José Manuel Bolieiro recalls potential of rural territories for sustainability - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, pointed out today the potential of rural territories, particularly those linked to the wine economy, in the consistency of "environmental, economic and social" sustainability.

"We have this example here, in Madalena, where the unlikely, stemming from laborious human activity in favour of survival and a generation of identity, has made this iconic and distinctive reference possible, which provides a unique context for the wine economy," he said.

José Manuel Bolieiro spoke in Madalena do Pico at the European conference "Challenges and potential of rural territories," taking place across several Azorean islands.

"I would like to associate, with a profound political and strategic belief, these challenges and potentialities of rural territories with the idea of sustainable development, a cause of the United Nations," said the President of the Government.

José Manuel Bolieiro also praised the evolution of the prestige and quality of Azorean wines, specifically from Pico, highlighting the "value of geography and rurality," and the "symbiosis with nature."

"We have a political strategy for developing the Azores as a tourist destination that involves sustainability. In Pico, we have a unique wine in the world: what is made here cannot be made anywhere else," he pointed out.

The European conference brings together representatives from some of Europe's most important winemaking and wine tourism associations, promoting reflection on the potential and challenges that rural territories face.

Speakers and participants from Portugal, Spain, France, Italy and Greece are taking part in this meeting.