Porto Santo, a small island in the Madeira archipelago, boasts a unique and delicate environment. Its ecosystem, shaped by its isolation and subtropical climate, is home to a range of plant and animal species, many of which are endemic.
Porto Santo’s local government is extremely environmentally conscious. Preserving Porto Santo's natural environment is essential due to its fragile ecosystem. For some years now, the island (nibbled bare by rabbits in times of yore) has been undergoing a massive reforestation program. Tens of thousands of trees have been planted, turning once dusty slopes into swathes of green. Local residents are even offered free plants for their gardens at municipal nurseries. And people realise that the island’s main asset is that long, unspoiled beach. Development is strictly controlled, with a height limit on new buildings, and a stipulation that they must be set back from the beach, behind the dunes.
Water conservation is a particular challenge for Porto Santo due to its limited freshwater resources, and steps have been taken to improve water management and reduce waste. Moreover, efforts to preserve its marine environment have led to the designation of marine protected areas, ensuring the safeguarding of local marine life.
Porto Santo is a small island with a big responsibility: balancing the needs of development with the preservation of its unique and beautiful natural environment. Through careful management and conservation, it aims to protect its rich biodiversity for future generations.
