Europe in 1992 as World Natural Heritage by
UNESCO in 1999.
The success of these initiatives came from research and monitoring programs
conducted in areas as diverse as meteorology, water resources, phytosociology, marine
biology, among others that led to an action strategy that that was transversal to all
Application of Santana, Madeira to Biosphere Reserve – UNESCO - MAB 139