The Regional Director for the Environment assured today that the expansion works of Faial Botanical Garden "are at an advanced stage," adding that they are expected to be concluded in May.
 
Hernâni Jorge spoke during a visit to the expansion works taking place at the Botanical Garden, which will allow the installation of the Azores Orchid Garden and reinstallation of the Azores Seed Bank.
 
The ongoing interventions, estimated at nearly 650 thousand Euros, will almost double the area of Faial Botanical Garden, from 8,000 m2 to 15,000 m2. It will comprise an area for traditional agricultural species and new breeding grounds for the replication of habitats and wetlands.
 
"These interventions also include the reinstallation of the Azores Seed Bank, creating better conditions for the preservation of our genetic heritage, and the creation of the Azores Orchid Garden, which stretches over an area of 900 m2. This garden will house an important collection of orchids, more than 7,000 plants from almost 800 different varieties with international relevance," said the Regional Director.
 
"The completion of the construction works will be followed by planting works, installation of habitats and information and interpretation structures, and organisation of exhibitions, which will be open to the public until autumn," added the government official.
 
Hernâni Jorge highlighted the importance of these interventions for the "development of 'ex-situ' conservation projects by the Regional Directorate for the Environment in the context of an effective nature conservation policy that aims to enhance the Azores' natural heritage.