The Azorean Government, through the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and the Sea, promotes a range of activities and visits to National Parks of the archipelago over three months in order to promote and disseminate their environmental and landscape richness.

As the Regional Director for the Environment stated in Angra do Heroísmo today, the initiative known as Island Natural Park, Open Park, aims to provide people with a better understanding of nature on each island.

João Bettencourt reminded that the legislation established in 2007 "regulates the regional network of protected areas," which led to creation of the Island Natural Parks.

"This is a new management tool that makes possible the comprisal of every available protection classification" and thus "improve its management by ensuring enhanced protection and conservation of our biodiversity and geodiversity," stated the Regional Director.

"In order to protect, one must know," João Bettencourt stressed, adding that "we have launched this initiative in this context, with the purpose of making people better acquainted with every protected area throughout the archipelago."

Furthermore, the Regional Director presented the Terceira Island Natural Park, the latest and the last to be created, announcing a series of proposals for visits and exhibitions, which are scheduled to start on November 27 with a guided tour to Furnas do Enxofre (Sulphur Caves) and end by February 26 with a visit to the vineyard landscape in Biscoitos.

Those who interested in participating in these activities may contact the services of Island Natural Parks or the Regional Secretariat for the Environment.