The Regional Director for the Environment stressed today that the programme marking the classification of Pico Island Vineyard Culture Protected Landscape and its designation as World Heritage by UNESCO "lives up to its environmental and cultural importance," adding that the initiatives take place between June 27 and July 2.
 
Hernâni Jorge spoke at a press conference on Pico Island to present the celebration programme. On the occasion he recalled that the Pico Island Vineyard Culture Protected Landscape was classified as Protected Area on June 27, 1996 and UNESCO's approval of Pico Island Vineyard Culture Protected Landscape application for the World Heritage list in the Cultural Landscape category on July 2, 2004.
 
"Between the 23rd anniversary of the classification of this landscape as Protected Area and the 15th anniversary of its designation as World Heritage, the Regional Directorate for the Environment proposes a series of activities to mark these dates," stated the government official.
 
On the first day of the celebrations, vouchers will be delivered to all passengers arriving at Pico Airport for a visit to the Pico Island Vineyard Culture Interpretation Centre and to the Wine Museum; they are valid for the period from June 27 to July 2
 
On June 28, the colloquium on "The Pico Island Vineyard Culture Landscape - contributions to sustainable development" will be held at São Roque Town Hall during the morning.
 
In the afternoon, the Madalena Municipal Auditorium will hold a moment of celebration with a special edition of the Lajido wine celebrating the 15 years of the designation of Pico Island Vineyard Culture Landscape as World Heritage. The event will be followed by the solemn session of UNESCO classifications and the presentation of the documentary "Pico's Vineyards - Landscape of Opportunities" by Paulo Henrique Silva.
 
On June 29, there will be a treasure hunting activity designated as "Find your way in Lajido" and a night session of "Chamarritas" (traditional folk dance) at the Wine Museum.
 
The celebration programme also includes other activities, namely a wine tasting at the Pico Island Vineyard Culture Landscape Interpretation Centre on June 30 and the 3rd Workshop: Vineyard Culture Landscapes, World Heritage on July 1 and 2.