Atlantic Islander
09-14-2013, 11:13 PM
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Azores (PT)
“Feel alive!”
The Archipelago of the Azores is composed of nine volcanic islands situated in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean. Its main industries are agriculture, dairy farming, livestock ranching, fishing, and tourism, which is becoming the major service activity in the region. With only 5% of the ground being build-up area, the island have a very rich nature. One of the highlights is the amazing variety of volcanic features: cones and domes, craters and crater lakes, caverns, grottoes and thermal springs.
The islands are very well known for their sustainable character. Why? You name it, ranging from a rich and protected marine life, protected nature areas with well regulated hiking trails to a “eco-school” and the renewable energy use on the island. However, the rich marine life, including dolphins, sperm whales and great whales, marine turtles and birds, pelagic fishes and cold water corals in the Azores are unique. All of it can be experienced through well regulated snorkeling, diving, sighting and whale watching trips.
POSITIVE ASPECTS:
There are over 60 pedestrian and bike trails spread over the islands; the creation, signaling, use and preservation of pedestrian trails is regulated by a regional law
The Regional Network of Protected Areas of the Azores is not static, it keeps growing and regulations keep improving
The Azores has an excellent beach quality, it received 33 Blue Flags in total
During the last years great importance has been given to awareness raising among local population, including actions in schools
VISTAS BEST PRACTICE CASES:
Geotourism development (http://www.qualitycoast.info/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/pt-azores-geotourism.pdf)
POINT FOR IMPROVEMENT:
More involvement of the tourism sector in sustainable development measures, and in particular concerning the water management and renewable energies aspects
PDF - QualityCoast Award 2012 – Jury Report (http://qualitycoast.info/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Azores-Jury-Report-2012.pdf)
The Azores won the 2013 QualityCoast Gold Award, an international award for the best sustainable tourism destination. From 1000 candidates, the jury selected 100 destinations, and from these the Azores were ranked first, for the 4th consecutive year.
The Quality Coast Programme, promoted by the Coastal and Marine Union (EUCC) of the European Union, aims to promote sustainable development in coastal destinations through information strategies addressed to visitors, as well as to establish a world network of coastal communities that share the same principles and good sustainable development practices.
In fact, by winning the 2013 QualityCoast Award the Azores are acknowledged for their good sustainability practices. Among the criteria taken into account by the jury the following stand out: sustainable tourism in places that kept their local identity and natural heritage, scenic beauty and environmental quality.
source (http://www.qualitycoast.info/?page_id=583)/source (http://www.visitazores.com/en/top-ten-places-to-travel/awards)
Atlantic Islander
09-14-2013, 11:28 PM
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NATURE
NATURE CONSERVATION
The Regional Network of Protected Areas of the Azores is implemented by an Island Natural Park (INP) on each island, plus a Marine Park, that encompass several levels of classification. During the last two years were approved the regulations for the last three INP: Terceira, São Jorge and Flores. These encompassed the inclusion of new protected areas and the enlargement of some pre-existing ones, improving the nature conservation status in the Region. With this step, virtually all land pristine areas in the archipelago are now encompassed by an INP. The Marine Park of the Azores includes beside the Marine Protected Areas inside the 12NM zone also oceanic habitats, which encompass important deep sea hydrothermal vents and seamounts, including OSPAR areas outside the Azores EEZ but under management by the Azores authorities according to the OSPAR management zonation.
The islands of the Azores offer an amazing variety of volcanic features: cones and domes, craters and crater lakes, caverns, grottoes and thermal springs. Important geo-sites at the nine islands and the surrounding seafloor are included in the Azores Geopark.
CONTACT WITH NATURE
Well signaled trails take the visitors close to the most interesting natural features but guarantee that no damage is caused to these same features and that sensitive habitats and species are protected from trampling damage. There are over 60 pedestrian and bike trails spread over the islands; the creation, signalling, use and preservation of pedestrian trails is regulated by a regional law. The hiking trail on Pico island is in the top 10 unique hiking trails of the world!
The rich marine life, including dolfins, sperm and great whales, marine turtles and birds, pelagic fishes and cold water corals, can be experienced through snorkeling, diving, sighting and whale watching trips. These aquatic activities are subject to a set of regulations in order to keep their sustainability.
During the last two years the “Ecoschools” Program was consolidated and it now involves 43% of the students in the primary and secondary levels. Improvements to the network of Environmental Awareness Raising Centres (Ecotecas) was made and measures taken to enlarge the network. Four new interpretations centres are planned to be built: Interpretation Centre of the protected landscape of Monte da Guia in Faial (Dabney’s House), Virtual Aquarium of Faial, Interpretation Centre of Serra de Santa Barbara (Terceira) and Interpretation Centre of the Pineapple (S. Miguel). In September 2011 the Regional Plan for Environmental Awareness and Education (PRESAA in the Portuguese acronym) was issued for a period of 12 years. The plan aims to act as an orientation for the implementation of a model of sustainable development through education and awareness raising.
GREEN POLICIES
On a regional level, fisheries in the Azores is characterized by being simultaneously artisanal and mostly sustainable. Commercial fishing in the RAA is regulated by Decree no. 7/2000, defining vessel characteristics and permitted fishing gears and methods. Most fisheries in the Region are based on line and hook gears. Driftnets, trawling and other destructive gears are banned from the Region.
The Plan for Integrated Coastal Management (POOC) for the island of Pico was approved during last years and is now in place. The Plan for Integrated Coastal Management for the island of Faial is in the process of being approved, which will signify that all islands have such a plan.
A new juridical framework for the management of biodiversity in the Azores is being discussed in the Regional Assembly, encompassing the most recent international directives and orientations and conjugating those with the singularities of an insular environment. This new concept will expand the biodiversity management to the whole territory instead of just the protected areas.
There is attention for the promotion of eco-building concepts, e.g. the Azores Regional Government has created an energetic certification system that, under the current legislation, is mandatory for new buildings or in case of extensive re-modeling of older buildings.
OPEN LANDSCAPES
About 95% of the land area is non-build up and there are a lot of regulations to preserve the non-buildup areas. About 55% of the coastal strip (500m from high water mark) is free from buildings; the building permits along the coastal strip are highly regulated. Regional Space Planning of the Azores (PROTA) acts as the framework for all other spatial plans in the Region.
During the last years, measures are also implemented to restore different habitats, through several (LIFE) projects which also changed to better some landscapes. A new interpretation centre for the wine landscape in Pico started its operation in 2010.
LIGHT & NOISE MANAGEMENT
The islands are located on important routes for birds and light pollutions causes problems for birds. To solve this, there is a plan to introduce a light grid with motion sensors to minimalize the light pollution. Other action is that every year between 01 October and 15 November the SOS Cagarro (SOS Shearwater) campaign is undertaken in the Azores, during the period when chicks leave the burrows. Actions include the collection of birds along the roads and streets, release of birds inside appropriate areas and dimming of lights in the areas of ports, beach accesses, off town museums, and other. The campaign also includes awareness sessions both in schools as well as for drivers on the roads, alerting to the disorientation that light causes to those marine birds. Participation on the campaign is open to the general public. These are great examples of green thinking.
ENVIRONMENT
BLUE FLAGS & BEACHES
At the Azores, there are 33 Blue Flag beaches. All Blue Flag and most other beaches have facilities for waste separation (eco-points) and regular waste collection. About 50% of the bathing water points has the status excellent or good according to the EEA / EU Bathing Water Directive.
WATER MANAGEMENT
A relatively low percentage of the population is connected to waste water treatment plants – ca 27%. A strategy for the sustainable use of water resources has been drawn and published under the Regional Plan for the Water (PRAA). Deficiencies were identified and a great effort has been put into solving them, including changes to infrastructure and improvement in the efficiency of distribution lines. During the last years great importance has been given to awareness raising among local population, including actions in schools. The charging system by ranks of consumption with higher costs at higher ranks, aims to encourage a rational use of water. An improvement of the water quality of São Miguel lagoons (Furnas and Sete Cidades) is expected within coming years through the application of a specific restoration plan. It is very positive that rustic golf is growing as a modality in the Azores. By definition, rustic golf is played outside traditional golf courses in pastures and other open areas. No artificial irrigation is used in this modality, the fields being irrigated naturally by rain.
SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION
During last years, major step on fuel consumption reduction was taken with the renovation of the whole fleet of the regional air company, SATA Air Açores. The new equipments have lower fuel consumptions and CO2 emissions, and enabled the redesign of some of the routes, also improving fuel efficiency. SATA Air Açores was the first company in the world to adopt a new painting technology on its airplanes that reduces weight and, in consequence, fuel consumption. In fact, SATA Air Açores was exempted from the acquisition of licenses for CO2 emissions within the EU Emissions Trading Scheme, due to the low level of emissions calculated for 2010 (352 ton CO2). Also during last two years, the buses fleet in the islands of Santa Maria and Flores were renewed, using more modern and less polluting equipment.
The Government aims that, over the next 10 years, one third of the buses and taxis should be hybrid and electric vehicles. Financial incentives under the Plan to Reduce Environmental Impact and Renovation in Regular Public Transport of Passengers will support companies to acquire hybrid and electric vehicles.
A pilot study between MIT Portugal, the Azores University and other universities is underway to demonstrate that Azores may be pioneer in the use of electric cars, using renewable energy production. For example, one of the ideas is that electric cars batteries can be recharged using electricity produced by geothermal energy, an endogenous renewable resource in the Azores
WASTE & RECYCLING
Currently 7,5% of the solid municipal waste is recycled or composed. Recycling in the Azores is a big challenge – as there are no local recycling industries most of the recycling material has to be transported to the mainland. Improvements have been made during the last two years, an example here is the completing of the Residue Processing and Composting Centres of Flores and Graciosa and of the Processing Centre in Corvo. In this way, selective collection and separation of waste is currently being implemented in seven of the nine islands. During the last two years was implemented the “Program Ecofreguesias” aiming to reward local administrations for good environmental performance, especially in the management of residues. For the coming years is planned the implementation of energetic valorization of waste in São Miguel and Terceira.
CLIMATE & ENERGY
The annual production of renewable energy in the destinations is 194.458 MWh, which is very high compared to other destinations. Currently, 28% of the total energy use originates from renewable resources, targeted at 75% in 2018. Accordingly the Strategic Plan of Energy in the Azores (PEEA), expansion of renewable energy in the islands could be realized by implementing more wind farms, geothermal and biomass plants. With the Energy Strategic Plan (PEEA), EDA plans to invest 105 million Euros in the next five years, with the construction of 2 biomass power plants, 2 biogas power plants and 22 new wind farms. The Azorean Government also aims to improve human resources in Azores on renewable energies, encouraging science investigation and the creation of novel companies with new technological developments. The implementation of campaigns for the rational use of energy is also a priority for public awareness. Moreover, the ongoing project “Green Islands”, aims to demonstrate how the integrated use of innovative technology solutions in energy can result in economic transformation and sustainable development. The goal of this project, which has several partners like Universities and private companies, is to make two or more islands, initially São Miguel and Flores, energy self-sufficient by 2018, serving as an example for energy sustainability.
LOCAL IDENTITY
CULTURAL HERITAGE
The visitor will find a rich historic patrimony that is well preserved and an important part of the Azores experience: from buildings dating back to the discovery time, passing through exhibits and enactments of old livelihoods, to boat races that keep the sails of old whaling boats open to the wind. A network of museums around the islands preserves the tangible history of the Archipelago and offer the visitor a chance of learning about the Azores through their exhibits. Moreover, the concept of museology preservation goes beyond the confines of the buildings walls and is expanded to a more interactive and living memory. For instance, Angra do Heroísmo, in Terceira Island, is classified since 1983 as World Heritage by UNESCO, and the actual town is a living museum. Another example is the whaling patrimony. Aside the several dedicated museums on the islands preserving the memory of that activity (now extinct but once important), the memory is also preserved as a know-how of arty-craft and seamanship through the restoration and conservation of the whaling boats, in great part financed by the Regional Government, and through the numerous boat races that are run every year.
The Government of the Azores believes that in a globalized society, the preservation of the historic and cultural identity of the Azores is every Azorean duty and right. That is translated in a set of policies aimed not only to preserve the architectonic patrimony, but also to protect and value traditions and local culture.
TERRITORY & TRADITION
The traditional cultural landscapes in the territory are well preserved. The vineyards, the olive trees and tea plantations of the Azores are the most important man made landscapes. Evidence of the ancient viticulture, whose origins date back to the 15th century, is manifest in the extraordinary assembly of the fields, in the houses and early 19th-century manor houses, in the wine-cellars, churches and ports. One example is the UNESCO Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture (987 ha) - an extraordinarily beautiful man-made landscape and the best remaining area of at once much more widespread practice. Other important and ancient culture that persists until today with traditional techniques is the production of Tea. The Azores is the only place in Europe where tea is produced, due to the specific soil, orography and climactic characteristics. The plants are produced with biological techniques using plant based fertilizers and the leaves are processed with the same oriental techniques used for millennia in China and Pakistan.
A special asset to the cultural experience of the visitorare the four historic thematic routes: the Wine route (Pico isl.), the Whaling route (Pico and Flores isl.), the Volcano route (Faial and Corvo isl.) and the Cheese route (S. Jorge isl.)
The Rural Development Plan of the Azores (PRORURAL) takes into account the preservation of the culturally representative man made landscapes. The creation of more historic itineraries will improve the preservation of the cultural landscapes. The UNESCO Heritage Sites (Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture and Central Zone of the Town of Angra do Heroísmo in Terceira) bring added obligations regarding the preservation of those sites that are taken very seriously by the Regional Government. The same can be said in relation to the three Biosphere Reserves (Corvo, Flores and Graciosa islands), that encompass the cultural landscape and values in their goals and zonation. In its policy for the preservation of the cultural heritage of the Azores, the Regional Government is committed to guarantee that the relevant legislation is observed and to ensure that any changes to the status quo will bring improvements and not the other way around.
LOCAL IDENTITY
Rural traditions are preserved and are deeply linked to the present livelihood of the population. The rural life is organized according to the seasons and festivities mark the rhythm of that life. Associated to the festivities there are always street fairs with food and drinks, craftsmanship and traditional products, traditional music and other entertainments.
Because of the remote location, the people of the Azores have always grown their own food and drink.
Many different local products are certified: wine, cheese, beef, pineapples and passion fruit. The Azores tuna is captured with traditional pole and line, dolphin friendly; processed in São Jorge it is recognized as being among the most sustainable canned tuna in the world market. Further, a project to implement a labeling and certification of demersal fisheries in the Azores as sustainable fisheries is underway.
HOSPITALITY & SATISFACTION
Ninety-six percent of the tourists are satisfied with their visit to the Azores. Also local residents are satisfied with the present tourism in the destination which demonstrate that they are aware of the importance of responsible tourism to the local economy and that attitude should improve with the improvement of conditions and quality of tourism in the Region.
During the last two years a great investment was made to demonstrate the excellence of the destination abroad, in regards to nature and cultural aspects. Improvements were made on the promotion and information about the destination with the aid of new technologies and social networks, making it easier to the prospect visitor to obtain information.
HUMAN RIGHTS & JUSTICE
The Azores is a safe place to go.
It is very positive that the Regional Government has invested heavily in programs to decrease domestic violence, foster social inclusion and guarantee equal opportunities. In 2010 a little more than 9 Million Euros were spent in equipment for the elderly, to support childhood and youth and for people with special needs. Other 5.7 Million were spent in the support to the families and community and 1.3 Million to guarantee equal opportunities.
SOCIO-ECONOMICS
TOURISM
The Azores have active policies on keeping track of how many tourists can visit the islands. There is a focus on development of quality tourism in rural environments, which is a sustainable goal.
During the last years different efforts have been made to improve the value of the tourism sector in the destination, as follows. Improvement of the promotion and information about the destination with the aid of new technologies and social networks. Rehabilitation of the walking trails. Development of an action plan relative to the development of cultural offer and touristic animation. Conclusion of the works on the thermal facilities of Ferraria (S.Miguel) and the remodelling and requalification of the thermal facilities of Carapacho (Graciosa). Concession of the operation rights of the thermal complexes of Ferraria and Carapacho.
DESTINATION MANAGEMENT
The Azores archipelago is managed as a whole. A more coherent approach from the touristic sector regarding the offer and promotion is expected as a result of the coordination work done in the last years.
BUSINESS INVOLVEMENT
There is a high involvement of business in sustainable fisheries (as some details are already described under the Local Identity criterion in this report). It is also expected that in the near future the CEPROPESCA will implement a labeling and certification of demersal fisheries in the Azores, which will result in a better control of the quality and sustainability of fish offered in the region to tourist and the general population as well as for exported fish. One of the goals of the project is to allow tracking the complete route of individual fish from fishermen to the dish plate.
The implementation of regional policies regarding water and energy management is expected to result in a better management of these resources by the tourism sector, leading to lower consumption of water and increased reliance in renewable energies, including self- production.
There is also a good example for a partnership between public and private entities: the Associação Turismo dos Açores (ATA) - a non-profitable private association, whose main goals are the promotion of the Azores as a tourist destination and the qualification of the Azorean tourism offer, contributing to support the development of tourism in the Azores Archipelago. It congregates the majority of the economic agents of the Sector in the Region within its associates.
Only few accommodations have been awarded with the Green key or Travelife labels. It is expected that the number of facilities certified with eco-labels will probably increase as more enterprises adhere to certification schemes.
COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION
Through the Citizen’s portal of the Regional Government of the Azores website all documents under public consultation may be accessed and opinions can be submitted. Apart of it, CRADS - Conselho Regional do Ambiente e Desenvolvimento Sustentável (Regional Council for Environment and Sustainable Development) is a consulting body for the Regional Secretary of Environment and the Sea of the Azores, for the formulation of the general lines of action in the competence sectors of that Secretariat, to ensure the participation and cooperation with stakeholders.
During the last two years were implemented two new participation tools: the Environmental front desk and the Prestige Azores network. Through the Environmental front desk anyone can interact with the authorities to report environmental incidents, obtain information on the actions taken regarding a report submitted and interact with a GIS system to obtain more information about the islands. The Prestige Azores represents a working tool, a means of sounding out specialist opinions, interconnecting Azoreans living worldwide. Furthermore, the Regional Government frequently develops informative and consultative actions close to the population, through the network of Ecotecas (Environmental Awareness Raising Centres), seminars, dedicated presentations and publicity of policies under discussion in the appropriate media. Local NGO's receive support to promote and educate the public about the environment.
HEALTH & SAFETY
Measures are regularly taken to ensure safety of the visitor and local population.
Being far from any industry, the Azores have a clean air.
source (http://qualitycoast.info/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Azores-Jury-Report-2012.pdf)
Atlantic Islander
09-16-2013, 08:04 PM
Awarded Sites
An international expert team and jury awarded 22 coastal towns and islands with the Policy Award. These are the most attractive destinations for visitors in terms of natural and cultural heritage, scenic beauty, and places that kept their local identity and a clean environment. More than 1000 destination worldwide are assessed through the BasiQ scan on their sustainablity ranking.
Assessment Criteria
QualityCoast is the largest international certification programme for sustainable tourism destinations. Since 2007, already 125 tourism destinations in 23 countries have been selected for a QualityCoast Award: coastal towns, resorts and islands. As from 2013, destinations from all over the world can apply for a QualityCoast Award.
Policy Award
How is the QualityCoast Award attributed?
1. The QualityCoast Award is attributed on the basis of information to be provided by the applicant(s) through an Application Form.
2. For many of the policy related indicators (especially the GSTC indicators) the applicant is invited to make a self-assessment by giving destination a rate from 1 to 5 (“1” meaning absence of any relevant policy for the indicator, and “5” meaning full availability of policy concerned);
3. The Application Form is evaluated and assessed by the QualityCoast Secretariat. The Secretariat may ask or hire the services of local experts.
4. A draft assessment is then reviewed by a number of members of the international QualityCoast Jury.
5. The Secretariat and the Jury assign scores to all indicators, ranging from 1 to 5; “1” meaning absence of any quality (or no information provided for an indicator); and “5” indicating excellence for an indicator. The self assessment rates will also be reviewed and considered by the Secretariat and the Jury.
6. The score per criterium is based on the scores and weight factors of its indicators.
7. The average scores of all 20 criteria will then be calculated. This will be the final score.
8. The Jury will issue a report with a complete list of criteria scores and with suggestions for further improvement.
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SOURCE (http://www.qualitycoast.info/?page_id=16)
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