Complexo Vulcânico das Sete Cidades

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Complexo Vulcânico das Sete Cidades

  • Country: 
    Portugal
  • Site number: 
    1802
  • Area: 
    2,171 ha
  • Designation date: 
    16-06-2008
  • Coordinates: 
    37°51'N 25°46'W
Materials presented on this website, particularly maps and territorial information, are as-is and as-available based on available data and do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of the Ramsar Convention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.

Overview

Complexo Vulcânico das Sete Cidades.16/06/08; Archipiélago de las Azores; 2,171 ha; 37°51'N 025°46'W. Protected Landscape. The site is one of the greatest tourist attractions of the archipelago and includes the whole crater and catchment area of Sete Cidades on São Miguel island and the adjacent smaller mountains of Serra Devassa. Several lacustrine systems occur in the site which is composed of a dozen relatively small ponds and lakes and the famous blue and green lakes (Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde)  the largest of the Azores (4.38 km2 and 53.2x106 m3 of water volume). Besides the high landscape significance, the complex is important as a breeding and stopover area for some species of migrant birds at regional level, especially ducks and waders. The eutrophication of the lakes, the expansion of exotic invasive species, the intensification of grazing and livestock, as well as erosion, are the main threats to this site, which is under a urgent recovery plan for its restoration. Ramsar site no. 1802. Most recent RIS information: 2008.

Administrative region: 
Azores archipelago

  • National legal designation: 
    • Dominio publico Hidrico
    • Massa de Água Protegida
    • Paisagem Protegida - Paisagem Protegida das Sete Cidades (Decreto Regional n.º 2/80/A, de 7 de Fevereiro)
    • Zona Vulnerável ao abrigo da Directiva Nitratos
  • Last publication date: 
    16-06-2008

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