The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Environment stated today that the renewal of the cooperation and financing agreement between the Regional Government and the Azores Geopark Association contributes to environmental dissemination and the promotion of "the economic growth of the territory that respects environmental values."

Luís Neto Viveiros spoke at the signing ceremony held at Faial Botanical Garden. According to him, "the use of the 'European Geoparks Network' brand, sponsored by UNESCO," reinforces "the importance of the Azores Geopark insofar as it acknowledges the archipelago as a Region of quality and excellence that is guided by internationally recognized principles of demand and environmental awareness-raising."

"This brand also reinforces the relevance of natural geodiversity and the geological heritage of the Azores that will be put at the service of a sustainable strategy for the development of local communities. This strategy is mainly based on Geotourism and Nature Tourism, promoting the economic growth of the territory while respecting environmental values," added the the government official.
 
The Regional Secretary reminded that the Azores Geopark became part of the European network of Geoparks in March 2013. This is an "innovative geopark in a global context as it is the first truly archipelago territory to join the network."

Luís Neto Viveiros also highlighted the importance of the Portuguese Forum on Geoparks in which the Azores hold a seat. The forum is "promoted by the UNESCO National Commission" and is focused on the organisation of "joint actions and initiatives and networking."

"Bearing in mind the environmental awareness spirit, the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and the Environment decided to renew the cooperation and financing agreement with the Azores Geopark Association," said the Regional Secretary.

The Azores Geopark consists of a network of 121 geosites located on the nine islands and the surrounding marine area. These areas represent the geodiversity of the Azores and translate their geological and eruptive history, which is about 10 million years.

Of these geosites, 57 were awarded priority status in the development of geoconservation strategies and implementation of recovery actions in the Azores Geopark.

Luís Neto Viveiros stressed that "the Azores Geopark has developed several actions in the context of the inventorying, characterisation and dissemination of the Region's natural heritage, with special emphasis on the Geological Heritage," but also in the promotion of Geotourism, local products and the creation of "geoproducts."

With regard to education, the government official mentioned "the set of educational materials (provided to the population in general) that has been developed in close collaboration with the Regional Network of 'Ecotecas' (Environmental Awareness Raising Centres) as well as various environmental awareness raising actions."

"These actions should be continued and this protocol also contributes to their development," said Luís Neto Viveiros.