The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry stated on São Miguel that the Regional Government is working to ensure that future generations have access to a better and more sustainable forest capable of providing multiple functions, services and products.
 
"The forest is an invaluable and indispensable resource for our daily lives that requires care, investment and control. Only in this way will we guarantee its sustainability and ensure that future generations will continue benefiting from the products and services provided by forests," João Ponte said, noting, as example, the cutting, reforestation and diversification of Azorean forest stands.
 
The Regional Secretary spoke at Pinhal da Paz Forest Reserve during the signing ceremony of a protocol with the Azores Section of the Portuguese League Against Cancer with a view to providing a 500 square metre area for the creation and operation of an Integrated Ecotherapy Center. It is intended to provide interdisciplinary activities based on a new methodology designated as "green care" to oncology patients and the community in general.
 
João Ponte praised the meritorious and crucial role played by the Portuguese League Against Cancer, highlighting that this protocol demonstrates that the potential of the Azores forest goes far beyond traditional functions such as timber production or recreational and economic purposes. In fact, it opens other opportunities to private entities, namely in the component related to well-being and health, and helps the Azoreans improving their lifestyle with direct benefits for their health.
 
On the other hand, the Regional Secretary stated that the ongoing efforts on forest diversification are absolutely essential to guarantee future sustainability, through the implementation of a Forest Enhancement Programme, reforestation actions and other initiatives.
 
"The good use of Community funds has been essential in preserving, improving and ensuring the sustainability of forests in the archipelago, both in the management of the public and private forests," said the government official
 
On a day entirely dedicated to the Azores forest, with initiatives held in all municipalities of São Miguel to highlight the multiple potentialities and richness of this immense natural heritage, João Ponte planted a tree, taught a class to 11th and 12th form students at Lagoa Secondary School, and visited a timber export company, among other activities.