About the Santana Biosphere Monument
Madeira is known all over the world for the unique richness of its ecosystems. The Biosphere Monument, located in the parish of Santana, evokes precisely the central importance of this heritage.
This sculpture is integrated in the Biosphere Garden, a green space created in order to celebrate and eternalise the memory of the important distinction bestowed upon the municipality of Santana: in June 2011, UNESCO distinguished it as 'Biosphere Reserve'. This is the ultimate international recognition of the biodiversity conservation work carried out in the archipelago, with the mission of achieving a fully sustainable development.
It was designed by Madeiran sculptor Luís Paixão and inaugurated in March 2012. The Biosphere Monument pays tribute to this natural heritage, it aims to portray the harmonious symbiosis between the Earth and the life that inhabits it.
As such, the Biosphere Monument portrays the interconnection between the planet, in its spherical shape, and the human being, represented by a female figure. The sculpture is based on water, an element that is vital to life. It is thus a hymn to the respect for basic values such as the scrupulous respect for Nature and its biodiversity.
The Biosphere Monument, located in Santana, celebrates the distinction of 'Biosphere Reserve' bestowed upon this city by UNESCO. It is a tribute to the richness of Madeira's ecosystems.
