Editing Azores (section)

=== Sustainability ===
The Azores are committed to [[sustainable tourism]] and have implemented various policies to preserve their natural, historical, and cultural resources. This approach has led to the designation of approximately 25% of their land area as Protected Areas for conservation and the establishment of vast marine reserves.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cadete |first=Bárbara |date=2020-09-15 |title=Marine Protected Areas in the Azores |url=https://www.ccmar.ualg.pt/en/page/marine-protected-areas-azores |access-date=2023-12-05 |website=- CCMAR – |language=pt-pt |archive-date=5 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231205040730/https://www.ccmar.ualg.pt/en/page/marine-protected-areas-azores |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Key to their sustainability policy is the integration and participation of all societal members, ensuring equal opportunities in various sectors like health, social solidarity, education, culture, and employment. The harmony between people and nature is considered vital for the region's [[sustainable development]], enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors.

The Azores [[Destination management organisation|Destination Management Organisation]] (Açores DMO<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Sustainability Case of the Azores Archipelago {{!}} Adventure Travel Trade Association |url=https://www.adventuretravelnews.com/sustainability-case-of-the-azores-archipelago |access-date=2023-12-05 |website=adventuretravelnews.com}}</ref>), established in 2018, plays a crucial role in coordinating these sustainability efforts with public and private sectors, [[Non-governmental organization|NGOs]], and local communities.

The policy aims to position the Azores as a leading sustainable tourist destination, aligning with the [[Sustainable Development Goals]] and gaining certification with the [[EarthCheck|EarthCheck Sustainable Destinations]] program.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Azores is the first archipelago to receive the certification of Sustainable Tourism Destination |url=https://forward-h2020.eu/event/https-www-gstcouncil-org-gstc-2019-global-conference-in-the-azores/ |access-date=2023-12-05 |website=nexa |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=Lusa |date=2021-09-13 |title=Azores going for gold certification as sustainable tourism destination in 2024 |url=https://econews.pt/2021/09/13/azores-going-for-gold-certification-as-sustainable-tourism-destination-in-2024/ |access-date=2023-12-05 |website=ECO News |language=en-US |archive-date=5 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231205040720/https://econews.pt/2021/09/13/azores-going-for-gold-certification-as-sustainable-tourism-destination-in-2024/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> All with a focus on continuous improvement, prioritising the involvement of local communities and stakeholders in decision-making, and promoting sustainability across the tourism sector.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Recursos |url=https://sustainable.azores.gov.pt/contactos/ |access-date=2023-12-05 |website=Açores – No rumo da sustentabilidade |language=pt-pt |archive-date=5 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231205040736/https://sustainable.azores.gov.pt/contactos/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Baixinho |first1=Alexandra |last2=Santos |first2=Carlos |last3=Couto |first3=Gualter |last4=Albergaria |first4=Isabel Soares de |last5=Silva |first5=Leonor Sampaio da |last6=Medeiros |first6=Pilar Damião |last7=Simas |first7=Rosa Maria Neves |date=2023-11-01 |title=Sustainable Creative Tourism on Islands and the Pandemic: The Creatour Azores Project |url=https://islandstudiesjournal.org/article/84756-sustainable-creative-tourism-on-islands-and-the-pandemic-the-creatour-azores-project |journal=Island Studies Journal |language=en |volume=18 |issue=2 |doi=10.24043/isj.416|doi-access=free }}</ref>