The Autonomous Region of the Azores will now have 13 sites included in the Ramsar Convention list with the approval of the application submitted by the Paul da Praia da Vitória (Praia da Vitória Marsh), located on Terceira island, for the classification as protected wetland of international interest.

This marsh was filled in the early 20th century with saltwater brought by each tide through porous sand despite being also filled with freshwater from rainfall and groundwater from higher lands. The Praia da Vitória Marsh is the nesting place of the Common Moorhen (Galinulla chloropus) and its location allows the observation of numerous bird species.

For the Regional Director for the Environment, Hernâni Jorge, the classification of this marsh by initiative of Praia da Vitória City Hall, whose proposal was submitted by the Region, is another reason to celebrate the World Wetlands Day on Saturday.

"These areas, as indicated by their designation, are very important in the retention and preservation of water resources and the prevention of floods and landslides.

Hernâni Jorge added that the preservation of these areas "ensures the maintenance of habitats that are essential to the survival of waterfowl and fish species." It also brings "added value to nature tourism offer given its landscape value and prime location for bird watching."

The 13 sites in the Azores classified under the Ramsar Convention, which cover an area exceeding 13 thousand hectares, are the following: crater lakes of Fajã dos Cubres and Fajã do Santo Cristo (S. Jorge island); Caldeira da Graciosa (Furna do Enxofre - Graciosa island); Caldeira do Faial (Faial island); Caldeirão do Corvo (Corvo island); volcanic complex of Furnas, Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo (São Miguel island); Formigas islet and Dollabarat Reef (Santa Maria island); Planalto Central da Terceira (Furnas do Enxofre and Algar do Carvão) and Paul da Praia da Vitória (Terceira island); Planalto Central das Flores (Morro Alto - Flores island); Planalto Central de São Jorge (Pico da Esperança - São Jorge island) and Planalto Central do Pico (Achada - Pico island).

The Regional Secretariat for Natural Resources, through the Regional Directorate for the Environment, promotes several activities across the archipelago on Friday and Saturday to celebrate the World Wetlands Day, which also coincides with the celebrations of the National Day of Nature Watchers.

The Convention on Wetlands was held in Ramsar, Iran, on February 2, 1971 with the aim of promoting international cooperation and fostering national actions towards the rational and sustainable management of these sites.

The text adopted by the Convention defines wetlands as "areas of marsh, marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six metres."