Designated terrestrial protected areas

The figures shown in the graph take into account the National Network of Protected Areas, which is based on 52 protected areas and covers 746 296 ha in mainland Portugal, with the addition of the Natura 2000 network, as both are part of the national system of classified areas. The Natura 2000 network classifies 1 site of community importance, 62 special areas of conservation and 42 special protection areas, covering a total of 1 942 403 ha. However, adding the classifications due to international commitments – namely 18 Ramsar sites and 6 biosphere reserves, occupying 117 381 ha and 1 087 154 ha, respectively, and 4 UNESCO geoparks with a total area of 835 815 ha – the values reach 185 classified sites, totalling 3 101 266 ha and representing 34.8% of the continental land territory, with partial overlap.

The focus on protecting natural capital is a national commitment. Portugal is strongly engaged in accommodating the international pledges it has made, particularly in the context of the Convention on Biological Diversity. This includes reviewing the national biodiversity strategy and action plan and drawing up a national restoration plan, completing the conversion of plans into special programmes for protected areas and strengthening co-management models in a set of measures aiming to expand the network of protected areas and improve the efficiency of the management and coordination of institutions, thus ensuring the greater involvement of partners and communities.