The integration of Flores Island in the world network of UNESCO biosphere reserves, which was decided today by the International Coordinator of the Human Being and the Biosphere programme, is a “relevant” fact for the “protection and valorisation of Azorean environment.”
This statement was made by the Regional Secretary for the Environment and the Sea responding to the news of the approval of this application of the Region for Flores to be integrated in that restricted list of Sites of Special Interest.
Álamo Meneses pointed out the importance for Flores and for the Azores of that distinction not only at an internal level, encouraging the environmental preservation and fruition, but also at an external level, being an “excellent way of promoting our environmental quality.”
For all of this, the Secretary added that the Government “is grateful with the awarding of this world distinction to the Region,” which is a “source of pride” for all the Azoreans. 
Regarding the text that justifies the inclusion of Flores in the aforementioned network, the UNESCO emphasises that the reserve includes the entire island, since it presents relevant landscape, geological, environmental and cultural aspects and also adjacent marine areas.
The document also mentions the specificities of the exceptional interest of the new classified site, particularly the existence of “high cliffs that dominate most of the coastal line which is surrounded by small islets,” adding that the area supports traditional fishing activities, attracting quality tourism, particularly for diving or whale and dolphin watching, as well as for pedestrian walks along the seashore.
Thus, the Island of Flores will join Graciosa and Pico, which were previously classified, in the world list of UNESCO biosphere reserves, which is composed by 553 sites located in 104 countries.