In the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Europe preserves treasures of global natural importance. Fifty years ago, the Selvagens Islands Nature Reserve was established in the Madeira archipelago, acting as a home to an exceptional ecosystem. Recently adopted legislation has made the reserve the largest marine protected area in Europe and the North Atlantic.

Establishing a protection regime is crucial. It permits economic activity, provided there is an appropriate ecological balance. Designating protected areas in Europe is a highly complex process that is often subject to excessive delays. The designation of marine protected areas is linked to the desire to allow ecosystems to recover on their own.