Maio: Biosphere Reserve and water for agriculture are environmental gains in the 50 years of independence – MAA

Porto Inglês, Jul 2 (Inforpress) - The classification of the island of Maio as a World Biosphere Reserve and the mobilisation of water for agriculture have been the greatest environmental gains on the island of Maio in the 50 years of national independence, according to the MAA.

Speaking to Inforpress, the delegate from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAA), Teresa Tavares, emphasised that the distinction awarded by Unesco in 2020 consolidated the environmental importance of the island of Maio on a global level, while at the same time bringing international visibility to local biodiversity and culture. 

"The classification reconciles environmental conservation with community development. Since then, the island has been more publicised internationally and has become a place for study and research," she said.

The World Biosphere Reserve covers a total area of 2,780.11 square kilometres, encompassing not only the island's terrestrial territory, but also adjacent marine areas, with ecosystems of high environmental importance, such as salt marshes, dunes, forests, agricultural areas, coastal communities, and vital habitats for breeding birds and sea turtles.

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