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Angra do Heroísmo ,  July 13, 2020

Regional Government invests more than 2.5 million Euros in infrastructures for promotion of Terceira's environmental heritage

The Regional Secretary for Energy, Environment and Tourism highlighted today the Regional Government's investment in infrastructures to promote the adequate management and better appreciation of Terceira's environmental heritage. In this regard, she highlighted the redevelopment of the hiking trails and viewpoints of Serra de Santa Bárbara Range as well as the construction of Algar do Carvão Natural Monument interpretation and visiting support centre.

Marta Guerreiro spoke in Angra do Heroísmo at the presentation of the final project for the Algar do Carvão Natural Monument interpretation and visiting support centre. On the occasion, she stated that it was "an investment of about 1.75 million Euros in the creation of a space that is both an interpretation and starting point for the exploration and knowledge of the volcanic cavity with the highest number of visitors and the existing geological heritage in that protected area."

The project includes a covered area of about 875 m2 with the expansion of the visitor support area, an exhibition circuit, a small auditorium, reception areas, a bar, a shop and sanitary facilities. There are also plans for the expansion of the parking area and upgrading the outdoor space, including the access to the adjacent trail.

Algar do Carvão has been classified as a protected area since 1987, firstly as a Natural Geological Reserve and as a Natural Monument since 2004.

Marta Guerreiro pointed out that "one of the most emblematic natural spaces of the Azores" is endowed with the "necessary conditions" for the approximately 60 thousand people who visit it annually.

"In 2019, the environmental centres were visited by more than half a million people. Among them, 140,000 accessed the five volcanic cavities open to the public on the islands of Terceira, Pico, Graciosa and São Miguel," said the Regional Secretary.

As part of the Government's visit to Terceira Island, the Secretary for the Environment also visited today the site of the redevelopment interventions in the hiking trails and viewpoints of Serra de Santa Bárbara Range. According to her, "this investment of about 800 thousand Euros is expected to be concluded in November."

The intervention also includes the creation of two wooden walkways, one to the north, covering an extension of 884 metre, with a space at the end for viewing the Caldeira de Santa Barbara, and another to the south, covering an extension of 325 metres. The project for the second walkway includes the construction of a new viewpoint on the south coast, with access for people with reduced mobility, besides a parking area for 31 vehicles and the landscape redevelopment of the surrounding area.

"This measure also aims to complement the role of the Serra de Santa Bárbara Interpretation Centre, a space that opened in September 2014. Last year, it received about 2,000 visitors," said the government official.

On the occasion, Marta Guerreiro highlighted the most recent distinction from the European Best Destination, which considered the island of Flores and the Vila Franca do Campo Islet, São Miguel Island, two of the most beautiful secret places in Europe in 2020, ranking second and tenth places, respectively.

This distinction was created based on the fact that, currently, most people wish to travel to differentiated destination with preference for a close contact with nature, valuing cultural immersion and the sharing of traditions with the local community.

For this association, the Azores are a perfect destination for holidays, ideal for those who want to "reconnect with nature (...), enjoy hiking, flora and fauna, watch dolphins and whales, taste local products and live real experiences."

According to the Regional Secretary, the fact that the Azores are considered "one of the last sanctuaries in Europe" is a source of pride in the efforts undertaken to preserve the archipelago's environmental and cultural heritage.

"This is another recognition that evidences the good work we have done and that makes us satisfied with the political strategy implemented in recent years towards the adequate management and better appreciation of our natural resources," noted Marta Guerreiro.

The Azores were distinguished by European Best Destination as one of the safest destinations in Europe in 2020, having already been considered "The Most Beautiful Landscape in Europe" and "The Best Destinations for Dolphin and Whale Watching."

Further information about this recent distinction is available at https://www.europeanbestdestinations.com/best-of-europe/best-hidden-gems-in-europe.


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Official government press-releases presented in all foreign languages interfaces of the Azorean Government Portal (Portal do Governo dos Açores) are a sub-set of the government's official press-releases daily output and are chosen for translation and publication on the foreign language interfaces based on audience segmentation criteria. The entire collection of the Azorean government press-releases is available in portuguese, here, from the GACS Press Office site.

 
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