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Description
The project aims to enhance sustainable development in Biosphere Reserves and will target the territory level, through the integration of heritage assets and ecosystem services. A special focus will directed towards people and strengthening their skills as well as on the governance model. The project will follow the objectives of the "Sustainable Development Plans" (SDP), following participatory methodologies, that will be the programmatic framework aimed at different territorial developments, resilience and sustainability of the Biosphere Reserves (BRs). The SDP will function as a guiding instrument within each reserve and between national BRs and international thematic and geographic networks. Exchange of knowledge will be ensured through the participation and cooperation between universities (Portuguese and Norwegian), the UNESCO chairs of Coimbra, Bergen and Nova Lisboa, and the participation of an international network in the fields of ecology, biodiversity and sustainability This will reinforce the role of knowledge as a social transformation and territorial enrichment tool and promote new dynamics of interdisciplinary research. Emphasis will be placed on the integrated valorization of ecosystem services, involving local communities in the identification of priorities, for their own benefit and for the sustainability of their territories.
Summary of project results
The project sought to address the critical challenges faced by Portugal’s Biosphere Reserves in achieving their full potential as instruments for sustainable development. Despite their designation as UNESCO sites, these reserves were not widely recognized for their role in fostering sustainability or improving the quality of life for local communities. Public awareness of the value of these territories and the ecosystem services they provide was limited, resulting in underutilization of their potential as models of sustainable development.
Another significant challenge was the lack of coordination and capacity among stakeholders, including local communities, reserve managers, and regional entities. This fragmented approach hindered the implementation of coherent strategies for conservation, cultural preservation, and economic development. Additionally, the reserves needed innovative tools to promote their unique assets and to engage communities in their governance and management, aligning local practices with global sustainability goals.
The project aimed to overcome these challenges by enhancing the visibility and management capacity of the reserves, fostering collaborative governance, and promoting their identity as living laboratories of sustainability. It emphasized the integration of ecosystem services, socio-cultural heritage, and local economies into comprehensive and participatory frameworks for sustainable development.
The project developed 12 Sustainable Development Plans (SDPs), each tailored to the unique needs and challenges of individual reserves. These plans served as strategic roadmaps for sustainable management and biodiversity conservation. In addition to the development of SDPs, the project carried out concrete actions in 7 reserves, surpassing the original target of 6. These measures focused on habitat restoration, biodiversity monitoring, and the development of eco-tourism infrastructure, enhancing the ecological and economic value of the reserves.
Another significant component of the project was its training initiatives. A total of 300 professionals were trained, far exceeding the initial target of 24. These sessions provided reserve managers and stakeholders with critical skills in sustainable governance and ecosystem management. Community engagement was another cornerstone of the project, which aimed to benefit 320,125 individuals through sustainable development measures. Ultimately, the project reached 283,960 people, impacting local communities and ensuring a broader engagement with the reserves'' sustainable development initiatives.
The project targeted a diverse group of stakeholders, including reserve managers, local governments, and community members, ensuring that its interventions were inclusive and impactful across all levels of reserve management and community engagement.
The project focused on a key output: strengthening the capacity and sustainability of Portugal’s Biosphere Reserves.
A total of 12 Sustainable Development Plans were developed, meeting the target set for the project. Each plan was validated and tailored to the specific needs of the reserves, offering actionable frameworks for long-term sustainability. For example, the plan for the Gerês-Xurés Reserve prioritized eco-tourism and community-led biodiversity conservation, while the Santana Reserve focused on reforestation efforts and sustainable agricultural practices to address local environmental challenges.
Implementation of measures was another major achievement, with actions successfully carried out in seven reserves, exceeding the target of six. These measures included efforts to restore degraded habitats in the Graciosa Reserve and the development of eco-tourism trails in the Berlengas Reserve, which supported sustainable economic development while preserving biodiversity.
In terms of professional training, the project set a target of training 24 individuals but exceeded expectations by equipping 300 people with the necessary skills and knowledge to manage the reserves effectively. Participants included reserve managers and community leaders, who applied their training to enhance biodiversity monitoring and promote sustainable governance practices within their respective reserves.
The project made a significant contribution to Outcome 2 by promoting sustainable development within Portugal’s Biosphere Reserves. Through its various initiatives, the project directly benefited 283,960 people, which represented 89% of the original target of 320,125 individuals. This shortfall was primarily due to challenges in engaging remote populations and the constraints imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
One of the most notable results was the strengthening of governance in the reserves. The development and adoption of 12 Sustainable Development Plans provided a clear strategic direction and enhanced decision-making capabilities for reserve management teams. These plans also facilitated improved biodiversity and resilience, as habitat restoration and biodiversity monitoring actions helped strengthen ecological health and support climate adaptation efforts.
Additionally, the project enhanced economic opportunities by implementing eco-tourism initiatives that created sustainable income streams for local communities. This not only reduced economic pressures but also promoted conservation-friendly livelihoods. Empowering communities was another critical outcome, as increased engagement fostered a sense of stewardship among local populations, encouraging their active participation in conservation and sustainable practices.
While the project achieved or exceeded its targets for SDPs, training, and reserve-specific measures, the slight shortfall in direct beneficiaries highlights the importance of tailored strategies to reach geographically remote or socio-economically marginalized groups. An unexpected but highly positive result was the creation of a robust knowledge-sharing network among reserve managers, which facilitated the exchange of best practices and encouraged innovation across different reserves. This network is likely to have a lasting impact on the sustainability and effectiveness of Portugal’s Biosphere Reserves.
Summary of bilateral results
The "Biosphere Reserves: Sustainable Territories, Resilient Communities" project made significant contributions to strengthening bilateral relations between Portugal and donor countries, including Norway and Iceland. The collaboration fostered knowledge exchange, shared experiences, and mutual benefits, positioning it as a model for cross-border cooperation.The project achieved shared results by addressing common challenges in biosphere reserve management. Donor partners provided critical expertise in governance, ecosystem services management, and participatory planning, which were instrumental in developing Sustainable Development Plans (SDPs) and innovative methodologies.Knowledge and mutual understanding were enhanced through bilateral exchanges, including study visits to Nordic biosphere reserves and collaborative workshops. These activities exposed Portuguese teams to effective governance models and sustainable tourism strategies while allowing donor countries to engage with Portugal’s unique socio-ecological contexts.The partnership generated broader interest, engaging stakeholders through high-profile events like the Festival of Portugal’s Biosphere Reserves and the final seminar. Media coverage and public engagement increased awareness of the global significance of biosphere reserves and the contributions of donor partners.The collaboration''s impacts extended beyond the project. Tools, methodologies, and lessons learned are being adapted for broader applications, and the strengthened relationships have laid the foundation for ongoing cooperation. The project aligned with UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere Programme and the Sustainable Development Goals, reinforcing regional and European collaboration.By promoting visibility, innovation, and sustainability, this partnership exemplifies how international cooperation can address shared environmental challenges and deliver long-term benefits for all stakeholders.