Graciosa e Corvo reservas da biosfera

Graciosa Island, Portugal, is part of the Azores archipelago. It encompasses the entire island and the surrounding marine area. Graciosa Island is exceptionally geo-diverse; the central volcano (Caldeira) is distinguished by slag and spatter cones, surtseyan cones, basaltic lava flows, sub-volcanic forms, volcanic depressions, caves and algares (gas originated domes). The biosphere reserve includes coastal habitats and evergreen forests and is home to numerous species of endemic birds, bats, molluscs, and arthropods. Agriculture, wine production, and cattle farming are the traditional livelihoods of the inhabitants of this culturally diverse island. Its mild climate, thermal springs, and beautiful landscapes give Graciosa high potential for eco and cultural tourism.

Corvo Island, Portugal, is the smallest of the Azorean Islands situated in the extreme northwest of the archipelago, off the coast of Portugal. The island is the emerged part of a volcanic cone (rising 718 metres above the sea) that dominates and shapes the landscape, creating diversified morphology that supports many endemic species. The biosphere reserve includes the island’s entire emerged land mass and surrounding marine area. Centuries of agriculture and cattle breeding have formed a landscape of high cultural significance. The introduction of novel management strategies and the local population’s willingness to participate in experimental community resource management make Corvo Island an exceptional place for research.