The Permanent Forum of the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism (ECST) in the Lands of "Priolo" (Azores Bullfinch) held its annual meeting at the Municipal Cultural Centre of Nordeste on the island of São Miguel. During this meeting, 15 companies from this island formally joined the "Priolo Brand."

The first companies embracing the principles of ECST and the "Priolo Brand" will develop, in conjunction the entities promoting the Charter, a series of activities to promote the conservation of nature and the development of sustainable tourism in this territory.

The first group of companies comprises travel agencies, companies in the areas of accommodation, catering, tourist animation, handicrafts as well as a Private Social Solidarity Institution; it is estimated that the number of companies will soon reach 20.

The "Priolo Brand," registered by the Regional Government, was established under the LIFE Sustainable Laurel Forest Project and following the LIFE Priolo Project, developed by SPEA - Portuguese Society for the Study of Birds, in partnership with the Regional Secretariat for Natural Resources through the Regional Directorate for the Environment.

This "Brand" intends to be seal of quality for the companies that promote initiatives addressed at the conversation and dissemination of São Miguel Island Natural Park in the municipalities of Nordeste and Povoação, bringing environmental, economic and social benefits.

The Forum, held on Monday, focused on the assessment of the first year of implementation of the action plan on the strategy for the development of sustainable tourism in the "Lands of Priolo," which has been developed and implemented in a joint effort of public and private entities for the period 2012-2016.

Moreover, this event also served to present the new website dedicated to ECST - "Lands of Priolo," which may be consulted at the following address http://www.azores.gov.pt/Gra/srrn-cets.  The website provides information on the territory, including natural and cultural values, activities for visitors, accommodation, restaurants, among other aspects. 

This website is, for now, available in Portuguese; the English version is expected to be available by early summer.

The European Charter for Sustainable Tourism is a tool designed, evaluated and certified by EUROPARC Federation with the aim of promoting the development of sustainable tourism in protected areas. This initiative has already designated 107 protected areas in 13 European countries and another 24 areas have submitted their applications.