The term is used to define a well-defined territory and boundary, whose existence is based on an exceptional geological heritage and a strategy that promotes the well-being of the population while maintaining a respect for the environment.^[1] Consequently, the Geopark includes a number of significant sites of geological interest, based on their unique or rare characteristics or which have a scientific, cultural, economic (tourist), scenic or aesthetic relevance.^[1] Similarly, if its ecology, history or cultural value, along with its thematic or comparable infrastructures can be interconnected in a network, by trails or routes.^[1]

Due to its nature, the geopark concept is based on several objectives:

• Conservation and preservation of geosites of particular importance, exploring and developing methods for geo-conservation, in order to protect the geological patrimony for future generations;^[1]
• Environmental education to promote public consciousness of the important geological heritage and its contribution to the surrounding environment; and to support scientific research and dissemination, as well as encouraging a dialogue between geoscientists and local communities;^[1]
• Stimulate economic activity and sustainable development, through the promotion of nature and rural tourism (Geotourism) for the socio-economic development of the local populations; and to develop an appreciation for the natural and cultural heritage, towards revitalizing traditional activities and products of excellence and quality.^[1]

Situated 1,360 kilometres (850 mi) west of continental Portugal, about 880 kilometres (550 mi) northwest of Madeira and approximately 1,925 kilometres (1,196 mi) southeast of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Azores Geopark includes several geologically-significant sites throughout all nine islands and maritime seafloor of the Azores. There are 121 geosites in the nine islands, most of them with international or national relevance. The Geopark extends across an area of 12,884 square kilometres (4,975 sq mi), including 2,324 square kilometres (897 sq mi) of marine territory.^[2] Among these geosites, 57 were considered priority locations for the application of geoconservation strategies or for appreciation programs.^[2][3]

The archipelago of the Azores includes a rich and vast geodiversity, and an important geological heritage, comprising various locales of interest to the scientific and learning communities, in addition to its socio-economic importance to tourism.^[2] Due to it being an archipelago, the Azores Geopark is disperse: guaranteeing a representative geodiversity that characterizes the Azorean territory; manifesting in a history based on geological and active volcanism; with conservation strategies that are common; and based on a decentralized management structure with supports in all islands.^[2]

Characteristic of the Azorean geological history is a range of diverse features that includes (but is not limited to) volcanoes, calderas, lakes, lava fields, fumaroles, hot springs and thermal waters, volcanic caves, fajãs, fault scarps and marine fossil deposits.^[2] Beyond this heritage, there are other values of reference in the archipelago, such as its rich biodiversity, architecture, culture and ethnography.^[2][4]

Corvo edit

Flores edit

Faial edit

Pico edit

São Jorge edit

Graciosa edit

Terceira edit

São Miguel edit

Santa Maria edit

EEZ edit

The Geopark implemented various routes and trails on every island to discover the volcanic landscapes. Moreover, many educational activities are organized throughout the year to increase the environmental awareness.^[5]

Notes

• Azores Geopark Official Website
• European Geoparks Network Official Website
• Global Geopark Network Official Website