The Government of the Azores promoted on Friday a total of thirty initiatives to celebrate the World Forestry Day, involving mover 2,600 participants across the archipelago. This year, Recreational Forest Reserves are the main theme of a photography contest promoted in partnership with the Association of Amateur Photographers of the Azores.

Announced by the Regional Secretary for Natural Resources under the celebrates of the 2014 World Forestry Day, the "Discovering Recreational Forest Reserves" Photography Contest runs until April and is also supported by Azorean Youth Hostels and Atlanticoline.

"In these spaces, participants will have the opportunity of discovering details that we might not notice," Luís Neto Viveiros said, stressing the importance of "preserving" the 27 Recreational Forest Reserve across the archipelago.

The contest aims to disseminate Recreational Forest Reserves and raise the awareness of the local population to visit theses areas, which are managed by the Regional Directorate for Forest Resources. Those who are interested in participating in this contest may obtain further information at the following address: http://drrf-srrn.azores.gov email address.pt.

The Regional Secretary participated in the symbolic planting of endemic species at "Pinhal da Paz" Park on Friday morning; this activity involved the participation of elementary school students. On the occasion, the government official considered that this forest reserve is an example of a space that is worth enjoying.

The initiatives planned to celebrate the World Forestry Day in the Azores include contests addressed at the population in general, lectures and awareness-raising actions targeted at students as well as at people attending Social Centres and Free Time Occupation Centres.

The environmental and economic importance of forests will be highlighted with several initiatives, such as visits to plant nurseries and plantations, distribution of trees and the organisation of paper chase activities, educational geocaching activities and games.