The Regional Secretary for Energy, Environment and Tourism stressed today the establishment of the regulation on the access to Praia Islet, Graciosa Island, Island as another "important step" in managing the access and movement of people. It will reconcile the enhancement and conservation of the existing natural values in this Natural Reserve.
 
"We want to share our environmental heritage as we are sought-after and recognised internationally due to the authenticity of our resources. Nevertheless, we also know that we need to be vigilant and to implement measures that safeguard these specificities," said Marta Guerreiro. In this regard, she added that the "access regulations, such as the case of Praia Islet, evidence the concerns" of the Regional Government.
 
The Secretary for the Environment spoke at the end of a visit to the islet in the context of the Government's statutory visit to Graciosa Island. According to her, "this place is home to important fauna and flora species, being, for example, the main habitat of Monteiro's storm petrel. It was classified as Natural Reserve in 2008."
 
On the occasion, the government official also emphasised the "goals set for the management and preservation of habitats, ecosystems and species as well as the protection of the structural characteristics of the landscape, namely geological and geomorphological elements and rock outcrops."
 
"In addition to being part of the network of protected areas of the Azores, the Praia Islet was also classified as Special Protection Zone under the Natura 2000 Network. It is an "Important Bird Area," according to the BirdLife International criteria, and is part of the core area of Graciosa Island Biosphere Reserve, designated as such by UNESCO in 2007," added Marta Guerreiro.
 
According to the government official, "the relevance of this environmental heritage has led to the creation of the regulation, which will enter into force on July 1. It determines that the access should be limited to visits accompanied by Natural Parks Guides and Nature Watchers, focusing on a specific area located on the eastern part of the islet." The regulation also provides for the payment of a four-Euro fee per visitor with exception of residents in the Azores. This amount will be applied in actions aimed at nature conservation and the dissemination of Graciosa's natural heritage."
 
With a maximum daily limit of 20 visitors, visits take place twice a week between July 1 and November 15 and five days a week between November 16 and April 15.