The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry stressed the importance of strengthening the economic component of the forestry sector, through the "promotion of active and professional forest management in the public and private sectors" aimed at the exploration of forest products, increased competitiveness, development of rural areas, recreation and ecotourism.
 
João Ponte spoke in Nordeste on behalf of the President of the Government at the opening of a colloquium on the Laurel Forest, stressing that it is time to move to a new level. "As a result of the efforts undertaken and the conditions created by the Azorean Government Azores in recent years, the agents of the forestry sector are adapting to new requirements, redefining priorities, conquering new markets, boosting exports and enhancing endogenous forest products."
 
The progress made in this sector is mainly due to the implementation of Forest Management Plans in public areas as well as the Certification of Forest Management of these areas by globally recognised initiatives and systems.
 
The Government of the Azores has made a major investment effort in the forest area, such as the planting of 3.4 million trees between 2012 and 2015, namely cryptomeria and other softwood, hardwood, ornamental and endemic species.
 
The municipality of Nordeste, which contains some of the archipelago's largest forest patches under the management of the Azorean Government, has been a "macro" laboratory in sustainable forest management. It was the first public area in the country to be distinguished with the certification for its management by the FSC system (Forest Stewardship Council).
 
The rejuvenation process of forest areas that is being carried out in the municipalities of Nordeste and Povoação was planed and subject to a study on environmental impacts. It also involves the conversion of the existing forest stands in protected areas with regard to soil erosion, hydrological network or the preservation of environmental values.
 
Throughout the implementation of the "LIFE Priôlo" and "LIFE Sustainable Laurel," nearly 275 hectares of natural or laurel forest located in these two municipalities were covered by interventions intended to eradicate invasive species and increase the quality of habitat by planting native species.
 
These fields require ongoing intervention to reduce the pressure of invasive exotic plants on this habitat.
 
"Forests are a priceless asset, either natural and laurel forests under preservation and recovery actions and those that have been planted and managed responsibly over the years. They should be seized with respect for the principles of sustainability. Furthermore, they must demonstrate to those who visit us the concerns we put in our decisions and the way we manage our natural resources and, in this particular case, forest resources," says João Ponte.