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Environment · Funchal · 5 September 2026

Madeira Preserves Millennia-Old Forest Dating Back 20 Million Years

A Portuguese island shelters a 20-million-year-old forest, a rare ecosystem that largely vanished from Europe.

The island of Madeira, Portugal, is home to a forest with an astonishing 20-million-year history. This unique ecosystem has survived climatic changes that led to the extinction of similar forests across Europe.

The preservation of this ancient forest in Madeira offers a rare glimpse into the continent's geological and biological past. Its continued existence is a testament to nature's resilience and the importance of conserving ancient habitats.

This discovery highlights Madeira's ecological value and the need to protect its unique natural resources for future generations.

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