Under the Regional Government's policy to promote business competitiveness through the enhancement of regional products, the Vice-Presidency has approved the certification of "Corvo wooden locks" by the Azores Handicrafts brand; the latter has certified over 70 artisans and about 100 products.
 
The ordinance published today in the Official Journal acknowledges the traditional nature of wooden locks production on the smallest island of the archipelago, associated with rural life; some still exist in some still exist in  farm buildings.
 
These locks are an emblematic local craft product that has retained its relevance over the centuries, thus becoming inseparable from the history of the Azores and, in particular, Corvo Island.
 
In the production of this type of craft, the reuse of raw materials is also important and, sometimes, it uses wood from old buildings that apparently is of no use.
 
The Corvo wooden locks, formerly used to lock the doors of the wealthiest homes, have become into a typical craft that is increasingly sought-after by visitors.
 
With this latest certification, the Government strengthens the measure for the creation of this collective brand of origin. Whereas the incentive to maintain craft practices of acknowledged cultural and economic interest may significantly contribute to the Region's visibility, enrich the ethnographic heritage and consolidate cultural diversity as a hub of tourism attractiveness.
 
The projection of the Azores Handicrafts Brand is aimed at a more effective distinction, dissemination and promotion in foreign markets. This goal will be achieved through product certification, branding, designation of origin, protected geographical indication, traditional guaranteed specialty, labelling and use of guarantee seals.
 
The application for certification is submitted to the Regional Centre for Handicrafts (CRAA) and analysed by the Technical Monitoring Committee (CAT).
 
Certification is awarded to products manufactured in the Region in a traditional manner, complying with the most stringent evaluation criteria. In this context, the Regional Centre for Handicrafts is in charge of approving the projects and providing their subsequent monitoring.