The Government of the Azores has improved, maintained and recovered nearly 1400 kilometres of rural and forest roads in order to facilitate the access to forest areas and other productive activities, such as livestock farms, contributing to the improvement to one of the most important sectors of regional economy.

For these reasons, the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry praised the work developed by various delegations involved in the 6th Island Forest Days that took place on the islands of Faial, Pico and São Jorge throughout the week. This initiative gathered technicians, scientists and members of official services who "dedicate themselves to preserving and promoting forest resources" on a daily basis.

At the closing session, held on the island of Pico, Noé Rodrigues thanked, on behalf of the Government, the "staff of the Regional Directorate for Forest Resources, particularly its leaders, technicians, collaborators and forest guards." The government official emphasised "their contribution to what is now the Azorean forest, land planning, landscape characterisation and the pride we have in the Region we live in."

"We ought to have more consideration for the work of forest guards, technicians and all those who dedicate themselves to the preservation of forest with their heart and soul. They not only deal with matters related to the economic production of goods and services, but also with the multiple uses of forest, which is considered to be a benefit for mankind."

In addition to the economic advantages by forest in the creation of jobs and companies, "there is a vast range of potentialities for other opportunities such the protection of animal or the production of meadow," mentioned the government official.

The 6th Island Forest Days, organised by the Government of the Azores, were recognised by participants for the quality of the papers presented and the organisation, "following a path that should raise the awareness of people for the importance of forest resources so that we may improve our heritage for the forthcoming generations," concluded Noé Rodrigues.