The Regional Director for Forest Resources stated that the 9th Macaronesia Forest Days taking place this week in Cape Verde is an opportunity to generate synergies not only to solutions for common problems in the Azores, Madeira, the Canaries and Cape Verde, but also to promote good examples of the work carried out in the Region's forestry sector.
 
"The seminars began in 1994, with the first editions being organised by the Azores and Madeira. They have been of paramount importance for the forestry sector in terms of exchange of knowledge, conservation practices and dynamics, and forest development," stressed Anabel Isidoro. In this context, she added that "the common characteristics of Macaronesian forests bring added value in building synergies, in defining solutions for common problems and in ensuring their preservation."
 
The 9th Macaronesia Forest Days will be held, for the first time, on the island of Santiago in Cape Verde between March 27 and 29. On the occasion, technicians from the Regional Directorate for Forest Resources will announce to their peers what is being done in the Azores in the management of forests and hunting resources as well as in promotion of cryptomeria wood.
 
These Forest Days fall within VALCONMAC - Project for the Promotion and Conservation of Forest Resources in Macaronesia, an initiative funded under the INTERREG V cooperation programme. They are primarily intended to bring together professionals from the public and private forestry sectors, professionals working in related areas, the civil society as well as people interested in forest management, planning and protection.
 
The Regional Director for Forest Resources stated that a joint statement will be signed between the Azores, Madeira, the Canaries and Cape Verde during the meeting works. It contains a list of the 100 remarkable trees existing in the four archipelagos, a natural heritage of excellence that should be disseminated and safeguarded by forthcoming generations.
 
"Like the other regions, the Azores will include in this list their 25 most remarkable trees, scattered through the archipelago, which may be update at any time.  We are talking about species such as the dragon tree, Azores juniper, Azorean holly, oaks and sequoias, among others," Anabel Isidoro said, adding that this heritage is a great natural treasure.
 
The Regional Director emphasised the protection of these remarkable species or of a group of trees that, due to their notable features, are considered botanical elements that must be respected, both by residents and tourists. Their scientific, cultural, educational, landscape or ornamental value entail their safeguarding.