António Ventura emphasises importance of Forest Management Certification - Communication

Secretaria Regional da Agricultura e Florestas

The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, highlighted this Wednesday, in Rabo de Peixe, the importance of the Forest Management Certification implemented by the Regional Government in the public forests on São Miguel Island, as it "secures the international recognition that the Autonomous Region of the Azores deserves and needs."

"This certification provides us with access to demanding international markets and ensures that our product will be accepted in any market, thus securing the possibility of boosting exports and safeguarding the regional market," he said.

He continued: "This process reassures final consumers that the forest products placed on the market come from responsibly managed forests, taking into account social, economic and environmental factors, thus moving away from the scourge of global forest destruction and unsustainable management practices."

António Ventura spoke on the sidelines of the educational and recreational activities on the International Day of Forests, held at the Children's Support Centre no. 1 in Rabo de Peixe, where a hedge consisting of 60 pohutukawa trees and a flowerbed with endemic species were planted, in addition to some ornamental species. The activities also included the sowing of cryptomeria and ginkgo biloba.

According to the government official, forests support "an economic sector in the Region responsible for several jobs and generates a considerable amount of business through the direct sale of wood materials and the primary processing industry."

"Forests, in general, play an increasingly decisive role in regulating the quality of life and potential well-being of contemporary societies. As such, the Regional Directorate for Forest Resources has provided an important contribution to placing forests at the service of the population, especially in its recreational and leisure component," he said.

Implemented by the United Nations in 2012, the International Day of Forests is celebrated on March 21 and aims to raise awareness about the importance of all types of forests.

As usual, the celebrations were organised by the Forestry Services of each island and took place with students from different schools in recreational activities. They were intended to raise awareness about the role of forests in everyday life and on the planet, the need for forest management and the importance of the "Laurissilva Forest," made up of Azorean endemic species.

There were various activities on the different islands, involving  1,500 children and adults, organised by various entities such as schools, parish councils, private companies and others. The activities included forest-related games; lectures on the forest and occupations; explanatory classes on forest management and occupations in the forestry sector; planting of endemic species; planting of ornamental species to embellish gardens and parks, and guided tours to forest recreation reserves.