The Serra da Estrela has received one of the most important international recognitions for nature conservation and sustainable development after being officially designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
The decision was announced on 5 June, World Environment Day, during the 38th Session of UNESCO’s International Coordinating Council of the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, held in Paraguay. The designation places Portugal’s highest mountain range within UNESCO’s global network of territories recognised for successfully balancing environmental protection with sustainable human development. oai_citation:0‡UNESCO
For residents, visitors and businesses across the Beiras, the recognition represents far more than a conservation label. It brings international visibility to one of Portugal’s most iconic landscapes and could help strengthen the region’s position as a destination for nature tourism, scientific research and sustainable rural development. oai_citation:1‡Portal Municipal de Celorico da Beira
What Is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve?
UNESCO Biosphere Reserves are not simply protected natural areas. They are territories recognised for demonstrating how people and nature can coexist sustainably.
The programme aims to promote three key objectives:
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conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems
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sustainable economic and social development
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support for research, education and environmental monitoring
Unlike traditional protected areas, Biosphere Reserves include communities, businesses and economic activities, encouraging local people to play an active role in protecting and managing the landscape. oai_citation:2‡manoramayearbook.in
A Second UNESCO Distinction for Serra da Estrela
The new designation means Serra da Estrela now holds two UNESCO recognitions for the same territory.
In 2020, the region was awarded UNESCO Global Geopark status in recognition of its unique geological heritage. The new Biosphere Reserve designation acknowledges not only the area's natural value but also the relationship between the landscape and the communities that have shaped it over thousands of years. oai_citation:3‡Portal Municipal de Celorico da Beira
According to UNESCO, the Estrela Geopark contains an exceptional combination of geological features, biodiversity, cultural traditions and mountain heritage, all of which contributed to the success of the application. oai_citation:4‡UNESCO
Covering Six Municipalities
The new Reserva da Biosfera da Estrela covers approximately 2,373 square kilometres and includes the six municipalities that make up the Serra da Estrela Natural Park:
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Covilhã
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Manteigas
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Seia
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Gouveia
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Guarda
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Celorico da Beira
The reserve is organised into three complementary zones:
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a core conservation area protecting the most sensitive natural habitats
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a buffer zone supporting ecological protection
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a transition zone where sustainable economic and human activities take place
The transition zone accounts for around 62% of the reserve's total area. oai_citation:5‡The Portugal News
Why This Matters for the Beiras
The designation is expected to strengthen Serra da Estrela's international profile and may help attract additional funding, research projects and tourism opportunities.
It also arrives at a crucial moment for the region. In recent years, Serra da Estrela has faced major challenges including wildfires, biodiversity loss and the impacts of climate change. Supporters of the application argued that UNESCO recognition could help improve long-term resilience while promoting a more sustainable model of development. oai_citation:6‡labterra.pt
For local businesses, accommodation providers and tourism operators, the UNESCO label provides a globally recognised quality mark that can help attract visitors interested in nature, hiking, wildlife, cultural heritage and sustainable travel.
A Milestone for Portugal's Highest Mountain
With the addition of Serra da Estrela, Portugal now has 14 UNESCO Biosphere Reserves. The designation places the country's most famous mountain landscape alongside internationally recognised territories across more than 140 countries. oai_citation:7‡Diário de Notícias
For many people living in the Beiras, the announcement is also recognition of something they have long known: that Serra da Estrela is not only one of Portugal's most beautiful landscapes, but one of its most important natural and cultural treasures.
Sources
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https://beira.pt/portal/noticias/serra-da-estrela-passa-a-integrar-reserva-da-biosfera-da-unesco/
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https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/unesco-designates-14-new-biosphere-reserves-world-environment-day
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https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000398059
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https://www.dn.pt/sociedade/serra-da-estrela-passa-a-ser-reserva-da-biosfera-da-unesco
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https://www.cm-celoricodabeira.pt/serra-da-estrela-reconhecida-como-reserva-da-biosfera-da-unesco/
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https://www.unesco.org/en/iggp/estrela-unesco-global-geopark