Alonso Miguel announces renewal of classification of Azores Geopark as UNESCO World Geopark for another four years - Communication

Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática

The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, announced that the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council has unanimously awarded the "Green Card" to the Azores Geopark, thus revalidating its status as a UNESCO World Geopark for another four years.

The announcement was made on Tuesday by the government official at the opening session of the celebrations marking 20 years since UNESCO recognised the Protected Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture as a World Heritage Site, which took place in Madalena do Pico.

The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action explained that "following the evaluation process of the Azores Geopark's performance for the 2017-2021 quadrennium, the UNESCO World Geoparks Council has decided to award a 'Yellow Card' in 2021, pointing out various shortcomings and recommendations."

"As part of this process, the management structure of the Azores Geopark was notified to take the necessary measures within two years to fulfil and respond to the recommendations made by UNESCO in the last evaluation report. "The challenges mainly revolved around the limited visibility and recognition of the Azores Geopark within the Region, as well as the lack of engagement with partners. Additionally, there was a need to enhance the support from regional and local authorities for the functioning of the Azores Geopark," he stated.

Alonso Miguel added that "the evaluation mission for the revalidation of the UNESCO World Geopark status took place in the Azores in July last year. About a year later, the secretariat of UNESCO's International Geosciences and Geoparks Programme issued the official notification of the 'Green Card,' validating the Azorean territory as a UNESCO World Geopark for another four years."

For Alonso Miguel, "obtaining the 'Green Card' is a source of great satisfaction, as it prevents the Azores Geopark from dramatically losing this UNESCO classification. It reflects the firm commitment of the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, which assumed this commitment and mission, restructuring the governing bodies of the GEOAÇORES Association, assuming the presidency of this association, and increasing the human and financial resources required to address the recommendations and shortcomings pointed out by UNESCO when awarding the 'Yellow Card'."

He continued: "This positive outcome is also the result of the dedication and professionalism shown by the association's leaders and employees and the Regional Secretariat in solving this challenge, particularly as regards the work carried out in the field, the mission report and the international commitments made to UNESCO and the Member States, as well as to the Global Geoparks Network."

Alonso Miguel also stated that this "Green Card" also highlights the sense of responsibility of all GEOAÇORES Members, including the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, for ensuring that the Azores Geopark takes all the necessary actions to address the short notes listed in the report and safeguard its sustainability.

The nine islands of the Azores, several islets and the surrounding marine area correspond to an area of around 13,000 km2 recognised internationally as a UNESCO World Geopark. This designation can only be awarded to territories with geological heritage of international importance where geoconservation measures are implemented, environmental education activities are promoted and partnerships are developed to ensure the sustainability of the territory.