Azores present in Malta application of "Fajãs" of S. Jorge to UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
The Government of the Azores will present at the 5th Conference of the World Network of Island and Coastal Biosphere Reserves, taking place in Malta on March 24-26, the application of "Fajãs" of S. Jorge to UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The proposal for the delimitation of their respective area was agreed this week at a meeting held by the Monitoring Committee.
Established by the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and the Environment, through the Regional Directorate for the Environment, this monitoring commission comprises representatives of municipal councils, agricultural and fisheries associations, S. Jorge Business Centre and other local representatives.
By the beginning of the second of 2015, the Government will launch the public consultation on this proposal, which comprises the entire island of S. Jorge and adjacent marine areas, including the core area, a transition area and a buffer zone, as in accordance with UNESCO regulations.
The UNESCO World Network of Island and Coastal Biosphere Reserves was established in 2009 and currently brings together nearly sixty reserves from all continents.
In the Azores, the island of Flores, Corvo and Graciosa are classified as Biosphere Reserves.
At the meeting to be held in Malta, the Azores, in addition to submitting the application of "Fajãs" of S. Jorge, will also become a member of this World Network; the latter is primarily focused on islands and coastal areas.
Climate change, tourism, local development, waste management and nature conservation, giving expression to the vocation of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves are some of the areas where this network develops its projects, taking into consideration their status as site of excellence for experimentation and innovative solutions adapted to the social, economic and environmental context.