The Regional Director for the Environment announced in Calheta that the application project of "Fajãs" of São Jorge to UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve will be completed in the first week of July so that it can be put under public discussion from July 10 to August 9.

Speaking Thursday at the first of two workshops on this application, Hernâni Jorge emphasised the public "participation" in this session, which included a presentation about Biosphere Reserves and the MAB Programme (Man and Biosphere) of UNESCO.

"Many people participated in the sessions, which demonstrates their support and the fact that they identify themselves with this application," said the Regional Director. He will also participate in the second session on the application that will take place at São Jorge Vocational Training School in Velas at 8:30 PM in order to clarify some topics and collect the contributions of the population.

"This has been, from the very beginning, a highly participatory process that was built with the living forces São Jorge Island. It also includes a monitoring group that meets on a regular basis," said the government official.

"After the inclusion of the contributions resulting from the discussion and the completion of the process, the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and the Environment will organise an international seminar and the release of a documentary about the "fajãs" before the submission of the application to UNESCO, scheduled for September," said Hernâni Jorge.

"The classification of 'Fajãs' as World Biosphere Reserve will be an important international recognition of the natural and cultural heritage of that island. It will contribute to their sustainable economic use as part of the strategy for development and territorial cohesion of the Regional Government," said the Regional Director.