Waterfalls on the west coast

The beautiful island of Flores, the westernmost of the Azores archipelago, has just received biosphere reserve status by UNESCO under its programme “Man and the Biosphere”.

Flores is the third Azorean island (after Graciosa and Corvo) to be granted this status. It is based on its position on the mid Atlantic ridge and the fact that the whole island has wonderful scenery, pristine geological formations and culture and also encompasses the surrounding waters.

The document also refers to the exceptional interest of the island’s high cliffs that dominate the majority of the coastline dotted by small rocky islets. It also mentions that the coastal area supports traditional fishing and attracts quality tourism specifically diving and whale and dolphin watching as well as wonderful coastal walks.

The total number of Biosphere reserves in the world is now 553 spread across 107 countries. Other prominent reserves include the Amazon, Yellowstone and Mount Olympus.

This is a wonderful boost for Flores (which has always been my favourite island!) and will hopefully go a long way to preserving both its natural and cultural beauty. After all the Azores were voted the second most pristine group of islands in the world by National Geographic magazine last year.