The Regional Secretariat for Natural Resources has already allocated 307,619 Euros in financial support to projects submitted this year for the maintenance of the traditional landscape of Pico vineyard culture in "currais" (plots protected by stone walls).

The ordinances already published comprise 184 beneficiaries. Another 13 applications submitted this year are currently under analysis, representing a total investment of 36,635 Euros.

The maintenance contracts in force cover a total area of nearly 150 hectares in addition to the 50 hectares of vineyards that are already being recovered under the contracts already signed.

This year, the Government of the Azores intends to invest over 800 thousand Euros in Pico Vineyard Culture under the incentive schemes in force, revealed Luís Neto Viveiros.

Moreover, the Regional Secretariat for Natural Resources, through the Regional Directorate for the Environment, is concluding the evaluation process concerning the Land Management Plan of the Protected Landscape of Pico Vineyard Culture.

This protected landscape is considered one of the most important economic and social development hubs of Pico Island and the Azores as well. The Government intends to move forward with the revision of the Land Management Plan with the purpose of promoting the maintenance and recovery of vineyards in the area classified as World Heritage site and the respective "buffer zone."