Graciosa Biosphere Reserve

In September 2007, Graciosa joined the World Network of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, by the decision of the International Co-ordinating Council of the MAB Programme (Man and the Biosphere), with an area of 10,782.75 hectares.

This recognition reflects the environmental, heritage and cultural characteristics unique of Graciosa: such as the significant colonies of seabirds that nest in their islets; the Furna do Enxofre, an imposing lava cave characterized by a ceiling with a perfect dome; and the unique rural architecture denominated “Casa da Graciosa” (Graciosa house); and “Arquitetura da Água” (water architecture), used for saving water.

Its islets are important habitats for seabirds and resting areas for migratory birds that pass through the Azores. The most notorious islet is the Ilhéu da Praia, one of the largest and with biggest diversity of breeding birds in the Azores, where was recently discovered an endemic species, the Monteiro's Storm-petrel (Hydrobates monteiroi), which only nests in the islets of Graciosa. The Cory´s Shearwater (Calonectris borealis), the Roseate Tern (Sterna dougallii), the Common Tern (Sterna hirundo), the Barolo Shearwater (Puffinus lherminieri baroli), and the Madeiran Storm-petrel (Hydrobates castro) are also present in Graciosa’s islets.