The Regional Secretariat for Energy, Environment and Tourism, through the Natural Parks of the Azores, promotes several initiatives under the International Day of Biosphere Reserves on November 3, 5 and 11.
 
The initiatives will take place on the four islands of the Azores classified as Biosphere Reserves by UNESCO. It assigns this distinction to "living laboratories," where the main functions are the conservation of landscapes, ecosystems and species as well as the sustainable development at social, economic, cultural and ecological level. Moreover, these places serve as platforms for research, monitoring, education and awareness-raising actions with a view to sharing information and experience acquired.
 
On Friday, November 3, the Flores Natural Park, in partnership with artisan Maria Azevedo, the Flores Museum and Santa Cruz das Flores Town Hall, will organise a workshop in which participants will make flowers and other decorations using corn leaf. The activity will be held at the old market at 7:30 PM.
 
On the same day, the Graciosa Natural Park, in partnership with Graciosa Museum, organises a guided tour to a windmill with a group of children at 3:30 PM.
 
On November 5, the Corvo Natural Park, in partnership with Carin'Artes, promotes a workshop on making decorative letters using with reusable materials and natural fibres at the Corvo Environmental and Cultural Centre at 2:30 PM.
 
On November 11, the São Jorge Natural Park, in partnership with the Azores Geopark, promotes a tour through Fragueira and Vimes, starting at 10 AM. The activity will include an explanation on the biological and geological characteristics of the island's "fajãs."
 
These and other events promoted by Natural Parks are available for consultation in the monthly agenda of the Open Park programme, available on the Facebook page of Natural Parks and at the address http://educarparaoambiente.azores.gov.pt/.
 
Further information on Azorean Biosphere Reserves is available at the address http://www.azores.gov.pt/Gra/srrn-natureza/menus/secundario/Reservas+da+Biosfera/.