Information: 41 endemic species preserved in Azores Seed Bank
This year, the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and the Sea, through Faial Botanical Garden, has increased the number of seed stored in the Azores Seed Bank by 82%. A seed bank is an "ex-situ" plant conservation method (outside natural habitat); seeds are preserved by being dried at low temperatures, which ensures their viability for long periods of time. This is one of the methods wi... more >>

Information: Exhibition by Nuno Sá at the marina of Horta
A photography exhibition titled "Oásis" by Nuno Sá will be open to the public at the marina of Horta in front of the bar. The collection on display consists of thirty photographs depicting some of most distinctive species of the Azores sea, including whales, dolphins, sharks as well as other marine species. Nuno Sá is an international award-winning photographer who lives on the is... more >>

Information: Registration period for Myosotis Azores award open
For the second consecutive year and with the possibility of renewal every two years, the registration period for the Myosotis Azores award will be open until October 19 at http://portal.sram.azores.gov.pt. Myosotis Azores is an award that recognises good environmental behaviour in regional tourist accommodations. The Azores have distinguished 17 accommodations on 7 seven islands of the archipel... more >>

Information: Horta hosts first Atlantic Forum
The 1st Atlantic Forum will be held in the city of Horta at Amor da Pátria Society on September 21 under the theme "Coastal and deep sea natural resources." This is the first of a series of 5 forums to take place between 2012 and 2013 in the context of the Atlantic Strategy. The European Commission launched a marine strategy for the Atlantic Ocean, suggesting a variety of areas in which th... more >>

Information: Cetacean fossil found on Santa Maria
The Government of the Azores, through the technicians of Santa Maria Natural Park, and the researchers of CIBIO-Açores (Department of Biology of the University of the Azores) have removed from Praínha fossil deposit the jaw of a whale, estimated to be 117-130 thousand years. The bone, about 1 metre in length, was discovered by individuals who contacted the University of the Azores. S&#... more >>

Information: Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Centre distinguished by visitors
Ninety percent of visitors to the Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Centre (CIVC) considered that the centre and the services provided are of high quality. This conclusion emerges from the analysis of the satisfaction surveys conducted at this interpretation centre located in Faial Natural Park. The survey is part of a wider quality control process that is carried out on a daily basis during the... more >>

Information: Waste Management Operators boost results in 2011
The Regional Government stressed today the excellent results achieved by waste management operators in 2011, particularly the significant increase in the rate of materials shipped for recycling. These results evidence the efforts undertaken by entities and citizens in the selection and collection of recyclables on a daily basis. Urban packaging waste as well as plastic, metal, paper and glass... more >>

Information: Furnas Woodcarving 2012 fosters environmental recovery
The Government, through the Regional Secretariat of the Environment and the Sea (SRAM), and STIHL promote a training course for the workers of several organisations in the area of environmental recovery on São Miguel (SRAM, Azorina, SPEA, among others) from August 27 to September 2. This initiative also comprises an artistic chainsaw woodcarving demonstration by the internationally renowned F... more >>

Information: "Furna do Enxofre" registers increase in the number of visitors
The "Furna do Enxofre" (Sulphur Cave), the major tourist attraction of Graciosa that is also part of the Island's Natural Park, registered a total of 2471 visitors in July. The number of visitors corresponds to an increase of approximately 41% compared to same month in 2011, which registered 1748 visitors. Several factors have contributed to this trend, particularly the investments made in the... more >>

Information: "Gruta das Torres" breaks record of visits
The visitor centre of "Gruta das Torres" (Towers Cave), integrated in the Pico Natural Park, has registered over 2 thousand visitors in the month of July, breaking the record of visits for that month. The number of visitors to the centre has been increasing throughout the years. Apart from being a widely sought-after tourist attraction, the improvement of visitor capacity this year has led to an... more >>