Azorean Government raises awareness of hundreds of students on S. Miguel Island for defence and preservation of forests
The Regional Director for Forest Resources participated today in an awareness-raising action on the importance of protecting and preserving forests, which involved more than 600 elementary school students on the island of S. Miguel.
"Raising the awareness of new generations and training them to recognise the importance of defending forests is a mission that the Regional Government faces with a great sense of responsibility and commitment," said Anabela Isidoro. According to her, "those who are informed about the importance of a good are aware of the importance of preserving and caring for it."
Under the World Arbor Day celebrations, more than six hundred 3rd and 4th form students were invited to mark the date at Pinhal da Paz Recreational Forest Reserve in the municipality of Ponta Delgada, where they participated in various recreational and educational activities.
"This is a day to play, but also to learn from Nature. These symbolic moments reinforce the message taking good care of our trees and our forest with the new generations," said Anabela Isidoro. The games and activities prepared for this initiative are intended to awaken their environmental awareness.
The educational games on the theme of forests were guided by technicians and forest rangers and included the creation of a circle itinerary with several stations.
The Regional Director pointed out that the Azores have "a well-kept forest that is undergoing a rejuvenation process." Over the last two decades, "nearly 10% of the Region's private forest area has been subject to interventions that have focused in the improvement of existing forest stands through reconversion, reforestation and afforestation actions. These initiatives reflect the Region's concern to value woody material, without excluding the environmental benefits and favourable contributions of these ecosystems. "
Anabela Isidoro assured that the Regional Government "has done everything and will continue to do" to defend this heritage, counting on "the fundamental support of new generations."
On other Azorean islands, the World Arbor Day is marked by local Forestry Services with initiatives that involve a total 2,400 children in awareness actions and activities, with the planting and supply of more than 5,600 trees.
On Thursday, March 22, the Regional Director for Forest Resources participates in various leisure and awareness-raising initiatives on this theme that will take place at Praça Velha in Angra do Heroísmo. It includes two conferences to be delivered by technicians from the Terceira Forest Service: one addresses the economic value of the Azores forest and the other will be about the "forest of the seven trades."