The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and the Environment stated on Pico nature "is one of the main assets of the Azores." The government official spoke at the signing ceremony of a cooperation protocol with the European Blue Flag Association (ABAE), which also included the delivery of the Green Key 2015 Awards.

"The major challenge requires the implementation of environmental conservation and sustainability measures and, simultaneously, ensure that nature, which is one of the main assets of the Azores, will contribute to the creation of wealth and jobs," said Luís Neto Viveiros.

Speaking at the auditorium of the Whaling Museum in Lajes do Pico, the Regional Secretary said "it is essential that we all be aware of the extent and value of the natural heritage of the Azores and realise, once and for all, that environment and development cannot ignore each other. Indeed, they should go hand-in-hand."

For Neto Nurseries, that is the path "the Azores should follow and will continue do so in the future."

The Regional Secretary highlighted the symbolism of a cooperation agreement between the Region and ABAE for reinforcement of Environmental Education and Sustainable Development projects on the World Environment Day.

This is the same day "when the first cooperation agreement was signed 16 years ago. Since then, it has been honoured by both parties with regard to the collaboration in the areas of environmental education, vocational training, access to information and implementation of the campaigns promoted by FEEE - Foundation for Environmental Education in Europe."

The latter brings together international organisations from more than 60 countries that jointly promote environmental education activities for Sustainability.

Eco-Schools, the Young Reporters for the Environment, the ECO XXI and the Green Key are the programmes implemented and managed in the Azores.

The Green Key award distinguished six establishments in the Azores, including Quinta do Martelo (Terceira), which also received the "'Horta do Chef" award, delivered for the first time this year. The other awarded establishment were Casa da Torre (Pico), Casa do Pátio, Casa da Fonte and Casa da Talha (S. Miguel), and Graciosa Resort.

"Let me also express the Government's satisfaction with the organisation of the delivery ceremony of the Green Key 2015 awards on the island of Pico. This initiative promotes environmentally sustainable practices, a concern that is widely and globally recognised as being of utmost importance," said the Regional Secretary
 
The ninth edition of this award, which also distinguishes Azorean companies, includes, for the first time, Local Accommodation and Restaurants, as has been done in other countries that make up this international network.

The Green Key initiative is currently implemented in 48 countries and has been awarded to 2,800 accommodation lodges, which represents a significant growth in the international network.