The World Network of Island and Coastal Biosphere Reserves, which includes about sixty reserves spread around the world, approved by unanimity a motion for support to the application of "Fajãs" of S. Jorge to UNESCO Biosphere Reserve at the meeting held in Malta.

"The motion for support, included in the Final Declaration of the Conference, is another international recognition of the valuable natural and cultural heritage of the Azores. It also acknowledges the importance of the environmental public policies pursued by the Government and the success of the application of 'Fajãs' of S. Jorge to UNESCO Biosphere Reserve," said the Regional Director for the Environment, Hernâni Jorge.

The Government of the Azores will formalise the application of "Fajãs" of S. Jorge to UNESCO Biosphere Reserve during the month of September. The final decision will be taken at the meeting of the International Co-ordinating Council (ICC) of the MAB Programme (Man And the Biosphere) to take place in Lima, Peru, in March 2016.