The Regional Government of the Azores has promoted in Nordeste the weekend of Forest and Biodiversity at the Cancela do Cinzeiro Forest Reserve, an initiative intended to promote forests as a place of leisure, which the human being should enjoy without affecting their conservation. The event included various activities such as mountain biking, guided tours, extreme activities, geocaching, traditional games, treasure hunt, pedestrian trails, among others.
The forest is a vital “cluster” to the Azorean economy and rural development, but its importance goes far beyond the value resulting from the sale of its products and the jobs it generates, playing a key role in the preservation of soils, water resources, biodiversity as well as in the well-being and quality of life of populations.
The initiative was jointly organised by the Regional Secretariats for Agriculture and Forestry and for the Environment and the Sea, the Regional Directorate for Youth, the LIFE Laurissilva Project, the Ser Diferente Youth Association and the Association for Social Intervention, Cultural and Economic Development of the Azores (Aida).