The President of the Government of the Azores praised today the recognition “before the world” of the hard work and the entrepreneurship of Pico’s Islanders, which was recognised in the certificate awarded by UNESCO to the landscape of Pico Island Vineyard Culture, thus internationally consecrating its historical, cultural and environmental value.
Having in mind the proposal presented by the Government regarding this issue in July 2004 and paying a tribute to those that have been recovering the abandoned vineyards throughout the centuries, introducing new cultures, planting fig-trees and experimenting new species of grapes, Carlos César emphasised the Government’s decision to support wine producers that have opted for the traditional vineyard culture in the “currais” (plots), maintaining its original features.
“Last year, we have increased the financial aid to the maintenance and recovery of the vineyards, extending its range for the buffer zone of the classified area, from a supported area of 987 hectares to a total 0f 2,911 hectares,” said the President.
The President of the Government considered that the financial aid policy is fundamental, allowing the maintenance of a traditional and economically important culture as well as providing means for its modernisation.
“We want that those who visit it – and the number of visitors is increasing – continue to appreciate it not only in a historical and cultural understanding, through its interpretative centre and its museum, but also in the visualisation of its useful and reproductive occupation to the community in the present moment. This occupation, created by the legacy of the knowledge which was built-up through land tilling, vineyard and grape growing, wine production and commercialisation, is now evidently marked by the technological progress and the economic and social contemporaneity,” said Carlos César.
Concluding his intervention in the ceremony to celebrate the award of the World Heritage certificate to the Landscape of Pico Island Vineyard Culture by a UNESCO representative, Carlos César pointed out that this distinction reinforces Pico Island, as well as the Azores, as a quality product of Nature tourist.
Furthermore, Carlos César assured that “our ambition is also to renew Pico wine and promote it in international markets. Hence, we should continue to work, doing more and better.”