The Regional Secretary for Energy, Environment and Tourism stated that the Morro Alto and Pico da Sé Natural Reserves are an "excellent example of the valuable natural heritage" of Flores Island.
 
Marta Guerreiro spoke at the end of a visit to this natural reserve, pointing out that "the largest peatland of the Region" is located in the high-altitude wetlands of the central plateau. This is a "vital area for the water balance and the feeding of streams and water falls that make up the island's landscape."
 
Active high-altitude peatlands and wooded peatlands are priority habitats under the Habitats Directive; the latter being associated with the cedar forest.
 
The Secretary for the Environment expressed her belief that the European Commission will approve the final version of the integrated LIFE Azores Natura project by late October. It provides for a global investment over 19 million Euros in the preservation of protected habitats and species on the sites that are part of the Natura 2000 Network of the Azores. The project will be implemented in January 2019.
 
Marta Guerreiro stressed that the LIFE Azores Natura is the largest nature conservation project ever developed in the Azores, stressing the fact that, within the scope of the project, three professionals will be recruited to work full time on the island of Flores.