Media and news Regional Government of the Azores - Communication

Nota de Imprensa
December 4, 2025
Mário Rui Pinho saúda aprovação da Estratégia de Gestão da Rede de Áreas Marinhas Protegidas dos Açores
O Secretário Regional do Mar e das Pescas, Mário Rui Pinho, congratula-se com a aprovação em Conselho do Governo da Estratégia de Gestão da Rede de Áreas Marinhas Protegidas dos Açores (EGRAMPA), documento que estabelece a forma como o Parque Marinho dos Açores será implementado, financiado, gerido e monitorizado ao longo do tempo, através de um modelo de gestão adaptativa. Esta regulamentação estabelece linhas mestras para a gestão da Rede de Áreas Marinhas Protegidas dos Açores (RAMPA), um programa de ação e apresenta ciclos e procedimentos de revisão da RAMPA, com base em novos conhecimentos científicos e novas práticas. Apresenta ainda o enquadramento legal do mecanismo de apoio financeiro à retração da atividade da pesca. Segundo o Secretário Regional do Mar e Pescas, a EGRAMPA “define as orientações de ordenamento e gestão necessárias à elaboração e aprovação dos respetivos planos, e o seu carácter adaptativo torna exequível que novas evidências científicas e boas práticas sejam continuamente integradas, permitindo a sua otimização, a cada ciclo de revisão”. Mário Rui Pinho realça a importância da estratégia de gestão, uma vez que esta nova rede é um “instrumento fundamental na recuperação e conservação da biodiversidade marinha, a partir da qual se poderá criar uma verdadeira economia azul sustentável”. Recorde-se que este ano também foi aprovada a orgânica da Autoridade de Gestão da Rede de Áreas Marinhas Protegidas dos Açores, bem como a composição e normas de funcionamento do Conselho Consultivo da Rede de Áreas Marinhas Protegidas dos Açores. Tal significa que cumpriu-se toda a regulamentação prevista para o ano de 2025 no Decreto Legislativo Regional n.º 14/2024/A, de 24 de dezembro que cria RAMPA. Recorde-se que este diploma prevê ainda que sejam publicados os Planos de Gestão e Ordenamento e o Sistema de Execução e Financiamento até ao final de 2026, tal como a revisão das áreas marinhas protegidas costeiras, até 2028.

Nota de Imprensa
December 4, 2025
Berta Cabral welcomes the Azores' "Gold Level II" certification as sustainable tourist destination
The Azores have just achieved "Gold Level II" certification as a sustainable tourist destination from EarthCheck, a global organisation specialising in certification, consulting and advisory services in sustainability, particularly for tourist destinations and the tourism industry. This is yet another certification that, according to the Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructure, Berta Cabral, "makes the Region proud" and "demonstrates that the Regional Government is on the right track to consolidate the destination." The Azores achieved EarthCheck Gold Certification as a sustainable tourist destination in 2024 (they already held Level IV Silver). This new achievement for the Azores (“Gold Level II”), the government official continued, “strengthens the Region’s leadership in sustainability, consisting of international recognition that positions the Azores at a level of excellence.” "In addition to demonstrating the Region's commitment to preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the nine islands, EarthCheck certification reinforces the destination's positioning by granting it a competitive advantage in the market over competing destinations," she added. Berta Cabral noted that “this certification is an integrated and continuous improvement process, which requires active work through the adoption and monitoring of strategic initiatives, supported by the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda (SDGs). They include the responsible management of natural resources, the preservation of culture and society, and the protection of biodiversity.” She continued: "The Azores will keep working to maintain and improve the destination's sustainability standards, with a view to preserving the natural and cultural uniqueness of the territory, protecting the well-being of the local community, and giving visitors the possibility of experiencing the Azores in their most authentic and preserved form." Under the auspices of the Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, the Azores Destination Sustainability Management Structure (Açores DMO) is the entity responsible for managing the sustainability of the Azores as a destination. The Azores are currently the first archipelago in the world to receive this certification. Berta Cabral pointed out that the importance of tourism in the Azorean economy has been growing. Despite winning “medals” for sustainability, the archipelago is undergoing a "continuous process" and facing challenges due to tourist pressure. The government official also noted that "the positioning of the Azores as a tourist destination has been developed on the premise of sustainability." “The Azores are a national and even global example of how it is possible to reconcile tourism, nature conservation and quality of life. The drive for sustainability is also felt by tour operators: Overall, much has been done in the Azores in recent years towards sustainability. Compared to other places, there is a great deal of concern about this issue,” she concluded.

Nota de Imprensa
December 4, 2025
“Sustainable water management is main pillar of agriculture in the future,” emphasises António Ventura
The Graciosa Farmers' Association, in partnership with the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Food, through the Regional Directorate for Agriculture, Veterinary and Food, promoted on Wednesday the colloquium "Management and Sustainable Water Use in Agriculture" at the Santa Cruz Cultural Centre. The initiative was promoted as part of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP). The meeting brought together researchers, technicians, farmers and regional entities to reflect on good practices, technological innovation and sustainability in the use of water resources applied to agriculture. "Efficient water management is one of the main challenges for agriculture in the Azores. It is particularly relevant on the island of Graciosa, where limited water resources require innovative solutions, rigorous planning and responsible use," stated António Ventura, Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food. The colloquium covered the Farmer Training and Sustainable Production and Consumption Literacy Promotion Programme, provided for in Measure C05-i05-RAA-m02 – “Public investment in R&D&I and the dual green and digital transition,” which falls under Investment C05-i05-RAA – Economic Relaunch of Azorean Agriculture. The programme aims to provide knowledge transfer actions covering the main agricultural sectors and responding to the needs of farmers and technical services. This event was an opportunity to reiterate the commitment of the Autonomous Region of the Azores to sustainability, contributing to the goals associated with EarthCheck certification, awarded to the Region in 2024, which recognises good practices in integrated natural resource management. With an estimated 100 participants, the event seeks to engage the agricultural and technical community in a discussion that is essential to ensuring the future of Azorean agriculture — one that is more resilient, efficient, and aligned with EU climate and environmental challenges.

Nota de Imprensa
December 4, 2025
Alonso Miguel visited LIFE BEETLES Project intervention areas on Terceira Island
The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, visited the LIFE BEETLES project intervention areas in Terra Brava, on Terceira Island, this week, as part of the final monitoring visit carried out by the European Commission through CINEA. As it should be noted, LIFE BEETLES is an important nature conservation project, which began in 2020 and will end in late 2025, representing an investment of €1.76 million, with 55% co-financed by the European Union. It is intended to expand the distribution area, population size and conservation status of three native beetle species in the Azores: the ground beetle (Trechus terrabravensis) on Terceira Island, the ironclad beetle (Tarphius florensis) on Flores Island, and the laurocho (Pseudanchomenus aptinoides) on the island of Pico. “In the specific case of Terceira Island, work focused on early detection and removal of invasive plant species in pristine areas such as Caldeira da Serra de Santa Bárbara, Lagoa do Pinheiro and Terra Brava,” stated Alonso Miguel. The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action recalled that "following the implementation of the measures provided for in the LIFE BEETLES project, there has been a significant increase in the populations of the three target species, namely a 60% increase in the case of the ground beetle, more than 200% in the case of the laurocho, and around 250% in the case of the ironclad beetle in Flores. This is an impressive record that clearly demonstrates the success of the implementation of this project over the last six years." The government official emphasised that "the LIFE BEETLES project covered a total area of 354 hectares, spread across the islands of Terceira, Flores and Pico, where work was carried out to control invasive flora, implement natural engineering solutions and plant around 27,000 endemic specimens." Alonso Miguel also emphasised that "this project has led to investments of about €900,000 on Terceira Island, €400,000 on Pico Island and more than €300,000 on Flores Island. It has also created 10 direct jobs, provided training for operational staff, and fitted the environmental and climate action services on these three islands with important equipment and tools for biodiversity preservation and nature conservation work." The Regional Secretary also highlighted the important contribution of the LIFE BEETLES project to promoting environmental education and awareness in the Azores, through the organisation of more than 50 volunteer activities and more than 300 environmental awareness activities, which reached more than 6,000 people. An educational game dedicated to nature conservation was also created and distributed to all schools across the Azores, along with a travelling macro photography exhibition that toured the three islands covered by the project. These have significantly contributed to strengthening environmental literacy and raising awareness among the general public, and particularly in our schools, about the importance of preserving these species and their natural habitats, which provide important ecosystem services to the population," he continued. Alonso Miguel recalled that "four LIFE projects coordinated by the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action are currently underway in the Region, with three dedicated to nature conservation and another to mitigating and adapting to climate change effects, representing a total investment of over €40 million." The Regional Secretary for the Environment concluded by emphasising that ‘LIFE projects, supported by significant EU funding, are decisive financial and operational instruments for strengthening the Region's capacity." He added: "Besides providing scientific knowledge, technical expertise and financial resources essential for environmental protection, nature conservation and biodiversity preservation, they are a fundamental pillar enabling Member States to effectively meet the targets set by the Nature Restoration Law." “The LIFE BEETLES project will leave an important legacy of knowledge, technical training and improvement of the natural ecosystems of the Azores, with direct repercussions on the preservation of biodiversity and the safety and well-being of the Azoreans,” he concluded. The monitoring visit, which runs until today, on Terceira and Pico, included visits to the intervention areas on these two islands, as well as several meetings to present the work carried out and the results achieved during the implementation of the project in the Region.

Comunicado
December 3, 2025
Communiqué from the Council of the Government
The Council of the Government, which met on December 2 and 3, 2025, on the islands of Flores and Corvo, approved the following bills: 1. Resolution authorising the establishment of a new commercial company within the SATA Group as a result of a simple demerger of SATA Air Açores, under which the economic unit responsible for handling services will be spun off and transferred to the new company, whose share capital will be fully owned by SATA Holding, S.A. This corporate reorganisation of the SATA Group was designed under and in compliance with the European Commission Decision of June 7, 2022, which authorised the granting of public aid for the restructuring of SATA Air Açores – Sociedade Açoriana de Transportes Aéreos, S.A., and its then subsidiaries. Continuing to comply with the goals set out in the European Commission's Decision, the SATA Group's next step involves creating a new entity, resulting from the spin-off of the business unit responsible for ground handling services in the Region, currently part of SATA Air Açores. SATA Holding, S.A. submitted an authorisation request to the Regional Government regarding the separation of the economic unit responsible for SATA Air Açores' handling services and the subsequent creation of a new entity within the SATA group through a simple demerger. This authorisation request was accompanied by an economic and financial study, and supplemented by a legal study demonstrating the feasibility and interest of the operation. Accordingly, pursuant to the European Commission's decision, the Region is responsible for ensuring that the SATA Group implements the measures provided for in the Restructuring Plan. 2. Resolution approving the Management Strategy for the Azores Marine Protected Areas Network. Covering 287,000 square kilometres, the new Azores Marine Protected Areas network achieves the goal of protecting 30% of our sea by 2030 (30x30), within the scope of the United Nations Global Biodiversity Framework, the European Biodiversity Strategy 2030 and the National Strategy for the Sea 2030. RAMPA is the largest network in the North Atlantic and also complies with the criteria defined by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The RAMPA Management Strategy defines the planning and management guidelines necessary for the preparation and approval of the respective plans. Its adaptable nature ensures that new scientific evidence and best practices can be continuously integrated, contributing to its optimisation at each review cycle. This new network will be a fundamental tool in the recovery and conservation of marine biodiversity, from which a truly sustainable blue economy can be created. It complies with the complex regulations set out in the Regional Legislative Decree establishing RAMPA. 3. Resolution determining that Portos dos Açores, S.A., take the necessary steps to divest its holdings in the share capital of the stevedoring companies OPERTRI, OPERPDL and OPERTERCEIRA. Since 1995, the Region has indirectly held, through Portos dos Açores, S.A., 20% of the share capital of the stevedoring companies OPERTRI, OPERPDL and OPERTERCEIRA. The Region is the only area where the Port Authority owns shares in stevedoring companies regulated by this entity. This reform promotes transparency in the operation of the activity. Each of these companies ensures its own operation without the need for special intervention by Portos dos Açores, S.A. 4. Resolution continuing the Market Access Support Programme, with a view to mitigating the costs arising from remoteness as well as promoting competitiveness and the distribution of regional production. The continuation of the Market Access Support Programme is justified given the persistence of adverse external factors, such as increased energy and logistics costs and international instability. The Programme supports exports to the European continent to boost regional economic activity. 5. Resolution extending the term of office of the Task Force for the Promotion of Social Responses for the Elderly until December 21, 2026. As it is necessary to ensure the continuity of existing social projects in the Region, namely those supporting senior citizens, their families and caregivers, it is essential, at this stage, to keep the Mission Structure for the Promotion of Social Responses for the Elderly in operation, extending its term of office, which ends on December 21, 2025, thus ensuring the continuation of the mission leading to its creation. 6. Resolution updating the termite infestation risk maps in the parish of Posto Santo, municipality of Angra do Heroísmo, and the parish and municipality of Santa Cruz da Graciosa. 7. Resolution declaring the urgent public utility regarding the compulsory purchase of two land plots and the rights thereto required for the implementation of the Pico Vermelho Geothermal Power Plant Expansion project, located in the municipality of Ribeira Grande. The expansion of the Pico Vermelho Geothermal Power Plant will increase the contribution of geothermal energy on the island of São Miguel and replace part of the production that would otherwise be guaranteed by thermal generation. The expansion of the Pico Vermelho Geothermal Power Plant will reduce the need to import fossil fuels and, consequently, reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 8. Resolution authorising the signing of a contract programme between the Region and Portos dos Açores, S.A., aimed at regulating the promotion of the acquisition of two electric mobility tugs corresponding to an overall investment of €33 million – €15 million per tug plus €3 million in investment in charging systems for the Ponta Delgada and Praia da Vitória ports. Ports are increasingly used by large ships, both for solid and liquid bulk cargo, and cruise ships, which require the use of more powerful and manoeuvrable auxiliary vessels, such as tugboats, which play a key role in port operations in the Region. As such, this acquisition is of the utmost importance, given the relevance of this equipment. The financial contribution for which the Region is responsible, under the contract programme, is set at €4,950,000.00, corresponding to 15% of the overall amount, which is financed under the Sustainable Programme 2030. 9. Regional Implementing Decree regulating the Regional Legislative Decree that adapts the legal scheme applicable to Portuguese firefighters in Mainland Portugal to the Region. This law aims to provide the Regional Public Administration, Humanitarian Associations of Volunteer Firefighters, and the Azores Firefighters themselves with the legal, administrative, and financial mechanisms necessary to ensure swift, transparent, and equitable access to support in the areas of education and mental health, and recognition of the operational service provided by the Azores Volunteer Firefighters. The main measures regulated include the reimbursement of expenses for leisure activity centres, additional annual support for operational activities and the implementation of a psychological support programme, in partnership with the island's health units and the Institute for Social Security of the Azores. 10. Resolution amending the regulations for the allocation of properties in the Region, under a lease with purchase scheme, for use as permanent housing by applicants and their households. Considering the need to support the middle class, young people and single-parent families in accessing housing at prices compatible with their income, greater emphasis is placed on the gross monthly income of applicants and their respective debt-to-income ratio. This takes into consideration the Regional Government's intention to promote adequate living conditions for households, as well as to prevent situations of overcrowding and under-occupancy, thereby ensuring greater efficiency in the allocation of affordable housing. 11. Resolution increasing the amount of financial support allocated to SATA Air Açores by €5,000 for the 2025 Interjovem Card operation.

Nota de Imprensa
December 3, 2025
Corvo citizens acknowledge progress made under coalition Government, stresses José Manuel Bolieiro
The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, listed today several areas where "there has been a significant change for the better" on the island of Corvo under the PSD/CDS-PP/PPM coalition government. Among the areas highlighted by the President of the Government are living conditions, access to health care, the educational project, improved facilities, as well as "air and sea accessibility for supplies." "This is quite significant as people acknowledge significant changes for the better. Nevertheless, Corvo is an island that needs attention every day," continued the President of the Government. José Manuel Bolieiro spoke at the end of a meeting between the Regional Government and the Corvo Island Council. Recognising the labour shortage and the fact that some public tenders are going deserted, the President of the Regional Government highlighted, nonetheless, the increase in "housing supply" for teachers and other "highly specialised professionals." The Regional Government ended its 2025 statutory visits today in Corvo.

Nota de Imprensa
December 3, 2025
José Manuel Bolieiro highlights Corvo municipality's access to parish funding
The President of the Azorean Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, stressed on Tuesday that the Corvo municipality, the only one in Portugal without parishes, can access national and regional funding for these, as it fulfils similar duties. "This will eventually pave the way for the signing of ARAAL contracts [governing the allocation of funds between the Regional Government and local authorities], as well as technical and financial cooperation projects," emphasised the President of the Government. José Manuel Bolieiro spoke at the Corvo Town Hall after a meeting with the new municipal administration at the beginning of the Regional Government's annual statutory visit to the island. Despite holding parish powers, the municipality of Corvo Island does not receive any transfers from the Parish Financing Fund. This omission creates inequality in the financing of local government functions, being detrimental to the only municipality in the country that legally holds both municipal and parish powers. At a regional level, the PDS/CDS-PP/PPM Government was the first to acknowledge the importance of including the municipality of Corvo in regional support for parishes. It now expects the same approach to be taken regarding the National Fund.     At the meeting in the Corvo municipality, attention was also drawn to recent developments in air accessibility, with a "very significant improvement in the number of flights" to the island, coupled with increasingly intense tourist demand. Housing, health, and education, among other matters, were also areas where progress was made and were under analysis at the meeting with the municipal authorities. On Tuesday, the Regional Government began its statutory visits to Flores and Corvo, which were still pending in 2025, a year marked by various circumstances, such as local and national elections. As in Flores, the President of the Government wished the Corvo municipal council, following the October elections, every success for its term of office.

Nota de Imprensa
December 2, 2025
Film Festival on Migration reaches regional secondary schools
The Regional Secretariat for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, through the Regional Directorate for the Communities, is promoting the third edition of Film Without Borders – Regional Film Festival on Migration, which runs from today until December 18 in all secondary schools across the Region. This initiative aims to raise awareness among the student community about the phenomenon of migration, promote cultural diversity and human rights, and encourage the construction of a fair and supportive society. Travelling across the nine islands of the Azores, the Festival presents four films inviting students to reflect on inclusion, multiculturalism and the challenges of coexistence between different cultures. The opening took place today at Manuel de Arriaga Secondary School, on the island of Faial, with the screening of the film "Flow," by Gints Zibalodis, winner of the Golden Globe and Oscar in the animation category. This dialogue-free film shows a cat and other animals working together on a drifting boat, highlighting how cooperation and solidarity can arise even in adverse situations. The film "Migrants" by Hugo Caby, Antoine Dupriez, Aubin Kubiak, Lucas Lermytte and Zoé Devise follows two polar bears forced to leave their habitat, reflecting on adaptation and resilience. In Ai Weiwei's "Human Flow," the narrative takes on a global scale, portraying millions of displaced people and giving voice to their experiences. Sherry Hormann's "Desert Flower" tells the true story of Waris Dirie, a young Somali woman who overcomes female genital mutilation and becomes an international advocate for women's rights, dealing with themes of courage, justice, and empowerment. The programme covers all secondary schools in the Region. On the island of São Miguel, the exhibition will reach Armando Côrtes-Rodrigues Basic Education and Secondary School, Laranjeiras Secondary School, Ribeira Grande Secondary School, Povoação Basic Education and Secondary School, Lagoa Secondary School, Antero de Quental Secondary School, Domingos Rebelo Secondary School and Nordeste Basic Education School. On Faial, it will cover Manuel de Arriaga Secondary School. On Pico, it will visit São Roque do Pico Basic Education and Secondary School, Madalena Basic Education and Secondary School, and Lajes do Pico Basic Education and Secondary School. On Terceira, it will include Tomás de Borba Basic Education and Secondary School, Vitorino Nemésio Secondary School, and Jerónimo Emiliano de Andrade Secondary School. In São Jorge, it will reach Velas Basic Education and Secondary School and Calheta Basic Education and Secondary School. The initiative will also cover the Graciosa Basic Education and Secondary School in Graciosa, Flores Basic Education and Secondary School in Flores, Santa Maria Basic Education and Secondary School in Santa Maria, and Mouzinho da Silveira Basic Education and Secondary School in Corvo.  Throughout the event, students are invited to reflect on migration, inclusion and human rights. This will consolidate the Exhibition as a space for sharing, learning and collective growth, capable of promoting social awareness, valuing differences and building communities that are more supportive and open to the world. The Exhibition ends on December 18 at Nordeste Basic Education and Secondary School, in São Miguel, with the screening of the film "Flow," reiterating the role of film in education for citizenship and the recognition of differences.