Candidatura Reserva da Biosfera - Santana Madeira Biosfera

Laurel Forest and Central Mountainous Massif
The terrestrial core area includes areas of native laurel forest and areas of the
central mountainous massif, two sites of Community importance (SCI) for the European
ecological network Natura 2000. The laurel forest, which covers most of the land core
area, is an evergreen forest that occupies an approximate area of 14,953 hectares in the
island of Madeira, located between 200 and 1600 meters of altitude, mainly in the
northern slopes, inaccessible to most activities and human installation. It is characterized
by a set of phytosociological indigenous communities, which as a whole, make up this
forest type.
Figure 18. Panoramic view of Laurel forest and Central Mountainous Massif in Fajã da Nogueira valley
In Santana, laurel forests occupy the entire forest perimeter of the county, with a
total area of 307.400 hectares (3074 km2). Plays a key role in the hydrological balance
of the island, since it is the main responsible for the collection, retention of water from
rainfall and fogs, charging almost constantly this invaluable resource for human
livelihood, as well as for agricultural and gardens irrigation and also providing water to
supply hydroelectric powerplants. The channels of capture and transport of water –
32 Application of Santana, Madeira to Biosphere Reserve – UNESCO - MAB