Government and "Os Montanheiros" Association sign contracts for construction of Algar do Carvão Environmental Interpretation Centre   - Communication

Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática

The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Change signed in Angra do Heroísmo the contract for the legal constitution of surface rights and the operation concession protocol with "Os Montanheiros" Association to launch the procedure for the construction of the Algar do Carvão Environmental Interpretation Centre on Terceira Island. This represents an investment of about two million euros on the part of the Regional Government.

"The Algar do Carvão congregates a series of geological singularities and extraordinary natural values that are the reason for its classification as a Natural Monument as well as for its integration into the Special Conservation Area (SAC) of Serra de Santa Bárbara and Pico Alto, and into the Ramsar Site - Central Plateau of Terceira. These features make it a unique place and a magnificent visiting card for Terceira and the Region, which is subject to tremendous tourism demand and pressure. Therefore, it is necessary to redevelop, organise and protect this site," said Alonso Miguel.

In view of the need to provide the Algar do Carvão with better visiting and interpretation conditions, the Regional Secretary noted that "the aim is to expand the current facilities to a building with about 1000m2, which will have a multidisciplinary purpose. It will have a strong educational component, with exhibition contents directed to the tourists but also to schools and local residents, so as to raise awareness for the importance of natural wealth and the protection of this unique regional heritage."

The Secretary for the Environment also stated that "given its location and the fact that it is a protected area, we intend to minimise the visual impact of the building, while maintaining the preexisting stone and using local wood and other endogenous materials.

According to the government official, "this construction project for the Algar do Carvão Environmental Interpretation Centre will make it possible, on the one hand, to provide the site with visiting and interpretation facilities that reflect the uniqueness of this natural monument. On the other hand, it will create the conditions to regulate the access of visitors to it and ensure compliance with its carrying capacity, thus safeguarding its preservation."

For Alonso Miguel, this is an investment that "highlights the best of what we have to show, but whose main purpose is the protection and preservation of our unique natural heritage."