Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática
Regional Government organised training course on LiDAR Surface production and Analysis
Regional Government organised training course on LiDAR Surface production and Analysis
Secretaria Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação
Regional Government promotes agrifood exports with 25 companies participating in SAGAL 2026
Regional Government promotes agrifood exports with 25 companies participating in SAGAL 2026
Presidência do Governo Regional
José Manuel Bolieiro marks 50th anniversary of Constitution, highlighting its "legacy and evolution"
José Manuel Bolieiro marks 50th anniversary of Constitution, highlighting its "legacy and evolution"
Presidência do Governo Regional
José Manuel Bolieiro calls for stronger strategic role of the Azores within High Council for Internal Security
José Manuel Bolieiro calls for stronger strategic role of the Azores within High Council for Internal Security
Nota de Imprensa
April 6, 2026 Regional Government organised training course on LiDAR Surface production and Analysis The Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action organised a training course on LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) Surface Production and Analysis, conducted by specialist Nelson Ribeiro Pires, a geospatial engineer and lecturer at the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto. It took place on the island of São Miguel between March 27 and April 2, with a view to contributing to the Region’s capacity-building in this field. According to the Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, “the main aim of the training was to provide Regional Public Administration professionals with the skills to process and analyse LiDAR and photogrammetry data. The aim was to develop essential skills to improve response and planning capabilities in various areas, including mapping production, risk management, civil protection, forestry development, spatial planning and sustainable landscape management, through the production, analysis and use of high-precision geospatial information.” LiDAR is an active remote sensing technology that generates three-dimensional point clouds by measuring the properties of light reflected from distant objects, making it possible to measure distances and movements accurately in real time. It also allows for the creation of detailed terrain models, which are essential, for example, for simulating floods and landslides, monitoring coastal areas and mapping hydrographic basins. Organised as part of the Life IP Climaz project, this 26-hour training course brought together 35 participants from several sectors, including public administration professionals working in areas such as civil protection, the environment and climate action, spatial planning, forestry services, maritime policy, as well as the Regional Civil Engineering Laboratory. Alonso Miguel noted that “the Regional Government commissioned an aerial photogrammetric survey, including LiDAR scanning, carried out in 2024 and whose results will be made public shortly. It is currently wrapping up a tender process for the production of vector topographic maps, at a scale of 1:2000 for built-up areas and 1:10,000 for the Region’s undeveloped areas, which will provide the Region with a common and standardised mapping base.” “With this tender for the procurement of vector topographic mapping services, due to be launched later in 2026 and representing an investment of €2.2 million, the Region will now have highly detailed information covering its entire area, namely high-resolution digital terrain and surface models. This is something unprecedented until now, ensuring a very significant development, with major implications for knowledge, planning and land management,” he continued. Alonso Miguel added that “detailed mapping is also essential in the context of spatial planning processes, particularly for amendments to spatial planning tools, with particular focus on the amendment and revision of Special Land Management Plans and Municipal Land Management Plans (PDM). According to the Regional Climate Change Programme, they must produce detailed mapping at a scale of 1:2000 or greater, whenever they aim to determine the distance at which buildings, facilities or infrastructures must be located from areas of significant risk.” The government official also emphasised that the subsequent maps to be produced, based on this information, will have as their main goal the detailed updating of the stretches of built-up areas on our islands exposed to coastal risks during extreme events. This will also help to create scenarios in a climate change context, contributing to the definition of mitigation and adaptation measures – an aspect of significant importance that also concerns the safety of people and property. The Regional Secretary emphasised that “about €1.5 million has been invested since 2022 in equipping the Region with technological equipment, which is essential for the development and updating of mapping on the nine islands.” “In 2023, the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action procured various pieces of equipment to improve the capabilities of its internal services in the fields of geodesy, mapping and land registration, representing an investment of over €800,000, with 100% funded under the REACT-EU programme. The procurement included four Total Stations, four GNSS receivers, nine multi-rotor drones, one permanent GNSS station, three quadcopters for LiDAR surveying, three workstations, three photogrammetric processors, one laser scanner and nine GNSS receivers for the Permanent Station Network,” he recalled. Alonso Miguel noted that “there would be no point in equipping the Region with state-of-the-art technological equipment if the corresponding training were not provided, enabling public administration technicians to make the most of these tools through their efficient use.” In this regard, he added that “with the technological leap the Region has made, it will be possible to update mapping data more frequently, and this information is also relevant for research and science as well as for the Azorean business community." The government official concluded by stating that “developing these skills within the Regional Public Administration strengthens our capacity to respond to natural hazards, manage the environment, and provide essential technical information for decision-making and spatial planning in the Region.” The training focused on autonomous platforms, sensors and applications, as well as the algorithms used in photogrammetric processing. The course was designed with an open approach, prioritising the use of open-source software such as OpenDroneMap (ODM) and tools such as PDAL (Point Data Abstraction Library) and Open Point Cloud for processing and classifying point clouds. However, other proprietary tools, such as LAStools and Whiteboxtools for QGIS, were also tested.
April 6, 2026 Regional Government organised training course on LiDAR Surface production and Analysis The Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action organised a training course on LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) Surface Production and Analysis, conducted by specialist Nelson Ribeiro Pires, a geospatial engineer and lecturer at the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto. It took place on the island of São Miguel between March 27 and April 2, with a view to contributing to the Region’s capacity-building in this field. According to the Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, “the main aim of the training was to provide Regional Public Administration professionals with the skills to process and analyse LiDAR and photogrammetry data. The aim was to develop essential skills to improve response and planning capabilities in various areas, including mapping production, risk management, civil protection, forestry development, spatial planning and sustainable landscape management, through the production, analysis and use of high-precision geospatial information.” LiDAR is an active remote sensing technology that generates three-dimensional point clouds by measuring the properties of light reflected from distant objects, making it possible to measure distances and movements accurately in real time. It also allows for the creation of detailed terrain models, which are essential, for example, for simulating floods and landslides, monitoring coastal areas and mapping hydrographic basins. Organised as part of the Life IP Climaz project, this 26-hour training course brought together 35 participants from several sectors, including public administration professionals working in areas such as civil protection, the environment and climate action, spatial planning, forestry services, maritime policy, as well as the Regional Civil Engineering Laboratory. Alonso Miguel noted that “the Regional Government commissioned an aerial photogrammetric survey, including LiDAR scanning, carried out in 2024 and whose results will be made public shortly. It is currently wrapping up a tender process for the production of vector topographic maps, at a scale of 1:2000 for built-up areas and 1:10,000 for the Region’s undeveloped areas, which will provide the Region with a common and standardised mapping base.” “With this tender for the procurement of vector topographic mapping services, due to be launched later in 2026 and representing an investment of €2.2 million, the Region will now have highly detailed information covering its entire area, namely high-resolution digital terrain and surface models. This is something unprecedented until now, ensuring a very significant development, with major implications for knowledge, planning and land management,” he continued. Alonso Miguel added that “detailed mapping is also essential in the context of spatial planning processes, particularly for amendments to spatial planning tools, with particular focus on the amendment and revision of Special Land Management Plans and Municipal Land Management Plans (PDM). According to the Regional Climate Change Programme, they must produce detailed mapping at a scale of 1:2000 or greater, whenever they aim to determine the distance at which buildings, facilities or infrastructures must be located from areas of significant risk.” The government official also emphasised that the subsequent maps to be produced, based on this information, will have as their main goal the detailed updating of the stretches of built-up areas on our islands exposed to coastal risks during extreme events. This will also help to create scenarios in a climate change context, contributing to the definition of mitigation and adaptation measures – an aspect of significant importance that also concerns the safety of people and property. The Regional Secretary emphasised that “about €1.5 million has been invested since 2022 in equipping the Region with technological equipment, which is essential for the development and updating of mapping on the nine islands.” “In 2023, the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action procured various pieces of equipment to improve the capabilities of its internal services in the fields of geodesy, mapping and land registration, representing an investment of over €800,000, with 100% funded under the REACT-EU programme. The procurement included four Total Stations, four GNSS receivers, nine multi-rotor drones, one permanent GNSS station, three quadcopters for LiDAR surveying, three workstations, three photogrammetric processors, one laser scanner and nine GNSS receivers for the Permanent Station Network,” he recalled. Alonso Miguel noted that “there would be no point in equipping the Region with state-of-the-art technological equipment if the corresponding training were not provided, enabling public administration technicians to make the most of these tools through their efficient use.” In this regard, he added that “with the technological leap the Region has made, it will be possible to update mapping data more frequently, and this information is also relevant for research and science as well as for the Azorean business community." The government official concluded by stating that “developing these skills within the Regional Public Administration strengthens our capacity to respond to natural hazards, manage the environment, and provide essential technical information for decision-making and spatial planning in the Region.” The training focused on autonomous platforms, sensors and applications, as well as the algorithms used in photogrammetric processing. The course was designed with an open approach, prioritising the use of open-source software such as OpenDroneMap (ODM) and tools such as PDAL (Point Data Abstraction Library) and Open Point Cloud for processing and classifying point clouds. However, other proprietary tools, such as LAStools and Whiteboxtools for QGIS, were also tested.
Nota de Imprensa
April 6, 2026 Regional Government promotes agrifood exports with 25 companies participating in SAGAL 2026 The Regional Government, through the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Food and the Azores Brand Management and Promotion Office, will attend SAGAL 2026 – "Flavours of Portugal" Export Fair, which will take place at the Lisbon Exhibition and Congress Centre (FIL) from April 13 to 15. For the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, participation in this event “reiterates the Region’s commitment to the excellence, authenticity and competitiveness of Azorean products.” “The Azores Brand is now a recognised seal of quality both within and outside the country. This event is a strategic opportunity to boost the international visibility of our companies and open new business opportunities,” the Regional Secretary stressed, highlighting the Azores as a region producing top-quality goods, based on "sustainability, tradition and innovation.” SAGAL has established itself as one of the leading business platforms exclusively dedicated to the international promotion of the Portuguese food sector. This year’s edition is expected to bring together around 400 national exhibitors and over 1,000 international buyers from demanding global markets such as the United States, Canada, China, Japan, Singapore and Brazil, as well as various European countries and Portuguese-speaking African countries. With exhibitor satisfaction levels rising over the last four years, the Azorean Government is investing in this strictly professional event to expand the presence of the archipelago's products in new markets, create and consolidate distribution channels, and boost the regional business sector. The scale of this export drive is evident in the performance of the Azores Brand, which now includes 9,000 certified products, with 95% originating from the food sector. The Azores will be represented by 25 companies from various islands at SAGAL 2026, showcasing the diversity and authenticity of regional production to importers from the five continents. The Azores delegation includes the following brands: Azores Farm, Azorfisk, AzorGhee, Bensaude Distribuição, Boa Fruta, Celeiro da Terra, Conseran, Conservas Santa Catarina, Fábrica de Licores Mulher de Capote, Fortunna Azores, Gorreana, Insulac, LactAçores, Lima & Quental, Materramenta, Mel do Atlântico, Milhafre dos Açores, Moaçor, Prolacto Azores, Promineral, Quinta das Três Cruzes, Quintal dos Açores, Sicosta, Sociedade Corretora and Yoçor.
April 6, 2026 Regional Government promotes agrifood exports with 25 companies participating in SAGAL 2026 The Regional Government, through the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Food and the Azores Brand Management and Promotion Office, will attend SAGAL 2026 – "Flavours of Portugal" Export Fair, which will take place at the Lisbon Exhibition and Congress Centre (FIL) from April 13 to 15. For the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, participation in this event “reiterates the Region’s commitment to the excellence, authenticity and competitiveness of Azorean products.” “The Azores Brand is now a recognised seal of quality both within and outside the country. This event is a strategic opportunity to boost the international visibility of our companies and open new business opportunities,” the Regional Secretary stressed, highlighting the Azores as a region producing top-quality goods, based on "sustainability, tradition and innovation.” SAGAL has established itself as one of the leading business platforms exclusively dedicated to the international promotion of the Portuguese food sector. This year’s edition is expected to bring together around 400 national exhibitors and over 1,000 international buyers from demanding global markets such as the United States, Canada, China, Japan, Singapore and Brazil, as well as various European countries and Portuguese-speaking African countries. With exhibitor satisfaction levels rising over the last four years, the Azorean Government is investing in this strictly professional event to expand the presence of the archipelago's products in new markets, create and consolidate distribution channels, and boost the regional business sector. The scale of this export drive is evident in the performance of the Azores Brand, which now includes 9,000 certified products, with 95% originating from the food sector. The Azores will be represented by 25 companies from various islands at SAGAL 2026, showcasing the diversity and authenticity of regional production to importers from the five continents. The Azores delegation includes the following brands: Azores Farm, Azorfisk, AzorGhee, Bensaude Distribuição, Boa Fruta, Celeiro da Terra, Conseran, Conservas Santa Catarina, Fábrica de Licores Mulher de Capote, Fortunna Azores, Gorreana, Insulac, LactAçores, Lima & Quental, Materramenta, Mel do Atlântico, Milhafre dos Açores, Moaçor, Prolacto Azores, Promineral, Quinta das Três Cruzes, Quintal dos Açores, Sicosta, Sociedade Corretora and Yoçor.
Nota de Imprensa
April 2, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro marks 50th anniversary of Constitution, highlighting its "legacy and evolution" The President of the Regional Government of the Azores, José Manuel Bolieiro, attended today’s session marking the 50th anniversary of the Constitution of the Portuguese Republic, which took place at the National Assembly in Lisbon. The anniversary marked half a century of one of the fundamental pillars of Portuguese democracy, established following the Revolution of April 25, 1974, which brought an end to a period of dictatorship, with the Constitution heralding the dawn of a new era. For José Manuel Bolieiro, this moment represents an opportunity to look back on the path we have travelled and to reflect on the future. “Today, we celebrate 50 years of a Constitution that ushered in a new era for Portugal, bringing an end to a catastrophic period of dictatorship and establishing democracy,” stressed the President of the Government. The head of the Azorean Government also emphasised the Constitution’s foundational role in enshrining citizens’ rights, freedoms and guarantees, as well as in “upholding” democratic institutions. In this context, he highlighted the importance of regional autonomy as a “fundamental achievement.” “The Constitution enshrined a democratic rule of law and enabled the establishment of the political and administrative autonomy of the Azores and Madeira, which is a cause for celebration and pride,” he stated. Whilst praising the fundamental principles of the Constitution, José Manuel Bolieiro defended the need to keep pace with societal developments, calling for the modernisation of the Portuguese democratic state. “There are fundamental principles that must be preserved, but others must be modernised in an era of constant change,” he said. The President of the Regional Government also took the opportunity to express his gratitude to the members of the Constituent Assembly elected by the Azores: Mota Amaral, Jaime Gama, Natalino Viveiros, Germano da Silva Domingos, José Costa Bettencourt and Rúben Raposo, whose contributions were instrumental in enshrining autonomy in the Constitution. José Manuel Bolieiro stressed that this gratitude will be renewed during the celebrations currently taking place in the Region, marking the 50th anniversary of the Constitutional Autonomy of the Azores, as the greatest moment of the archipelago’s political and democratic establishment. The Solemn Session featured speeches by the Sole Party Representatives, the Representatives of the Parliamentary Groups, the President of the National Assembly and the President of the Republic. The former members of the Constituent Assembly also joined the event at a moment that celebrated the democratic journey that began with the 1976 Constitution.
April 2, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro marks 50th anniversary of Constitution, highlighting its "legacy and evolution" The President of the Regional Government of the Azores, José Manuel Bolieiro, attended today’s session marking the 50th anniversary of the Constitution of the Portuguese Republic, which took place at the National Assembly in Lisbon. The anniversary marked half a century of one of the fundamental pillars of Portuguese democracy, established following the Revolution of April 25, 1974, which brought an end to a period of dictatorship, with the Constitution heralding the dawn of a new era. For José Manuel Bolieiro, this moment represents an opportunity to look back on the path we have travelled and to reflect on the future. “Today, we celebrate 50 years of a Constitution that ushered in a new era for Portugal, bringing an end to a catastrophic period of dictatorship and establishing democracy,” stressed the President of the Government. The head of the Azorean Government also emphasised the Constitution’s foundational role in enshrining citizens’ rights, freedoms and guarantees, as well as in “upholding” democratic institutions. In this context, he highlighted the importance of regional autonomy as a “fundamental achievement.” “The Constitution enshrined a democratic rule of law and enabled the establishment of the political and administrative autonomy of the Azores and Madeira, which is a cause for celebration and pride,” he stated. Whilst praising the fundamental principles of the Constitution, José Manuel Bolieiro defended the need to keep pace with societal developments, calling for the modernisation of the Portuguese democratic state. “There are fundamental principles that must be preserved, but others must be modernised in an era of constant change,” he said. The President of the Regional Government also took the opportunity to express his gratitude to the members of the Constituent Assembly elected by the Azores: Mota Amaral, Jaime Gama, Natalino Viveiros, Germano da Silva Domingos, José Costa Bettencourt and Rúben Raposo, whose contributions were instrumental in enshrining autonomy in the Constitution. José Manuel Bolieiro stressed that this gratitude will be renewed during the celebrations currently taking place in the Region, marking the 50th anniversary of the Constitutional Autonomy of the Azores, as the greatest moment of the archipelago’s political and democratic establishment. The Solemn Session featured speeches by the Sole Party Representatives, the Representatives of the Parliamentary Groups, the President of the National Assembly and the President of the Republic. The former members of the Constituent Assembly also joined the event at a moment that celebrated the democratic journey that began with the 1976 Constitution.
Nota de Imprensa
April 1, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro calls for stronger strategic role of the Azores within High Council for Internal Security The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, attended the meeting of the High Council for Internal Security at the Belém Palace in Lisbon, the first to be chaired by António José Seguro as President of the Republic. During a meeting marked by the current international context, José Manuel Bolieiro took the opportunity to highlight the growing strategic importance of the Azores in the Euro-Atlantic area, at a time when the war in Ukraine and the escalating tensions in the Middle East are redefining security priorities. “We have definitively left behind the illusion of a stable and predictable security order,” he stated, defending that these changes are refocusing the North Atlantic – and with it, the Azores – on the strategic decision-making map. For the head of the Azorean Government, the Region “has long ceased to be merely a remote region of the European Union,” establishing itself today as “a true axis connecting Europe, America and Africa,” with significance in maritime, energy and communications routes. José Manuel Bolieiro insisted that this central role must be backed up by tangible investment. “It is not enough to simply proclaim the centrality of the Atlantic: we must translate this into resources, a visible presence and enhanced cooperation,” he said, highlighting the need to strengthen surveillance, deterrence and response capabilities. The President of the Regional Government also highlighted that the Azores could be a hub for NATO, the European Union and the United States, whilst calling for greater European responsibility in the area of defence. Nevertheless, he cautioned that security cannot be achieved through military means alone. “Defending the territory also means defending people, their quality of life and their expectations for the future,” he stated, emphasising the importance of territorial cohesion and the development of island regions. The meeting was also marked by the unanimous approval of a favourable opinion on the adjustments to the National Deployed Forces for 2026, as well as a vote of praise for the Armed Forces.
April 1, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro calls for stronger strategic role of the Azores within High Council for Internal Security The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, attended the meeting of the High Council for Internal Security at the Belém Palace in Lisbon, the first to be chaired by António José Seguro as President of the Republic. During a meeting marked by the current international context, José Manuel Bolieiro took the opportunity to highlight the growing strategic importance of the Azores in the Euro-Atlantic area, at a time when the war in Ukraine and the escalating tensions in the Middle East are redefining security priorities. “We have definitively left behind the illusion of a stable and predictable security order,” he stated, defending that these changes are refocusing the North Atlantic – and with it, the Azores – on the strategic decision-making map. For the head of the Azorean Government, the Region “has long ceased to be merely a remote region of the European Union,” establishing itself today as “a true axis connecting Europe, America and Africa,” with significance in maritime, energy and communications routes. José Manuel Bolieiro insisted that this central role must be backed up by tangible investment. “It is not enough to simply proclaim the centrality of the Atlantic: we must translate this into resources, a visible presence and enhanced cooperation,” he said, highlighting the need to strengthen surveillance, deterrence and response capabilities. The President of the Regional Government also highlighted that the Azores could be a hub for NATO, the European Union and the United States, whilst calling for greater European responsibility in the area of defence. Nevertheless, he cautioned that security cannot be achieved through military means alone. “Defending the territory also means defending people, their quality of life and their expectations for the future,” he stated, emphasising the importance of territorial cohesion and the development of island regions. The meeting was also marked by the unanimous approval of a favourable opinion on the adjustments to the National Deployed Forces for 2026, as well as a vote of praise for the Armed Forces.
Nota de Imprensa
April 1, 2026 Regional Government launched public tender for housing construction in Sete Cidades, São Miguel Island The Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, Maria João Carreiro, has announced the launch of a public tender for the construction of 16 houses in the parish of Sete Cidades, Ponta Delgada, São Miguel Island, with a base price of €3.1 million, plus VAT. Applications must be submitted by May 12 this year via the platform www.acingov.pt, with a completion period of 720 days. The launch of this works contract for the construction of nine two-bedroom houses and seven three-bedroom houses is another clear decision on the part of the Azorean Government to continue promoting an increase in the supply of housing at prices compatible with household incomes and encourage people to settle in parishes and municipalities across the Region. This public tender for the construction of housing on serviced plots, whose Notice was published today in the Official Journal, is the second to be launched by the PSD/CDS-PP/PPM coalition government for that housing development in Sete Cidades. The first tender was launched in January 2025, with a base price of €2.9 million and a completion period of 450 days; no proposals were submitted by construction companies. For Maria João Carreiro, the launch of a new tender is “clear evidence that the Regional Government has not given up on building houses in Sete Cidades.” This is in stark contrast to previous administrations, which “have neglected, for decades, several land plots in the Region earmarked for housing development, much to the detriment of Azorean families.” The Regional Secretary also expressed confidence that the upward adjustment of the base price of this contract, as well as the extension of the completion deadline, will prove attractive to construction companies, whose involvement has been crucial to the successful implementation of this historic public investment – notably through the RRP – in housing in the Azores.
April 1, 2026 Regional Government launched public tender for housing construction in Sete Cidades, São Miguel Island The Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, Maria João Carreiro, has announced the launch of a public tender for the construction of 16 houses in the parish of Sete Cidades, Ponta Delgada, São Miguel Island, with a base price of €3.1 million, plus VAT. Applications must be submitted by May 12 this year via the platform www.acingov.pt, with a completion period of 720 days. The launch of this works contract for the construction of nine two-bedroom houses and seven three-bedroom houses is another clear decision on the part of the Azorean Government to continue promoting an increase in the supply of housing at prices compatible with household incomes and encourage people to settle in parishes and municipalities across the Region. This public tender for the construction of housing on serviced plots, whose Notice was published today in the Official Journal, is the second to be launched by the PSD/CDS-PP/PPM coalition government for that housing development in Sete Cidades. The first tender was launched in January 2025, with a base price of €2.9 million and a completion period of 450 days; no proposals were submitted by construction companies. For Maria João Carreiro, the launch of a new tender is “clear evidence that the Regional Government has not given up on building houses in Sete Cidades.” This is in stark contrast to previous administrations, which “have neglected, for decades, several land plots in the Region earmarked for housing development, much to the detriment of Azorean families.” The Regional Secretary also expressed confidence that the upward adjustment of the base price of this contract, as well as the extension of the completion deadline, will prove attractive to construction companies, whose involvement has been crucial to the successful implementation of this historic public investment – notably through the RRP – in housing in the Azores.
