Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action opens fajãs do Toledo trail on São Jorge Island - Communication

Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática

The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, chaired on Wednesday the opening ceremony of the Fajãs do Toledo PRC08SJO Trail, a new hiking trail in Velas on the island of São Jorge.

On that occasion, Alonso Miguel highlighted that "the Azores boast an extraordinary natural, historical, cultural and identity heritage, which was the reason for four of the islands being classified as Biosphere Reserves by UNESCO, including the Fajãs de São Jorge." He also stated that "it is important to protect and promote this heritage, which is as valuable as it is fragile, in a continuous process that requires reflection and constant adaptation to new challenges."

"Investing in the promotion of this heritage is essential. It represents an important tourist asset and a catalyst for the economic and social development of a Region that prides itself on sustainability and was the first archipelago in the world to be certified as a Sustainable Tourist Destination," he said.

The Regional Secretary recalled that, over the years, a huge effort has been made by the Regional Government, specifically by the Regional Secretariat responsible for the environment, to preserve the unique natural heritage of the Azores. This has involved the implementation of a regional network of protected areas and nine island nature parks, in addition to substantial investments.

The government official pointed out that "four LIFE projects are currently underway in the Region, representing an overall investment of more than 40 million Euros, which contribute significantly to improving the conservation status of habitats and protected species. Some of these projects, such as LIFE IP Azores Natura and LIFE IP Climaz, as well as LIFE Vidália, which has now been completed, have areas of intervention in São Jorge, where more than half a million Euros have already been invested."

Alonso Miguel also stated that "the Regional Government has been strongly committed to promoting and maintaining the regional network of hiking trails. Given the specific features of the trails on São Jorge Island, the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action has made a very significant investment of more than 200 thousand Euros over the last four years to purchase the appropriate equipment for maintaining the trails within the Island Natural Park."

Alonso Miguel explained that the trail now opened  "is a small circular route, stretching over 7.2 km, which boasts stunning landscapes and a combination of natural, cultural and historical values. It is an authentic itinerary of memories that tells the story of life in the fajãs, marked by hard work."

"This trail runs through the Protected Area for the Management of Habitats and Species of the Northwest Coast and the main area of the Fajãs de São Jorge Biosphere Reserve, showcasing three iconic fajãs - Manuel Teixeira, Rasa and Vasco Martins - which were once pillars of the economy and subsistence of the Toledo and Beira populations," he explained.

The Regional Secretary emphasised that, over time, "the fajãs of Toledo, like most of the fajãs of São Jorge, played a decisive role in the dynamics of the populations, who moved there with their animals during the winter months. There they found a milder climate and an abundance of food, such as yams, potatoes, fish, limpets and vegetables, in a social and cultural dynamic that gave rise to a transhumance system unparalleled on any other island in the Azores."

Alonso Miguel also explained that the Fajãs do Toledo trail begins next to the  São José Chapel, continuing downhill through the old corn and wheat fields, now occupied by pastures, where one can see Ponta Furada, Fajã do Ouvidor and, in clear weather, the islands of Graciosa and Terceira on the horizon.

The government official added that "the walk continues to Fajã Manuel Teixeira, where small terraces can be seen, once occupied by vineyards, fruit trees and yams, as well as the ruins of old buildings and piles of firewood. Crossing Ribeira da Quebrada, visitors arrive at Fajã Rasa, a small strip of land by the sea which gives access to Fajã Vasco Martins, one of the largest and most remote Fajãs on the island, home to the majestic Poço das Airoses waterfall."

"The ascent back up is via a shortcut along the cliff, with stunning panoramic views and a blanket of endemic vegetation, including heather, juniper and Buckthorn, among other species, which thrive in the unique conditions found there," he continued. 

Alonso Miguel stated that "with the opening and integration of this new trail, the official network of hiking trails in the Azores now has 99 hiking trails, divided into 92 Small Routes and seven Grand Routes, with a total length of 878 km." He added that "the  island of São Jorge now has 11 approved hiking trails, including nine Small Routes and two Grand Routes, covering approximately 130 km."

The Regional Secretary concluded by stating that "continuous investment in the regional network of hiking trails reflects a clear commitment to promoting the Azores' natural, cultural and historical heritage, fostering environmental preservation and sustainable tourism development. The network of hiking trails is further improved with this new hiking trail in São Jorge, which today serves the Azoreans and those visiting the Region."