The Regional Secretariat for Natural Resources presented today the "Amigo dos Parques" (Parks' Friend) Card, being an initiative addressed at all those residing in the Azores. It will provide free access of residents to the environmental centres that are part of the Island Natural Park and 50% discount on admissions to environmental centres on other islands.

Speaking at a press conference held on Faial, the Regional Director for the Environment noted that this card "also provides "also provides other advantages," such as regular newsletters and information on programmes and events, namely the agreements signed "with partner institutions of the Park." The card also provides discounts and special conditions.

Hernâni Jorge pointed out that the Government of the Azores intends to encourage the local population to visit and learn about the "novelties" of environmental centres and "participate in the action promoted by Island Natural Parks." According to him, "free admission will encourage participation and the regular access of residents to the entire network of centres."

The initiative falls within a regional programme managed by Azorina, which will also be presented to the partners of the nine Island Parks for the promotion of environmental awareness-raising actions.

"We believe that we will be able to connect the local population to the nature conservation structure of Island Natural Parks and environmental centres," said Hernâni Jorge. The government official added that "this programme is particularly relevant at a time when the network of environmental centres is almost con concluded."

"The importance of this network for the dynamics of tourism activities is quite relevant," the Regional Director for the Environment defended, stressing the increase of 41.7 in the number of visitors last year, compared to the figures registered in 2012.

Moreover, he mentioned the existence of new environmental centres; "some of which have established partnerships with entities, including local authorities."

Card holders will benefit from a 15% discount on shops and cafeterias of Environmental Centres throughout the Region as well as on events organised by Azorean Natural Parks. Moreover, they may also benefit from several discounts and special conditions in partner institutions.

The "Amigo dos Parques" Card has a cost of five Euros a year and a cost of 2.5 Euros a year for youngsters aged between 13 and 17. It is also available to families, including the couple and all children aged between 13 and 17, at an annual cost of 8.5 Euros.

Applications for the card start on April 1. Those who are interested will have to fill in a form available at all ticket offices of the regional network of Environmental Centres, the headquarters of São Jorge and Terceira Natural Parks and at the electronic address: http://parquesnaturais.azores.gov.pt/pt/.