Lugo Natural Spaces
Terras do Miño Biosphere
Reserve
The islands of Miño, located within the river course, have
luxuriant forests and inland pools, with important aquatic flora
and fauna. The upper Miño River marks the boundaries of
a vast territory known as Terras do Miño. Declared a Biosphere
Reserve in 2002, this territory reflects the perfect integration
between traditional rural villages and important Atlantic ecosystems.
Terras do Miño takes up an extensive
strip of land in the central-northern part of Lugo, by the upper
basin of the Miño River. The 26 municipalities included
in this region have a long farming and cattle-raising tradition.
Together, they take up a third of the total surface area of the
province. From its source, the Miño River crosses a landscape
formed by mountains and valleys, where pastures and farmlands
share the centre stage with very valuable natural habitats. The
importance of the typical fragas (oceanic forests) must be mentioned,
which contain wetland species such as oak, chestnut, holly and
birch. The Miño River has also rendered insuas (islands)
along its watercourse. These are natural spaces of great beauty,
where a rich variety of aquatic flora and fauna developed. The
most striking element in these secluded spots is a number of small
lake-ecosystems that are hidden underneath the lush riverside
vegetation and that constitute strictly protected areas in the
reserve. In addition to their importance from an environmental
point of view, the abundant rivers that drain Terras do Miño
are responsible for making this region the water supply for the
whole province. The recent declaration of this area as a Biosphere
Reserve will allow a sustainable social-economic development,
while helping in the conservation of its natural resources and
habitats.
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