Capelinhos Volcano created unique natural heritage," says Alonso Miguel - Communication

Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática

The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Change stated on Tuesday that the eruption of the Capelinhos volcano was "responsible for the creation of a unique natural heritage and one of the most emblematic landscapes of the Azores."

Alonso Miguel spoke at the opening session of the celebrations of the 65th anniversary of the event at the Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Centre. On the occasion, he recalled that "this phenomenon changed the world, being the first underwater volcano to be duly studied and documented throughout its activity, thus always arousing the interest of the national and international scientific community.

"Its classification as a Natural Monument has enhanced the landscape in the context of the Network of Protected Areas of the Azores, promoting the preservation of the integrity of its natural, scenic, scientific, cultural and historical values," he said.

The government official mentioned that the landscape is also part of the Special Conservation Zone and the Special Protection Area of Caldeira and Capelinhos, under the Natura 2000 Network, and is also recognised as a geosite of international relevance of the Azores Geopark, which is integrated into the UNESCO World Geopark.

The Regional Secretary stated that "the rugged landscape of the Capelinhos Volcano attracts thousands of visitors every year." In 2008, "with the construction of this magnificent Interpretation Centre, the necessary conditions were created for an orderly visitation, safeguarding the heritage and promoting a better understanding of the phenomenon by those visiting this place."

Alonso Miguel took the opportunity to announce that the Capelinhos Interpretation Centre will be "soon" equipped with mobile digital resources, which will allow more inclusive access to information, presenting more detailed content for the more curious, audio guides for the visually impaired and access to information through sign language."

The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Change stated that, as part of these celebrations, the Government "is promoting in the coming days a series of activities to be carried out in the area surrounding the Volcano.

Alonso Miguel also highlighted the "extraordinary accounts of those who witnessed the phenomenon first hand, lived through the events and had to deal with the consequences."

"Everyone has a different story, but one that comes together on this tragic day, whose memories are marked and eternalised with this celebration," he said.