× Information on this section of ECOLEX comes from the InforMEA Portal which compiled information from MEA Secretariats with the support of the European Union. The accuracy of the information displayed is the responsibility of the originating data source. In case of discrepancy the information as displayed on the respective MEA website prevails. The Laurisilva of Madeira (Portugal) Tipo de documento Decision Número de referencia VIII.A.1 Fecha Nov 29, 1999 FuenteUNEP, InforMEA Estado Activo Materia Especies silvestres y ecosistemas Tratado Convención para la Protección del Patrimonio Mundial, Cultural y Natural (Nov 23, 1972) Reunión 23e session du Comité Página web whc.unesco.org Resumen Property: The Laurisilva of Madeira Id. N°: 934 State Party: Portugal Criteria: N (ii) (iv) The Committee decided to inscribe the Laurel Forest of Madeira on the World Heritage List under natural criteria (ii) and (iv). The site contains the largest surviving relict of the virtually extinct laurisilva forest type that was once widespread in Europe. This forest type is considered to be a centre of plant diversity containing numerous rare, relict and endemic species, especially of bryophytes, ferns and flowering plants. It also has a very rich invertebrate fauna. Endemic species include the Madeiran longtoed pigeon and some 66 species of vascular plants. The Committee decided to: (a) commend the State Party on the protection afforded to the forest in a protected area less than 10 years old and on the commitment shown by the Autonomous Regional Government, (b) encourage the State Party to enhance interpretation of the area and envisage compatible forestry practices outside the site, (c) encourage discussions between the Portuguese and the Spanish authorities on the possibility of jointly proposing Garajonay National Park World Heritage site and the Laurel Forest of Madeira as a single World Heritage site representing laurel forest. The Observer of Spain stated that his Government would agree to the suggestion concerning discussions in relation to a joint site of Garajonay National Park and the Laurel Forest of Madeira.