Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas
Governo dos Açores e Governo da República reforçam parceria estratégica para promoção do turismo regional
Governo dos Açores e Governo da República reforçam parceria estratégica para promoção do turismo regional
Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social
Regional Government promotes webinars dedicated to promoting healthy longevity
Regional Government promotes webinars dedicated to promoting healthy longevity
Secretaria Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego
Maria João Carreiro highlights increased visibility and credibility of vocational education announcing new courses for 2026/2027
Maria João Carreiro highlights increased visibility and credibility of vocational education announcing new courses for 2026/2027
Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social
Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security clarifies temporary disruptions to Azores Health Line
Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security clarifies temporary disruptions to Azores Health Line
Nota de Imprensa
May 13, 2026 Governo dos Açores e Governo da República reforçam parceria estratégica para promoção do turismo regional A Secretária Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas afirmou na terça-feira, no Palácio da Conceição, em Ponta Delgada, que o Governo dos Açores e o Governo da República estão a desenvolver um trabalho conjunto, estruturado e contínuo, com vista ao reforço da mobilidade aérea e da conectividade da Região, essencial ao desenvolvimento sustentável do turismo e da economia açoriana. Esta parceria estratégica envolve a Visit Azores, o Turismo de Portugal, as companhias aéreas, a ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal e a Aerogare Civil das Lajes, abrangendo áreas-chave como a promoção do destino e o reforço da conetividade aérea, com ações delineadas para o curto, médio e longo prazo. “Trata-se de um trabalho que já decorre há algum tempo e que terá continuidade, numa lógica de desenvolvimento sustentado e evolutivo do destino Açores, consciente de que os seus efeitos estruturais exigem tempo para se consolidarem”, sublinhou Berta Cabral, durante uma reunião de trabalho dedicada ao setor do Turismo. O encontro reuniu o Secretário de Estado do Turismo, Comércio e Serviços, Pedro Machado, o Presidente do Turismo de Portugal, Carlos Abade, e as principais associações empresariais do turismo da Região, evidenciando um alinhamento institucional e operacional inédito em torno dos desafios atuais do setor. Ficou igualmente garantido que o Governo dos Açores e o Governo da República manterão um trabalho permanente de prospeção junto das companhias aéreas, com o objetivo de assegurar mais voos, maior conectividade e melhores condições de mobilidade de e para os Açores. No quadro desta cooperação, está já em fase de desenvolvimento um plano promocional específico para o próximo inverno, com forte envolvimento do Turismo de Portugal, cuja implementação será liderada pela Visit Azores, reforçando a presença dos Açores junto do mercado nacional. A governante reconheceu que o turismo regional atravessa uma fase particularmente exigente, explicando que tal decorre de uma conjugação de fatores, incluindo a retração do mercado nacional e uma conjuntura internacional desfavorável, com impactos globais no setor turístico, influenciada pelo conflito no Médio Oriente, pela subsequente instabilidade associada à crise dos combustíveis e também pela geopolítica internacional. A este contexto soma-se, destacou, “a saída da Ryanair e a consequente redução da oferta de lugares disponíveis para a Região, com efeitos imediatos na procura”. Apesar das dificuldades conjunturais, Berta Cabral foi clara quanto à orientação estratégica do Governo Regional: “não podemos, nem devemos, alterar o que é estrutural por resposta a dificuldades momentâneas. Há abertura para ajustes táticos, operacionais e promocionais, mas o rumo mantém-se: aposta firme na qualificação, valorização, diversificação do produto e no posicionamento sustentável dos Açores como destino de excelência”. A Secretária Regional salientou ainda que a recente eleição de Nuno Leandro como Presidente da Visit Azores, representa “a face visível de um processo de revitalização da associação”, marcado por uma nova abordagem à promoção turística e por uma relação mais próxima, colaborativa e eficaz com os associados e empresários do setor. “Esta maior proximidade ao setor privado é, claramente, uma aposta estratégica para o futuro, permitindo maior agilidade, decisões mais informadas e a implementação de medidas mais assertivas e com impacto real em toda a cadeia de valor do turismo”, reforçou. Nesse sentido, deixou um apelo à responsabilidade coletiva: “é fundamental termos todos a remar no mesmo sentido, com espírito construtivo e soluções concretas. A valorização do destino deve estar sempre presente no discurso público. Qualquer mensagem circula à escala global e pode influenciar turistas, investidores, operadores e até as decisões das companhias aéreas”. Todas as associações empresariais presentes tiveram a oportunidade de apresentar as suas principais preocupações, questões e sugestões, contribuindo, desta forma, não apenas para o diagnóstico da realidade operacional, mas sobretudo para projeção de perspetivas de futuro. No final da reunião, ficou claro que decisores políticos regionais e nacionais, bem como os agentes económicos, estão alinhados e a trabalhar de forma articulada para ultrapassar a atual fase menos favorável do turismo, setor que continua a assumir-se como uma das principais alavancas da economia açoriana. Num contexto de abertura de um novo ciclo de contratualização do Turismo de Portugal e de reforço das verbas para a promoção externa dos Açores, ficou igualmente assumido o compromisso com a captação de novos eventos e operadores turísticos. Foi ainda reafirmada a prioridade atribuída aos Açores no âmbito da campanha de estímulo ao turismo interno, que arrancará antes do verão, bem como o total alinhamento da Secretaria de Estado do Turismo, Comércio e Serviços e do Turismo de Portugal com as necessidades da Região, numa estreita colaboração em todas as áreas. Esta colaboração inclui a qualificação e estruturação do produto turístico, assegurando elevados padrões de qualidade e excelência, bem como a ampliação da divulgação de linhas de apoio financeiro e o reforço da informação e capacitação do setor.
May 13, 2026 Governo dos Açores e Governo da República reforçam parceria estratégica para promoção do turismo regional A Secretária Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas afirmou na terça-feira, no Palácio da Conceição, em Ponta Delgada, que o Governo dos Açores e o Governo da República estão a desenvolver um trabalho conjunto, estruturado e contínuo, com vista ao reforço da mobilidade aérea e da conectividade da Região, essencial ao desenvolvimento sustentável do turismo e da economia açoriana. Esta parceria estratégica envolve a Visit Azores, o Turismo de Portugal, as companhias aéreas, a ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal e a Aerogare Civil das Lajes, abrangendo áreas-chave como a promoção do destino e o reforço da conetividade aérea, com ações delineadas para o curto, médio e longo prazo. “Trata-se de um trabalho que já decorre há algum tempo e que terá continuidade, numa lógica de desenvolvimento sustentado e evolutivo do destino Açores, consciente de que os seus efeitos estruturais exigem tempo para se consolidarem”, sublinhou Berta Cabral, durante uma reunião de trabalho dedicada ao setor do Turismo. O encontro reuniu o Secretário de Estado do Turismo, Comércio e Serviços, Pedro Machado, o Presidente do Turismo de Portugal, Carlos Abade, e as principais associações empresariais do turismo da Região, evidenciando um alinhamento institucional e operacional inédito em torno dos desafios atuais do setor. Ficou igualmente garantido que o Governo dos Açores e o Governo da República manterão um trabalho permanente de prospeção junto das companhias aéreas, com o objetivo de assegurar mais voos, maior conectividade e melhores condições de mobilidade de e para os Açores. No quadro desta cooperação, está já em fase de desenvolvimento um plano promocional específico para o próximo inverno, com forte envolvimento do Turismo de Portugal, cuja implementação será liderada pela Visit Azores, reforçando a presença dos Açores junto do mercado nacional. A governante reconheceu que o turismo regional atravessa uma fase particularmente exigente, explicando que tal decorre de uma conjugação de fatores, incluindo a retração do mercado nacional e uma conjuntura internacional desfavorável, com impactos globais no setor turístico, influenciada pelo conflito no Médio Oriente, pela subsequente instabilidade associada à crise dos combustíveis e também pela geopolítica internacional. A este contexto soma-se, destacou, “a saída da Ryanair e a consequente redução da oferta de lugares disponíveis para a Região, com efeitos imediatos na procura”. Apesar das dificuldades conjunturais, Berta Cabral foi clara quanto à orientação estratégica do Governo Regional: “não podemos, nem devemos, alterar o que é estrutural por resposta a dificuldades momentâneas. Há abertura para ajustes táticos, operacionais e promocionais, mas o rumo mantém-se: aposta firme na qualificação, valorização, diversificação do produto e no posicionamento sustentável dos Açores como destino de excelência”. A Secretária Regional salientou ainda que a recente eleição de Nuno Leandro como Presidente da Visit Azores, representa “a face visível de um processo de revitalização da associação”, marcado por uma nova abordagem à promoção turística e por uma relação mais próxima, colaborativa e eficaz com os associados e empresários do setor. “Esta maior proximidade ao setor privado é, claramente, uma aposta estratégica para o futuro, permitindo maior agilidade, decisões mais informadas e a implementação de medidas mais assertivas e com impacto real em toda a cadeia de valor do turismo”, reforçou. Nesse sentido, deixou um apelo à responsabilidade coletiva: “é fundamental termos todos a remar no mesmo sentido, com espírito construtivo e soluções concretas. A valorização do destino deve estar sempre presente no discurso público. Qualquer mensagem circula à escala global e pode influenciar turistas, investidores, operadores e até as decisões das companhias aéreas”. Todas as associações empresariais presentes tiveram a oportunidade de apresentar as suas principais preocupações, questões e sugestões, contribuindo, desta forma, não apenas para o diagnóstico da realidade operacional, mas sobretudo para projeção de perspetivas de futuro. No final da reunião, ficou claro que decisores políticos regionais e nacionais, bem como os agentes económicos, estão alinhados e a trabalhar de forma articulada para ultrapassar a atual fase menos favorável do turismo, setor que continua a assumir-se como uma das principais alavancas da economia açoriana. Num contexto de abertura de um novo ciclo de contratualização do Turismo de Portugal e de reforço das verbas para a promoção externa dos Açores, ficou igualmente assumido o compromisso com a captação de novos eventos e operadores turísticos. Foi ainda reafirmada a prioridade atribuída aos Açores no âmbito da campanha de estímulo ao turismo interno, que arrancará antes do verão, bem como o total alinhamento da Secretaria de Estado do Turismo, Comércio e Serviços e do Turismo de Portugal com as necessidades da Região, numa estreita colaboração em todas as áreas. Esta colaboração inclui a qualificação e estruturação do produto turístico, assegurando elevados padrões de qualidade e excelência, bem como a ampliação da divulgação de linhas de apoio financeiro e o reforço da informação e capacitação do setor.
Nota de Imprensa
May 13, 2026 Regional Government promotes webinars dedicated to promoting healthy longevity As part of the Regional Programme for the Promotion of Active and Healthy Ageing, included in the Regional Health Plan 2030, the first webinar in a series dedicated to promoting healthy longevity will take place on May 21 between 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. It will focus on the theme “Active Longevity: Physical exercise transforms ageing.” This free online initiative, which requires registration, aims to raise awareness of the importance of regular physical activity as a key factor in active and healthy ageing with a better quality of life. Aimed at healthcare professionals, professionals in the social sector and the general public, this first webinar will bring together experts and leading national and regional organisations, providing a space for reflection, knowledge-sharing and practical insights into the role of physical exercise in promoting lifelong health. The programme features presentations by Pedro Morouço, Director of the National Programme for the Promotion of Physical Activity at the Directorate-General for Health, on the role of physical activity in active ageing; Isabel Mendes, from the Regional Directorate for Sport, on physical exercise programmes and island-specific initiatives; André Fernandes, from Portugal Activo – Association of Fitness and Health Clubs, on the promotion of physical activity in a community context; and Luciana Silva, from the Azores Regional Section of the Physiotherapists' Association, who will lead a practical physical exercise session. Lasting approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, the session will include opportunities for sharing, interaction with participants and a practical component, emphasising the importance of active lifestyles as a means of prevention, maintaining independence and promoting well-being throughout the ageing process. This event marks the beginning of a series of webinars on healthy ageing to be held throughout 2026, as part of the Regional Health Plan 2030. They will address various crucial aspects of ageing, including the prevention of dependencies and the impact of loneliness on physical, mental and social health. Participation is free of charge, subject to mandatory registration via the form available at https://forms.office.com/e/auLKtiN4fi. For further information, those who are interested may contact the event organisation via email at [email protected].
May 13, 2026 Regional Government promotes webinars dedicated to promoting healthy longevity As part of the Regional Programme for the Promotion of Active and Healthy Ageing, included in the Regional Health Plan 2030, the first webinar in a series dedicated to promoting healthy longevity will take place on May 21 between 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. It will focus on the theme “Active Longevity: Physical exercise transforms ageing.” This free online initiative, which requires registration, aims to raise awareness of the importance of regular physical activity as a key factor in active and healthy ageing with a better quality of life. Aimed at healthcare professionals, professionals in the social sector and the general public, this first webinar will bring together experts and leading national and regional organisations, providing a space for reflection, knowledge-sharing and practical insights into the role of physical exercise in promoting lifelong health. The programme features presentations by Pedro Morouço, Director of the National Programme for the Promotion of Physical Activity at the Directorate-General for Health, on the role of physical activity in active ageing; Isabel Mendes, from the Regional Directorate for Sport, on physical exercise programmes and island-specific initiatives; André Fernandes, from Portugal Activo – Association of Fitness and Health Clubs, on the promotion of physical activity in a community context; and Luciana Silva, from the Azores Regional Section of the Physiotherapists' Association, who will lead a practical physical exercise session. Lasting approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, the session will include opportunities for sharing, interaction with participants and a practical component, emphasising the importance of active lifestyles as a means of prevention, maintaining independence and promoting well-being throughout the ageing process. This event marks the beginning of a series of webinars on healthy ageing to be held throughout 2026, as part of the Regional Health Plan 2030. They will address various crucial aspects of ageing, including the prevention of dependencies and the impact of loneliness on physical, mental and social health. Participation is free of charge, subject to mandatory registration via the form available at https://forms.office.com/e/auLKtiN4fi. For further information, those who are interested may contact the event organisation via email at [email protected].
Nota de Imprensa
May 13, 2026 Maria João Carreiro highlights increased visibility and credibility of vocational education announcing new courses for 2026/2027 The Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, Maria João Carreiro, announced this Tuesday in Ponta Delgada that 58 new Level 4 vocational courses will be available at Azorean vocational schools for the 2026/2027 school year. With these 58 new courses, spanning 21 vocational fields, vocational schools will offer more than 1,000 vacancies for young people who choose to pursue vocational studies with dual certification – academic and professional. Maria João Carreiro spoke at the Azores Industry, Trade and Services Fair – FICSA, where the “Your First Choice – Lab – Discovering careers” sessions are taking place. She was accompanied by the Regional Director for Vocational Training and Employment, Renato Medeiros, the President of the Board of AEPA – Association of Vocational Schools of the Azores, João Moniz, and the Vice-President of ANESPO – National Association of Vocational Schools, Domingos Borges. “More than the number of courses or vacancies, it is important to highlight the diversity of the training provision, which reflects an effort on the part of vocational schools to tailor their courses to the needs of businesses and the interests of young people,” she said. The Regional Secretary emphasised that education in vocational schools is now an option “increasingly valued by young people, families and businesses,” which is why “education in vocational schools now enjoys greater visibility and credibility.” On the occasion, the government official noted that the “Your First Choice” campaign is already underway, featuring street and digital (social media) advertising. The campaign has been run annually by the Government of the Azores since 2023 to raise awareness among young people and families about the opportunities and benefits of vocational education, whereby young people can enter the labour market directly or pursue higher education. This year, the focus of the campaign, which complements the communication efforts of schools and their training programmes, lies in diversifying the range of training areas within Level 4 courses, enhancing the status of occupations, and raising awareness among young people of the importance of skills in becoming good professionals. “A trained electrician will undoubtedly be a more well-rounded electrician with greater scope for development than one without training. The same applies to all occupations. Our companies need more young people with the skills, know-how, confidence and independence that vocational education fosters,” she noted. The “Your First Choice Lab – Discovering careers” sessions are taking place at FICSA, featuring daily, live and interactive demonstrations of careers and professional fields led by vocational training students. The sessions end tomorrow, Thursday, May 14. During these sessions, organised by the Regional Government in close cooperation with vocational schools, young people have the opportunity not only to see first-hand how one works or what is learnt in a particular occupation, identifying areas of interest that they would often not discover through theory alone, but also to ask trainees and instructors questions about the training paths for each vocational course. Maria João Carreiro also congratulated the regional Vocational Schools for their willingness to coordinate the provision of training courses for the 2026/2027 school year. This is a joint, open and ongoing collaboration with the Regional Government that benefits young people, families and the economy, reinforcing the role of vocational education as a path that is increasingly becoming the first choice for even more Azorean young people.
May 13, 2026 Maria João Carreiro highlights increased visibility and credibility of vocational education announcing new courses for 2026/2027 The Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, Maria João Carreiro, announced this Tuesday in Ponta Delgada that 58 new Level 4 vocational courses will be available at Azorean vocational schools for the 2026/2027 school year. With these 58 new courses, spanning 21 vocational fields, vocational schools will offer more than 1,000 vacancies for young people who choose to pursue vocational studies with dual certification – academic and professional. Maria João Carreiro spoke at the Azores Industry, Trade and Services Fair – FICSA, where the “Your First Choice – Lab – Discovering careers” sessions are taking place. She was accompanied by the Regional Director for Vocational Training and Employment, Renato Medeiros, the President of the Board of AEPA – Association of Vocational Schools of the Azores, João Moniz, and the Vice-President of ANESPO – National Association of Vocational Schools, Domingos Borges. “More than the number of courses or vacancies, it is important to highlight the diversity of the training provision, which reflects an effort on the part of vocational schools to tailor their courses to the needs of businesses and the interests of young people,” she said. The Regional Secretary emphasised that education in vocational schools is now an option “increasingly valued by young people, families and businesses,” which is why “education in vocational schools now enjoys greater visibility and credibility.” On the occasion, the government official noted that the “Your First Choice” campaign is already underway, featuring street and digital (social media) advertising. The campaign has been run annually by the Government of the Azores since 2023 to raise awareness among young people and families about the opportunities and benefits of vocational education, whereby young people can enter the labour market directly or pursue higher education. This year, the focus of the campaign, which complements the communication efforts of schools and their training programmes, lies in diversifying the range of training areas within Level 4 courses, enhancing the status of occupations, and raising awareness among young people of the importance of skills in becoming good professionals. “A trained electrician will undoubtedly be a more well-rounded electrician with greater scope for development than one without training. The same applies to all occupations. Our companies need more young people with the skills, know-how, confidence and independence that vocational education fosters,” she noted. The “Your First Choice Lab – Discovering careers” sessions are taking place at FICSA, featuring daily, live and interactive demonstrations of careers and professional fields led by vocational training students. The sessions end tomorrow, Thursday, May 14. During these sessions, organised by the Regional Government in close cooperation with vocational schools, young people have the opportunity not only to see first-hand how one works or what is learnt in a particular occupation, identifying areas of interest that they would often not discover through theory alone, but also to ask trainees and instructors questions about the training paths for each vocational course. Maria João Carreiro also congratulated the regional Vocational Schools for their willingness to coordinate the provision of training courses for the 2026/2027 school year. This is a joint, open and ongoing collaboration with the Regional Government that benefits young people, families and the economy, reinforcing the role of vocational education as a path that is increasingly becoming the first choice for even more Azorean young people.
Nota de Imprensa
May 12, 2026 Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security clarifies temporary disruptions to Azores Health Line Following the temporary technical difficulties experienced by the Azores Health Line on May 10, 2026, the Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security wishes to provide the following clarification to the public and the media. On May 10, a technical infrastructure failure occurred in the building where the Azores Health Line operates, which temporarily affected the communications systems. It is important to clarify that this incident did not result from any operational failure attributable to the Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security or the Regional Health Service. The building where the Azores Health Line operates does not fall within the remit of the Regional Government’s health department. Its management is the responsibility of a private entity under a service provision contract. Once the problem was identified, the entity responsible and the technical partners involved, including the communications department, were contacted immediately to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. At the same time, arrangements were made with the Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service (SRPCBA) to bolster the medical emergency line's capacity as a precautionary measure, in anticipation of calls being diverted to 112. In this regard, the Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security wishes to clarify that: There was no collapse of the Azores Health Line; There was no total service disruption; Access to healthcare has not been compromised at any time; The Azores Health Line is a non-urgent clinical advice and guidance service, not a medical emergency line; In emergencies, citizens should contact 112 directly; During the period when the service was restricted, no calls to 112 were recorded regarding situations associated with the Azores Health Line; The situation was fully resolved by 4 p.m. on May 10. The Azores Health Line prioritises responsible, coordinated and accurate communication with all partner organisations involved. The priority is to ensure that all information provided to the public is clear, credible and conducive to reassurance and confidence.
May 12, 2026 Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security clarifies temporary disruptions to Azores Health Line Following the temporary technical difficulties experienced by the Azores Health Line on May 10, 2026, the Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security wishes to provide the following clarification to the public and the media. On May 10, a technical infrastructure failure occurred in the building where the Azores Health Line operates, which temporarily affected the communications systems. It is important to clarify that this incident did not result from any operational failure attributable to the Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security or the Regional Health Service. The building where the Azores Health Line operates does not fall within the remit of the Regional Government’s health department. Its management is the responsibility of a private entity under a service provision contract. Once the problem was identified, the entity responsible and the technical partners involved, including the communications department, were contacted immediately to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. At the same time, arrangements were made with the Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service (SRPCBA) to bolster the medical emergency line's capacity as a precautionary measure, in anticipation of calls being diverted to 112. In this regard, the Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security wishes to clarify that: There was no collapse of the Azores Health Line; There was no total service disruption; Access to healthcare has not been compromised at any time; The Azores Health Line is a non-urgent clinical advice and guidance service, not a medical emergency line; In emergencies, citizens should contact 112 directly; During the period when the service was restricted, no calls to 112 were recorded regarding situations associated with the Azores Health Line; The situation was fully resolved by 4 p.m. on May 10. The Azores Health Line prioritises responsible, coordinated and accurate communication with all partner organisations involved. The priority is to ensure that all information provided to the public is clear, credible and conducive to reassurance and confidence.
Nota de Imprensa
May 12, 2026 Regional Government marks International Day of Plant Health by modernising agricultural warning network On International Day of Plant Health, observed today, the Regional Government, through the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Food, reiterates its commitment to food security and the sustainability of the primary sector by modernising the Azores Agricultural Monitoring and Warning Network (RMAAA). In an island region characterised by its high biodiversity, this infrastructure plays a critical role in preventing pests and diseases, preserving ecosystems and ensuring the competitiveness of regional production. For the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, “protecting plant health is about protecting agricultural production, farmers’ income and the balance of ecosystems.” The government official emphasised that strengthening the RMAAA enables “the sector to be better equipped in terms of preventing problems and having better tools to respond to current challenges, with more information, greater accuracy and greater sustainability.” Operated by the Regional Directorate for Agriculture, Veterinary Affairs and Food (DRAVA), the network is now a key infrastructure for integrated crop protection. Currently, the system comprises 105 Biological Observation Posts (BOP) and 55 Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) distributed throughout the archipelago. This technological network ensures continuous territorial coverage, contributing to the collection of vital climate data to feed into forecasting models, anticipating risks and tailoring technical recommendations to the specific microclimates of each island. All biological and meteorological information collected converges in real time on the RMAAA digital platform, which processes the data, generates alerts and issues warnings with specific recommendations. Hence, the network ensures that technical knowledge reaches farmers quickly and clearly, promoting an increasingly preventive and efficient action. The operation of this entire system is based on a collaborative model involving the Island Agrarian Development Services, associations and cooperatives, always in close coordination with the Azores Agricultural Federation. In addition to providing direct, daily support to farms, RMAAA plays a key role as the first line of defence in monitoring emerging and quarantine pests, and in ensuring coordination with national and European networks. “With this reinforcement, we are consolidating RMAAA as a strategic tool for knowledge, prevention and innovation, essential for tackling climate change and globalisation challenges,” stressed António Ventura. The Secretary for Agriculture reiterated the Government’s commitment to a response that “boosts productivity, reduces risks and safeguards the archipelago’s invaluable agricultural and environmental heritage.” Farmers and technicians interested in accessing the daily information produced by RMAAA can consult the agricultural warnings and advisories, and register for free on the official platform at https://avisos.agricultura.azores.gov.pt/.
May 12, 2026 Regional Government marks International Day of Plant Health by modernising agricultural warning network On International Day of Plant Health, observed today, the Regional Government, through the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Food, reiterates its commitment to food security and the sustainability of the primary sector by modernising the Azores Agricultural Monitoring and Warning Network (RMAAA). In an island region characterised by its high biodiversity, this infrastructure plays a critical role in preventing pests and diseases, preserving ecosystems and ensuring the competitiveness of regional production. For the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, “protecting plant health is about protecting agricultural production, farmers’ income and the balance of ecosystems.” The government official emphasised that strengthening the RMAAA enables “the sector to be better equipped in terms of preventing problems and having better tools to respond to current challenges, with more information, greater accuracy and greater sustainability.” Operated by the Regional Directorate for Agriculture, Veterinary Affairs and Food (DRAVA), the network is now a key infrastructure for integrated crop protection. Currently, the system comprises 105 Biological Observation Posts (BOP) and 55 Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) distributed throughout the archipelago. This technological network ensures continuous territorial coverage, contributing to the collection of vital climate data to feed into forecasting models, anticipating risks and tailoring technical recommendations to the specific microclimates of each island. All biological and meteorological information collected converges in real time on the RMAAA digital platform, which processes the data, generates alerts and issues warnings with specific recommendations. Hence, the network ensures that technical knowledge reaches farmers quickly and clearly, promoting an increasingly preventive and efficient action. The operation of this entire system is based on a collaborative model involving the Island Agrarian Development Services, associations and cooperatives, always in close coordination with the Azores Agricultural Federation. In addition to providing direct, daily support to farms, RMAAA plays a key role as the first line of defence in monitoring emerging and quarantine pests, and in ensuring coordination with national and European networks. “With this reinforcement, we are consolidating RMAAA as a strategic tool for knowledge, prevention and innovation, essential for tackling climate change and globalisation challenges,” stressed António Ventura. The Secretary for Agriculture reiterated the Government’s commitment to a response that “boosts productivity, reduces risks and safeguards the archipelago’s invaluable agricultural and environmental heritage.” Farmers and technicians interested in accessing the daily information produced by RMAAA can consult the agricultural warnings and advisories, and register for free on the official platform at https://avisos.agricultura.azores.gov.pt/.
