The Corvo Biosphere Reserve, in conjunction with Paúl do Boquilobo Biosphere Reserve, located in the municipality of Torres Novas, takes over the coordination of the new National Network of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves for a one-year term. The document was signed this afternoon at Berlengas Lighthouse at a ceremony chaired by the Prime Minister, António Costa, under the celebrations of 35th anniversary of that that Natural Park.
 
The managers of the Biosphere Reserves o Corvo, Graciosa, Flores and Fajãs of S. Jorge have signed the agreement for the creation of the National Network of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, together with Paúl do Boquilobo, Gerês - Xurés (Transborder Reserve Portugal/Spain), Berlengas/Peniche, Santana/Madeira, Iberian “Meseta” (Transborder Portugal/Spain) and Tagus - Tajo International (Transborder Portugal/Spain).
 
This Network also includes the National Committee of MaB (Programme - Man and the Biosphere of UNESCO) and UNESCO National Commission.
 
The creation of the National Network of Biosphere Reserves aims to promote the sharing of experiences and foster greater collaboration between the territories classified in a perspective for the promotion of natural and cultural heritage as well as sustainable development.
 
Furthermore, it aims to promote the development of common projects for the network that have the potential to be funded by external sources.
 
In this regard, we are already preparing a joint application for 3.3 million Euros under EEA Grants - Financial Mechanism of the European Economic Area.
 
Currently, the World Network of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves comprises 669 sites in 120 countries.
 
Biosphere Reserves are internationally recognised areas of terrestrial, coastal and marine ecosystems that are designed to meet the challenges of reconciling the Conservation of Nature with the demand for economic and social development and the maintenance of cultural values.
 
The Azores, where four of the 10 Biosphere Reserves classified in Portugal are located, are one of the two regions of the world that were distinguished with all the classifications awarded by UNESCO; the other being the Jeju region in South Korea.
 
Only three of the 195 UNESCO member countries have been distinguished with all the classifications awarded by this UN organisation: "World Heritage," "Biosphere Reserve" and "Geopark. In addition to these, the Azores were also awarded the Ramsar international classification that distinguishes wetlands; UNESCO is also associated to this classification.
 
The 13 sites in the Azores classified under the Ramsar Convention are the following: crater lakes of Fajã dos Cubres and Fajã do Santo Cristo (S. Jorge island); Caldeira da Graciosa (Furna do Enxofre - Graciosa island); Caldeira do Faial (Faial island); Caldeirão do Corvo (Corvo island); volcanic complexes of Furnas, Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo (São Miguel island); Formigas islet and Dollabarat Reef (Santa Maria island); Planalto Central da Terceira (Furnas do Enxofre and Algar do Carvão) and Paul da Praia da Vitória (Terceira island); Planalto Central das Flores (Morro Alto - Flores island); Planalto Central de São Jorge (Pico da Esperança) and Planalto Central do Pico (Achada).
 
Regarding the World Cultural and Natural Heritage sites in the Azores, there are two areas classified as UNESCO World Heritage Site: the Historical Centre of Angra do Heroísmo on Terceira and the Protected Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture.
 
The Azores Geopark is unique in the world because it has 121 geosites on nine islands, covering the entire archipelago.
 
The United Nations Conference for the creation of an educational and cultural organisation was convened in London in 1945. A total of 37 countries signed on November 16 a letter establishing the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
 
In 1968, UNESCO organised the first intergovernmental conference with the purpose of harmonising environment and development, which is currently designated as "sustainable development"; it resulted in the creation of the "Man and Biosphere" programme.