Candidatura Reserva da Biosfera - Santana Madeira Biosfera

supreme hydrological importance, constituting the main impounding, storage and
recharge of drainage basins and of most surface water lines and groundwater flows in the
island. Watercourses departing radially from the Paúl da Serra plateau are the source of
the beautiful lush green valleys and mountains on both sides of the western half of the
island, as well as of the stunning water cascades of precious landscape value as the Risco
waterfall located at the base of the plateau, in Rabaçal.
Figure 8. Mountainous area in Santana
The municipality of Santana extends from the island's highest point, Pico Ruivo de
Santana, to its coastal cliffs and islets, encompassing all habitats on the island of Madeira
and listed in the Habitats Directive, in a representing mosaic of the phytosociological
formations of the Macaronesian biogeographical region, harmoniously integrated with
rural areas, slightly humanized located between the laurel forest and the urban center.
The land portions devoted to agriculture are mostly located in basaltic rock terraces that
were built by hand for centuries, following the original terrain orography and in which a
diverse range of cultures, with emphasis on the vine, corn, potatoes, sweet potatoes,
20 Application of Santana, Madeira to Biosphere Reserve – UNESCO - MAB