The Regional Secretary for the Environment and the Sea considered on Sunday that the Horta Marina is a good example of how it is possible to combine a demanding economic activity with a good environmental quality.

The assessment was made by Álamo Meneses during the hoisting ceremony of the 2011/2012 Blue Flag and the “Quality Coast” Flag.

According to the government official, the Blue Flag that was flown in Horta “certifies the operation” of the oldest and busiest marinas in the Azores, which is also one of the economic pillars of Faial island.

In addition to mentioning that the water and the marina infrastructures comply with the environmental quality requirements established for this spaces, this award also “evidences the good practices implemented in this space, which ensure the future sustainability of this operation,” stressed Álamo Meneses.

Regarding the “Quality Coat” award, the Regional Secretary for the Environment and the Sea explained that this distinction “certifies the effort” that has been carried out in the good management and efficient cleaning of Faial coastal areas.

In fact, with the commitment of various entities, it has been possible to make a major breakthrough in the efficient cleaning of coastal areas in recent years, ensuring a more careful management of what is “one of the key factors of the islands environmental quality.” 

Meanwhile, Álamo Meneses reminded that the island of Faial was not only distinguished with the aforementioned awards this year. The Horta Bay was appointed in 2011 to the “exclusive club of the most beautiful bays of the world” and its Natural Park was distinguished with the EDEN award.

According to him, the European Union when awarded this prize acknowledged the level that has been reached regarding the management of Faial Natural Park, which allows placing Faial amongst the “certified destinations which, in addition to providing a high quality offer, also have implemented a set of good practices that ensure its future sustainability.”

With 300 mooring berths, the Horta Marina, opened in 1986, annually receives over a thousand yachts, having registered the record number of 1300 yachts in 2009.