The Selvagens Islands, located at the southernmost tip of the Madeira archipelago, are home to one of the most pristine marine ecosystems in the Northeast Atlantic. With a conservation history dating back to 1971, designated as the first nature reserve in Portuguese territory, this group of small islands and reefs became, in 2022, the largest fully protected Marine Protected Area in the North Atlantic, covering 2,677 km² of ocean under strict protection.
A vibrant ecosystem at the heart of the Atlantic
Located along a major migratory route in the Atlantic, the Selvagens Islands connect distant ecosystems and contribute to the ocean health on a regional and global scale. In 2015, a joint expedition by National Geographic Pristine Seas, the Waitt Foundation, and Oceano Azul Foundation documented a remarkably well-preserved, resilient and ecologically balanced marine environment. This expedition played a key role in strengthening scientific knowledge and supporting the proposal to expand the reserve.
In 2021, the Regional Government of Madeira announced the expansion of the Selvagens Islands Nature Reserve to a radius of 12 nautical miles, increasing its size from 94.7 km² to 2,677 km² of fully protected waters. This move placed Portugal and the Autonomous Region of Madeira at the forefront of marine conservation in Europe, aligning with both national and European commitments under the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, which calls for a significant increase in effective marine protection. The decision was underpinned by years of research led by the IFCN – Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation – and supported by data collected in multiple scientific expeditions over recent years.
Monitoring to ensure effective protection
Following the expansion of the protected area, ensuring its ecological effectiveness and proper implementation became a priority. In this context, the “Selvagens 50” Expedition was launched in 2023, aiming to develop a long-term monitoring plan for the marine reserve. Organised by the IFCN, with the participation of Oceano Azul Foundation, the mission brought together several scientific teams on land and at sea to establish methodologies for tracking the conservation status of key species and habitats.
In January 2024, the Regional Government of Madeira presented the expedition report and the monitoring plan for the area — a decisive step towards strengthening the management of the reserve.
A decisive contribution to global ocean protection
The full protection of the Selvagens Islands makes a significant contribution to international efforts to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030 (30×30), positioning Portugal as a leading country in marine conservation.
This initiative demonstrates that it is possible to combine political leadership, robust scientific knowledge and strong partnerships to create true marine sanctuaries. It stands as a global example of how protecting our blue natural capital is essential to securing a healthy ocean for future generations.
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