The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Environment highlighted on the island of S. Jorge the significant support to the Regional Government's initiative to propose the classification of "Fajãs" of S. Jorge as Biosphere Reserve.

"The initiative promoted by the Regional Government was joined by several local actors since the very beginning, including the municipalities of S. Jorge, local associations and institutions, entities linked to scientific research as well as to economic, environmental and cultural activities, and personalities," said Luís Neto Viveiros.

The Regional Secretary spoke on Wednesday evening at the ceremony for the signing of the application form, which was attended by representatives of UNESCO. It took place during the first of two public sessions of the seminar "Biosphere Reserves - Cooperation and Development Spaces."

In his speech, the Regional Secretary for the Environment recalled the process that started in 2014, stressing that "we have conducted a vast participatory process, involving numerous contributions from public and private entities as well as from local, regional, national and international associations."

The Regional Secretary stressed the promotion of debates on the possible models of development and zoning, and the public consultation period for the collection of contributions, to be included in the final document.

Neto Viveiros revealed that, after the signing of the application form, also signed by the mayors of Velas and Calheta, the Government of the Azores will formally submit the dossier to the president of the UNESCO National Commission on September 21.

The submission of the documents marks the beginning of a new phase, technical analysis, which the Regional expects to "culminate with the designation of 'Fajãs' of S. Jorge as Biosphere Reserve in March [in Peru] during the World Congress of Biosphere Reserves."

"The island of S. Jorge and its 'Fajãs' - more than seventy - are a unique natural and cultural heritage in the archipelago with a great potential of external projection and wealth generation," said Neto Viveiros.

Accordingly, he defended that "their classification as Biosphere Reserve provides an opportunity of worldwide projection, bringing added value to local products and services."

The Regional Secretary challenged São Jorge islanders to use the available public support measures, namely those provided under the incentive scheme for the maintenance of traditional landscapes, PRORURAL + and VITIS "in order to recover the important wine tradition of São Jorge island."

"The undeniable value of the natural and cultural heritage of S. Jorge and its 'Fajãs' deserves this international designation of UNESCO to which we have applied is due primarily due to the commitment for sustainable development that has been implemented in this territory by the Regional Government and S. Jorge islanders."

However, Luís Neto Viveiros warned that since "these are dynamic processes, we cannot stand still," revealing that "the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and the Environment, through the Regional Directorate for the Environment, has begun the evaluation process of S. Jorge Coastal Management Plan," sating from 2005.

The assessment of the plan is intended "to review the strategies for the island's sustainable development, the valuation of its natural and cultural heritage, and the international recognition arising from the designation of S. Jorge as Biosphere Reserve," added the government official.

Furthermore, Luís Neto Viveiros defended that "the relevant natural, landscape and cultural values of these territories should be enhanced as vital elements in the development of tourism recreational activities and the promotion of the Region as a nature destination."

"The growing demand for protected areas as privileged spaces for leisure activities represents new business opportunities and, simultaneously, brings increased responsibilities to public authorities and citizens in the sustainable management of these resources," said the government official.

This pubic session was attended by representatives of UNESCO MaB Programme, UNESCO National Commission, National Committee of MaB Programme and Biosphere Reserves, and of the Biosphere Reserves of Jeju, La Palma, Menorca, Fuertventura, Paúl of Boquilobo, Graciosa, Flores and Corvo.

Established in 1971, MaB - The Man and the Biosphere Programme is an international scientific cooperation programme on the interactions between human beings and their environment.

Biosphere Reserves are internationally recognised areas of terrestrial, coastal and marine ecosystems that are designed to meet the challenges of reconciling the Conservation of Nature with the demand for economic and social development and the maintenance of cultural values.

Currently, three of the seven Biosphere Reserves in Portugal are located in the Azores: Graciosa and Corvo (1997) and Flores (2009).