Vasco Cordeiro marks International Day of Forests with awareness-raising activities
The President of the Government visited today the Maia Basic Education School in the municipality of Ribeira Grande, where various activities are taking place to mark the International Day of Forests. On the occasion, he highlighted the "good balance" between environmental and economic development that has been achieved in the management of Azorean forests.
"More than 30 percent of the Azores' territory is covered by forests. This is an important aspect not only from the standpoint of environmental quality, but also from the standpoint of the economic development of our territory," said Vasco Cordeiro.
The President of the Government spoke to journalists after learning about all the activities included in the "Tribute to Nature" initiative held this morning at Maia Basic Education School. It was promoted by students enrolled in the Youth Training and Integration Programme (PROFIJ) at that school.
According to him, the Regional Government has undertaken throughout the years several efforts towards the development of forests on several islands, such as the case of the Azores Forest Inventory. This spatial planning tool, currently under revision, plays a key role in land management and support for political decision-making in these matters.
"Forests represent are valuable element of the territory, which may also have an economic potential. But for that to happen, we cannot sacrifice one interest for the benefit of others," said Vasco Cordeiro.
In this context, the President of the Government ensured that the Region, through Community funds, has taken "significant steps" to achieve a "good balance" between these various functions of Azorean forests. This has allowed the reconciliation of environmental preservation with economic potential, not only in terms of forest exploitation but also in terms of landscape development, the latter being an asset of the Region as tourist destination.
Vasco Cordeiro also emphasised the importance of environmental awareness-raising initiatives such as those carried out today in the Region among younger generations since they allows us to instil "the taste and awareness for the preservation of a heritage that belongs to the Azores."
This Thursday, more than 1,000 children and young people participate in initiatives marking the International Day of Forests, including the planting of endemic species, the organisation of traditional games, visits to Forest Reserves, screening of videos on the theme and treasure hunts.