Alonso Miguel marks the 7th anniversary of the Fajãs de São Jorge Biosphere Reserve

March 21, 2023

The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Change, Alonso Miguel, was present on Monday in an environmental education action dynamized by the Environmental Awareness Activities Offer under the scope of the 7th anniversary of the Fajãs de São Jorge Biosphere Reserve.

This initiative was attended by a class of students from the Escola Básica e Secundária de Velas, who had the opportunity to walk the “Geosites Route of the island of São Jorge”, which links Avenida da Conceição to Morro Grande de Velas, allowing for a better understanding of the geological aspects and the relationship between Man and the landscape, as well as the fauna and flora existing in this location.

“Biosphere Reserves, classified under the natural heritage conservation and management programme, the Man and Biosphere programme, established by UNESCO in 1971, are recognised based on scientific parameters to protect natural and cultural heritage, as well as developing sustainable management models that bring together local governments and societies,” stresses Alonso Miguel.

For the Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Change, “the classification of the Fajãs de São Jorge as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, in 2016, brought it the deserved recognition for its unique characteristics, environmental, cultural and heritage, easily observed in a perfect conjunction between Man and Nature.”

“This recognition allowed a greater impulse for monitoring, research and protection of natural and cultural heritage, along with the promotion of sustainable development,” he added.

Alonso Miguel highlighted the Fajãs de São Jorge Biosphere Reserve Action Plan, which is being implemented since 2020 and “aims to boost the Biosphere Reserve, fulfilling initiatives for the conservation, management and sustainable use of natural heritage, through best practices for the conservation of natural values, economic prosperity and well-being of communities, objectives common to the classification and recognition of Biosphere Reserves around the world.”

The governor also highlighted the promotion and dissemination of sustainable development in the Azores Biosphere Reserves, “particularly through the award of the Azores Biosphere Label for local products and financial support for the maintenance of the landscape of traditional vineyards and orchards”.