Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action marks International Day for Biological Diversity

May 24, 2024

The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, marked the International Day for Biological Diversity on Wednesday, May 22, with a visit to the new interpretation exhibition installed outside the Faial Botanical Garden.

The celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity, Alonso Miguel stressed, "aims to raise public awareness of the importance of preserving biodiversity and fostering a necessary change in our approach to nature and other living beings."

"Preserving biodiversity is fundamental to safeguarding the balance of natural ecosystems, preserving species and ensuring the maintenance of a wide range of ecosystem services that are essential to our subsistence and well-being, specifically in terms of regulating the hydrological cycle and the climate, pest control, public health and food," he continued.

The Regional Secretary stated that "the Region has made a very significant investment in nature conservation and the preservation of biodiversity, which is evident in the considerable financial effort being made under the four LIFE projects underway, representing a combined investment of more than 40 million Euros."

According to Alonso Miguel, "the Faial Botanical Garden is an important conservation and environmental education centre dedicated to preserving the endemic and native flora of the Azores, where it is possible to observe six collections of living plants, from the rarest to the most common."

"This new interpretation exhibition, installed outside the garden, is made up of various information panels that aim to provide visitors with more information," he added.

According to the government official, "these panels include contents identifying and detailing the six collections of living plants found at the Faial Botanical Garden, allowing visitors to learn about the vast majority of the Azores' native plants, organised by 'habitat,' as well as the main invasive species that threaten their survival."

Alonso Miguel pointed out that, as part of the celebrations of the International Day for Biological Diversity, "it was also possible to visit the Rare Plants Nursery and the Seed Bank. There were also several activities involving young people, which is fundamental for promoting awareness of the importance of preserving biodiversity and ensuring sustainable development" in the Azores.