The Regional Secretary for Natural Resources announced in Nordeste the launch of the international tender for the cutting and reforestation of the first 103.6 hectares of Cryptomeria forest on the island of São Miguel with the aim of revitalising the timber industry.

These first 103.6 hectares are located in the forest management units of the Forest Areas of Tronqueira, Achadinha, Lomba de São Pedro and Água Retorta as well as in the Regional Woods of Pico Maria da Costa and Bispos/Labaçal - municipalities of Nordeste and Ribeira Grande and Povoação.

"This is the development of one the measures provided in the Programme of the Government," said Luís Neto Viveiros to journalists. In this context, the government official stressed that this measure, which is included in the Azorean Agenda for Employment Creation and Business Competitiveness, intends to sustainably create direct and indirect jobs in the private sector.

On a visit to a cryptomeria wood in the Forest Perimeter of Tronqueira-Pedreira, the Regional Government mentioned the necessary workforce for the cutting of trees, processing of timber, the reforestation of the clear-cut areas as well as for the "recovery of timber or for other areas such as "transport".

Enhancing the emergence of new businesses in the timber industry, especially in the areas of recovery and innovation, and contributing to the growth of exports are other goals of this measure.

In fact, the criteria for the selection of the company will award priority status to the proposal that provides for the treatment, processing and recovery of timber in the Region and its exportation.

Luís Neto Viveiros also recalled the process leading up to the launch of this international tender, particularly the preparation of the Management Plan and a Study on Environmental Issues.

In addition to the logging, cleaning and reforestation of the clear-cut areas, bidders will also be required to plant endemic species in certain areas, especially along waterlines, and manage forestry leftovers.

The Regional Secretary for Natural Resources also revealed that the first national Forest Management Certification (FSC) was awarded to the Achada Forest Area on the island of São Miguel this month. The Regional Government expects to extend it to the entire public forest.

This is a vast area that will be also sold under the "Eco-label" certification, which will boost the sales of cryptomeria wood in the most demanding markets, nationally and internationally.