The Azores will participate, starting today, in the 10th Meeting of REDBIOS - Network of Biosphere Reserves of East Atlantic and Macaronesia that is taking place in Santana on the island of Madeira.

The Azores will be represented by the Regional Director for the Environment in this meeting, which will also be attended by officials of the Biosphere Reserves located in this geographical area with the purpose of discussing several relevant issues, with special emphasis on the practice of sustainable tourism on islands. By decision of UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation), the meetings of REDBIOS should be a space for exchanging experiences between the managing bodies of Biosphere Reserves.

One should recall that the Azores is the national region with more Biosphere Reserves; they classified reserves are located on the islands of Corvo, Graciosa and Flores. The management bodies of these reserves have developed a varied set of actions, especially at the level of Nature Conservation, the implementation of the "Plan for the Eradication and Control of Invasive Flora Species in Sensitive Areas" and the organisation of environmental awareness raising activities, such as the "SOS Corey's Shearwater Campaign."

With regard to waste management, the managing bodies of Azorean Biosphere Reserves have been particularly committed in monitoring the construction of Waste Processing and Recovery Centres. In fact, this aspect is also particularly important because the poor waste management was frequently mentioned in the applications for Biosphere Reserves as one of the weaknesses of the aforementioned islands. However, the problem is now solved with the end of landfills on these islands.

The managing bodies of Azorean Biosphere Reserves have decided to launch a school competition on ""Natural Resources and Sustainability." This year's theme is precisely dedicated "Biosphere Reserves."

The structure of the regulations establishing the Legal Framework on Biodiversity and Nature Conservation includes a section on Biosphere Reserves that defines their specific goals for the Azores by implementing work tools, such as the action plan, and establishing their managing bodies.

The regulations on the use of the "Azores Biosphere" brand and trademark were one of the most important actions undertaken in the management and promotion of Biosphere Reserves. Hence, this “Brand” will enhance the attractiveness of "nature tourism" products as well as of the Azores destination. The Ordinance no. 27/2011 of 28 April specifically defines the regulations on use of the "Azores Biosphere" brand, which are now accessible to entrepreneurs.

"The Azores Biosphere Reserves ensure environmental quality, promote sustainable development and create spaces for dialogue between institutions. This is the example we want to share in Madeira and, hopefully, we will learn with the actions taken by other territories and with their mistakes as well; therefore, we will be able to further improve our own model," stated the Regional Director for the Environment, João Bettencourt.