The Regional Director for Forest Resources encouraged today the children attending free time occupation centres (ATL) in the municipality of Ponta Delgada to take up the mission of caring for the endemic plant that was given to them. This initiative was part of the celebrations of the International Day of Forests promoted by the Regional Government in partnership with public and private entities.
 
"They have the mission to take care of an endemic plant," said Anabela Isidoro. The government official spoke on the sidelines of an awareness programme developed in conjunction with the Village of Arrifes, which also included the screening of a film and the distribution of t- shirts and a small illustrated book featuring a story told by "Flora - Forest Ranger."
 
"We also have the opportunity [through this character] to reveal the good work carried out by Forest Rangers in our Region towards a sustainable forest," stressed the Regional Director.
 
During this initiative, the children received specimens from virtually all endemic species produced in the 18 nurseries of the Regional Forest Service, namely laurestine, Azores buckthorn, Azores blueberry, Azores juniper, Azores laurel and Azores heather.
 
Each year, these plant nurseries produce nearly half a million of endemic plant specimens.