The Regional Secretary for Energy, Environment and Tourism announced today that the Regional Government, through the Regional Directorate for the Environment, will provide land within the Network of Protected Areas for the planting of endemic or indigenous flora on all islands.
 
Marta Guerreiro pointed out that this measure will be implemented through protocols signed with interested companies. They will be "responsible for the planting of ecologically appropriate species, but also for the maintenance and management of the assigned parcel, including the replacement of dead plants and the control of invasive species."
 
"This measure aims to raise awareness for the reduction of the ecological footprint by implementing actions towards the planting of Azorean flora for the recovery of degraded habitats or the ecological restoration of certain areas," mentioned the government official.
 
According to the Secretary for the Environment, "the ecological footprint, as an indicator of sustainability, allows us to measure and raise awareness about the impact of human activities on natural resources." Therefore, it is urgent to develop actions in this area, taking into account that "the natural landscape and biodiversity of the Azores are one of the main assets of the Region in terms of tourist attraction."
 
"We are, once again, calling for greater environmental awareness and responsibility for the conservation and management of natural resources," the government official said, emphasising the importance of continuing to develop "sustainability policies, particularly in the context of environmental and tourism activities.
 
Marta Guerreiro spoke on the sidelines of an action for the planting of endemic flora in the protected for the management of habitats or species in Pico da Esperança and Planalto Central on the island of São Jorge. The activity took place in the context of the Government's statutory visit to this island and also involved the participation of the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry, João Ponte.
 
"This action carried out today is the result of a partnership with an environmental and tourism activity company from São Jorge, Azooree. It shared the goal of reducing the ecological footprint and its intention to do so in conjunction with tourists," said the Regional Secretary.