Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action promotes Priolo Lands European Sustainable Tourism Charter Forum - Communication

Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática

The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, chaired today the opening session of the Permanent Forum of the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism (CETS) of Priolo Lands 2025, as part of the First Priolo Lands Sustainable Tourism Days at the Furnense Harmonic Society in Povoação.

Alonso Miguel stressed that the event "symbolises the Regional Government's firm commitment to building an even more sustainable future for the Priolo Lands, where nature conservation and tourism development can go hand in hand."

"The Priolo Lands, which cover the municipalities of Nordeste and Povoação, represent a priceless natural and cultural heritage, whose habitats are home to, as the name suggests, one of Europe's most endangered bird species, the Priolo (Azores bullfinch), which is endemic to the eastern part of São Miguel Island," he said. The government official added that "the protection of this unique territory has ensured the population recovery of the species, reducing its status from 'critically endangered' to 'vulnerable'."

According to the Regional Secretary, "This is an extraordinary example of success in nature conservation, especially considering that these are humanised landscapes, where it is essential to find a balance between preservation and social and economic development."

"The Priolo Lands are also a model to follow when valuing our culture, traditions, handicrafts, cuisine and local products. This is a model of excellence with added value that sets us apart from many other tourist destinations, which has earned us fantastic national and international recognition," he added.

The Regional Secretary recalled that the distinction of the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism (CETS) "was awarded to the Priolo Lands in 2012 by the European Federation of National and Natural Parks - EUROPARC Federation. It recognises the good practices implemented to ensure the development of sustainable tourism in protected areas, reconciling environmental, cultural, social and economic interests."

The Secretary for the Environment explained that in recent years, "a process of reviewing and redefining the Sustainable Tourism Development Strategy in the Priolo Lands has been set in motion, which has included several public participation moments, through various organisations and entrepreneurs, with a view to renewing the award."

He stressed: "It was with great satisfaction that we received notification of the renewal of this prestigious award for the 2024-2028 period, a decision taken unanimously by the members of the Board of Directors of the EUROPARC Federation that proves the success of this joint endeavour."

The renewal of this certificate stems from a joint effort, which began in 2022, led by the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, involving various local stakeholders: hospitality, catering and tourist entertainment companies, associations and non-governmental organisations linked to the environment, tourism, culture and social action, such as SPEA - Portuguese Society for the Study of Birds, the Azores Microbial Observatory, the GEOAÇORES Association - Azores Geopark, the Furnas Social and Parish Centre or the Nordeste Municipal Centre for Cultural Activities. It also involved government departments and local authorities, namely the Regional Directorate for Tourism, the Regional Directorate for Forest Resources and Spatial Planning, and the Nordeste and Povoação Municipal Councils.

Alonso Miguel explained that as part of the renewal process, "the new Action Plan for Sustainable Tourism in the Priolo Land was developed, which now includes 51 actions for the 2024-2028 period. It represents an investment of about seven million Euros, with the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action contributing more than 2.1 million Euros."

The Plan's actions focus on several areas of intervention, such as preserving natural and cultural heritage, promoting sustainable tourism, stimulating the local economy and social cohesion, maintaining infrastructures and accessibility, promoting and raising environmental awareness, training and empowering technical teams, and encouraging a reduction in the ecological footprint.

Alonso Miguel noted that "as part of this forum, included in the First Priolo Lands Sustainable Tourism Days, which was widely attended by the public, especially local entrepreneurs and tourism operators, we had the opportunity to present the new Action Plan that has been developed. We also had the opportunity to promote a moment of public discussion and the sharing of knowledge, experiences and good practices, with a view to deepening and strengthening the strategy for the sustainable development of this unique territory."