Government of the Azores promotes colloquium on the importance of protected areas in promoting sustainable development
The Regional Secretariat for Energy, Environment and Tourism, through the Faial and Pico Natural Parks, promotes the colloquium on "Protected areas in promoting sustainable development," which will take place at Teatro Faialense in Horta on March 7 and at Madalena Town Hall on Pico Island on the following day.
This initiative follows the celebrations of the 45th anniversary of Caldeira do Faial and Pico Mountains. It features the participation of Teresa Tiago, University of the Azores, Gonçalo Rosa, head of the Portuguese edition of National Geographic Magazine, and the directors of Faial and Pico natural parks.
The Nature Reserves of Caldeira do Faial and Pico Mountain, two of the oldest protected areas of Portugal, are the only places in the world where biodiversity and geodiversity co-exist in harmony with human beings, being a source of pride for all Azoreans.
The Nature Reserve of Caldeira do Faial was established on March 7, 1972 with the aim of preserving a set of natural values that need to be safeguarded with access control and maintenance of rules of conduct that are compatible with the goals that justified the classification this territory.
The Nature Reserve of Pico Mountain was established on March 8, 1972 as Integral Reserve and later reclassified as Nature Reserve in order to maintain aesthetic and natural values, geological uniqueness and importance of this area for species, habitats and protected ecosystems.
Currently, these two reserves, in addition to being structural elements of the landscape, are reference points for those who visit both islands.
The values of these reserves are internationally recognised by several classifications, including Natura 2000 Network, RAMSAR, 7 Wonders of Portugal and EDEN Award.