Madeira's Laurisilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site for 25 years, represents a unique, humid ecosystem largely limited to the Macaronesia islands. Once covering much of southern Europe, it now exists predominantly on Madeira, which hosts the largest old-growth areas. The forest is home to around 500 endemic species. However, only 20% of the island remains forested due to urban development replacing it with homes, banana trees, and vineyards, showcasing the tension between conservation and development in this biodiverse region.
"Now, just 20% of Madeira is covered with Laurisilva, mostly on the less populous northern side of the island. In the forest's place, homes rise with their red-tiled roofs."
"This year, Madeira's Laurisilva celebrates the 25th anniversary of its UNESCO World Heritage designation, a testament to its unique biodiversity and cultural significance."
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