Secretaria Regional da Educação, Cultura e Desporto
Sofia Ribeiro apresenta melhorias ao regime de apoio a atividades culturais em sessão pública
Sofia Ribeiro apresenta melhorias ao regime de apoio a atividades culturais em sessão pública
Vice-Presidência do Governo Regional
Artur Lima at Committee of the Regions with agriculture, social policy and energy policy on the agenda
Artur Lima at Committee of the Regions with agriculture, social policy and energy policy on the agenda
Secretaria Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego
Azorean Handicrafts distinguished at FIA Lisbon with pieces by Adolfo Mendonça, Carolina Medeiros and Marina Mendonça
Azorean Handicrafts distinguished at FIA Lisbon with pieces by Adolfo Mendonça, Carolina Medeiros and Marina Mendonça
Secretaria Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação
Regional Government and financial institutions halve interest rates on purchase of agricultural land
Regional Government and financial institutions halve interest rates on purchase of agricultural land
Nota de Imprensa
July 4, 2026 Sofia Ribeiro apresenta melhorias ao regime de apoio a atividades culturais em sessão pública A Secretária Regional da Educação, Cultura e Desporto, Sofia Ribeiro, apresentou na sexta-feira as melhorias que o Governo quer introduzir ao regime de apoio a atividades culturais A sessão pública ocorreu na Biblioteca Pública e Arquivo Regional de Ponta Delgada, e contou com a transmissão em direto para os museus e bibliotecas nas restantes ilhas da Região. “Estas são medidas que vemos como essenciais para reforçar a transparência e eficácia dos apoios culturais e quisemos contar com as propostas e sugestões dos agentes culturais, antes de o documento ser publicado”, frisou. Para a titular da pasta da Cultura, “como tem sido feito nos últimos anos”, é “essencial” ouvir “quem efetivamente se candidata e utiliza o regime de apoios na prática” para criar “melhorias efetivas” ao documento e “a todo o processo”. A Secretária Regional já tinha realizado várias reuniões com agentes culturais, mas decidiu tornar pública a sessão para abranger outros contributos. De acordo com a governante, os objetivos das alterações são “simplificar procedimentos, melhorar a experiência de candidatura, reforçar a correspondência entre mérito e financiamento e promover um modelo mais simples, justo e adequado à realidade cultural dos Açores”. Das alterações a introduzir, a Secretária Regional destaca a mudança do período de candidatura que passa de agosto para janeiro, de maneira a garantir “maior previsibilidade”, após conhecimento do orçamento da Região, aprovado no final do mês de novembro anterior. Propõe-se ainda aumentar a possibilidade de candidatura dos agentes culturais a vários patamares de apoio num mesmo projeto, diminuindo a componente de risco da sua candidatura, e proceder à reformulação da plataforma de candidaturas, tornando-a mais intuitiva e orientada para os critérios de avaliação. Pretende-se introduzir um critério de majoração para projetos em ilhas com menor índice populacional, nomeadamente para Santa Maria, Graciosa, São Jorge, Flores e Corvo. Recorde-se que este ano, foram atribuídos cerca de 1,5 milhões de euros para apoios no âmbito deste regime de apoio. Sofia Ribeiro explicou que, “decorrido um ano da última alteração ao documento” feita pelo Governo dos Açores, é possível identificar os “aspetos que carecem de melhorias e afinar o modelo”. As alterações apresentadas pela Secretária Regional pretendem vigorar já no próximo período de candidaturas.
July 4, 2026 Sofia Ribeiro apresenta melhorias ao regime de apoio a atividades culturais em sessão pública A Secretária Regional da Educação, Cultura e Desporto, Sofia Ribeiro, apresentou na sexta-feira as melhorias que o Governo quer introduzir ao regime de apoio a atividades culturais A sessão pública ocorreu na Biblioteca Pública e Arquivo Regional de Ponta Delgada, e contou com a transmissão em direto para os museus e bibliotecas nas restantes ilhas da Região. “Estas são medidas que vemos como essenciais para reforçar a transparência e eficácia dos apoios culturais e quisemos contar com as propostas e sugestões dos agentes culturais, antes de o documento ser publicado”, frisou. Para a titular da pasta da Cultura, “como tem sido feito nos últimos anos”, é “essencial” ouvir “quem efetivamente se candidata e utiliza o regime de apoios na prática” para criar “melhorias efetivas” ao documento e “a todo o processo”. A Secretária Regional já tinha realizado várias reuniões com agentes culturais, mas decidiu tornar pública a sessão para abranger outros contributos. De acordo com a governante, os objetivos das alterações são “simplificar procedimentos, melhorar a experiência de candidatura, reforçar a correspondência entre mérito e financiamento e promover um modelo mais simples, justo e adequado à realidade cultural dos Açores”. Das alterações a introduzir, a Secretária Regional destaca a mudança do período de candidatura que passa de agosto para janeiro, de maneira a garantir “maior previsibilidade”, após conhecimento do orçamento da Região, aprovado no final do mês de novembro anterior. Propõe-se ainda aumentar a possibilidade de candidatura dos agentes culturais a vários patamares de apoio num mesmo projeto, diminuindo a componente de risco da sua candidatura, e proceder à reformulação da plataforma de candidaturas, tornando-a mais intuitiva e orientada para os critérios de avaliação. Pretende-se introduzir um critério de majoração para projetos em ilhas com menor índice populacional, nomeadamente para Santa Maria, Graciosa, São Jorge, Flores e Corvo. Recorde-se que este ano, foram atribuídos cerca de 1,5 milhões de euros para apoios no âmbito deste regime de apoio. Sofia Ribeiro explicou que, “decorrido um ano da última alteração ao documento” feita pelo Governo dos Açores, é possível identificar os “aspetos que carecem de melhorias e afinar o modelo”. As alterações apresentadas pela Secretária Regional pretendem vigorar já no próximo período de candidaturas.
Nota de Imprensa
July 3, 2026 Artur Lima at Committee of the Regions with agriculture, social policy and energy policy on the agenda The Vice-President of the Regional Government of the Azores, Artur Lima, attended the 172nd plenary session of the European Committee of the Regions in Brussels. The 172nd plenary session of the European Committee of the Regions took place on July 1 and 2 in Brussels to debate and adopt opinions on the Common Agricultural Policy, the European Social Fund, and climate and energy priorities for the 2028–2034 period. During the session, the Region presented and supported a series of amendments proposed by other Outermost Regions, aimed at ensuring recognition of their specific characteristics and permanent structural constraints through appropriate and territorially tailored solutions. The Vice-President of the Regional Government highlighted “the Azores’ efforts to ensure that European policies are properly adapted to the regional context, particularly regarding the next Multiannual Financial Framework.” Artur Lima emphasised that “this is an absolute priority for the Region, given the ongoing negotiations on the next European budget.” In this regard, “European institutions must acknowledge the importance of structural policies such as the Common Agricultural Policy and Cohesion Policy for the Azores and other outermost regions”, he emphasised. Similarly, “they will have to acknowledge the value that the Azores bring to Europe in the current geopolitical context,” stressed the government official. The plenary agenda also included three debates: one on fisheries, the Multiannual Financial Framework and coastal communities, with the participation of Costas Kadis, Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans; another on climate and energy, featuring a speech by Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President responsible for a Clean, Fair and Competitive Transition; and a debate on housing, with Nadia Calviño, President of the European Investment Bank, in attendance. The meeting also featured a series of speeches marking the official start of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which runs from July 1 to December 31. The primary mission of the European Committee of the Regions is to issue opinions on current political issues and legislative proposals in areas regarding the exercise of regional and local power in Europe, such as economic and social cohesion, employment and vocational training, education and culture, health and social policy, as well as the environment, climate change, energy and transport, amongst others.
July 3, 2026 Artur Lima at Committee of the Regions with agriculture, social policy and energy policy on the agenda The Vice-President of the Regional Government of the Azores, Artur Lima, attended the 172nd plenary session of the European Committee of the Regions in Brussels. The 172nd plenary session of the European Committee of the Regions took place on July 1 and 2 in Brussels to debate and adopt opinions on the Common Agricultural Policy, the European Social Fund, and climate and energy priorities for the 2028–2034 period. During the session, the Region presented and supported a series of amendments proposed by other Outermost Regions, aimed at ensuring recognition of their specific characteristics and permanent structural constraints through appropriate and territorially tailored solutions. The Vice-President of the Regional Government highlighted “the Azores’ efforts to ensure that European policies are properly adapted to the regional context, particularly regarding the next Multiannual Financial Framework.” Artur Lima emphasised that “this is an absolute priority for the Region, given the ongoing negotiations on the next European budget.” In this regard, “European institutions must acknowledge the importance of structural policies such as the Common Agricultural Policy and Cohesion Policy for the Azores and other outermost regions”, he emphasised. Similarly, “they will have to acknowledge the value that the Azores bring to Europe in the current geopolitical context,” stressed the government official. The plenary agenda also included three debates: one on fisheries, the Multiannual Financial Framework and coastal communities, with the participation of Costas Kadis, Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans; another on climate and energy, featuring a speech by Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President responsible for a Clean, Fair and Competitive Transition; and a debate on housing, with Nadia Calviño, President of the European Investment Bank, in attendance. The meeting also featured a series of speeches marking the official start of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which runs from July 1 to December 31. The primary mission of the European Committee of the Regions is to issue opinions on current political issues and legislative proposals in areas regarding the exercise of regional and local power in Europe, such as economic and social cohesion, employment and vocational training, education and culture, health and social policy, as well as the environment, climate change, energy and transport, amongst others.
Nota de Imprensa
July 3, 2026 Azorean Handicrafts distinguished at FIA Lisbon with pieces by Adolfo Mendonça, Carolina Medeiros and Marina Mendonça Azorean Handicrafts were once again distinguished at this year’s International Handicraft Exhibition—FIA Lisboa 2026 with pieces by artisans Adolfo Mendonça, Carolina Medeiros and Marina Mendonça. Ceramicist Adolfo Mendonça, from Terceira Island, was awarded the 1st Prize in “Contemporary Crafts” for his piece “39ºC.” The work is crafted from marine elements characteristic of his art. It is a wake-up call regarding environmental issues, revealing the fragility of ecosystems and highlighting the impact of human activity on nature. Carolina Medeiros, from São Miguel Island, received an Honourable Mention in the “Contemporary Crafts” category for her piece “SUBT’L Wearable Architecture Necklace.” Its geometric composition in black, white and natural wood creates an interplay of shapes and patterns that highlights a minimalist, contemporary, and architecturally inspired aesthetic. Marina Mendonça, from Santa Maria Island, was also awarded an Honourable Mention in “Contemporary Crafts” for the “Pote Condessa,” a piece that combines traditional basketry techniques with a contemporary ceramic aesthetic. “The Government of the Azores congratulates the artisans honoured at FIA. This recognition is well-deserved and a source of great pride for the Azorean people,” stated Maria João Carreiro. The Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing, and Employment praised a “new generation of artisans willing to embrace authenticity and uphold Azorean craft know-how in their work, infusing it with innovation and raising its profile both nationally and internationally. They are transforming tradition into a source of identity, culture, and economic value.” Maria João Carreiro also assured the Regional Government’s full commitment to “continue promoting the conditions for craft creation and production,” specifically through the Crafts and Design Centre of the Azores (CADA), a “public service of excellence that works continuously to promote artisans and their craft productions.” FIA Lisboa, the largest handicraft exhibition in the Iberian Peninsula, is taking place until Sunday, July 5, at Parque das Nações, and features 10 craft production units registered with CADA. Azorean craftspeople are exhibiting works featuring figurative ceramics, corn husks, fish scales, "lapinha" (sea-themed) nativity scenes, pottery, textiles, papercraft, and costume jewellery, thereby raising the profile of products certified under the "Azorean Handicrafts" collective brand.
July 3, 2026 Azorean Handicrafts distinguished at FIA Lisbon with pieces by Adolfo Mendonça, Carolina Medeiros and Marina Mendonça Azorean Handicrafts were once again distinguished at this year’s International Handicraft Exhibition—FIA Lisboa 2026 with pieces by artisans Adolfo Mendonça, Carolina Medeiros and Marina Mendonça. Ceramicist Adolfo Mendonça, from Terceira Island, was awarded the 1st Prize in “Contemporary Crafts” for his piece “39ºC.” The work is crafted from marine elements characteristic of his art. It is a wake-up call regarding environmental issues, revealing the fragility of ecosystems and highlighting the impact of human activity on nature. Carolina Medeiros, from São Miguel Island, received an Honourable Mention in the “Contemporary Crafts” category for her piece “SUBT’L Wearable Architecture Necklace.” Its geometric composition in black, white and natural wood creates an interplay of shapes and patterns that highlights a minimalist, contemporary, and architecturally inspired aesthetic. Marina Mendonça, from Santa Maria Island, was also awarded an Honourable Mention in “Contemporary Crafts” for the “Pote Condessa,” a piece that combines traditional basketry techniques with a contemporary ceramic aesthetic. “The Government of the Azores congratulates the artisans honoured at FIA. This recognition is well-deserved and a source of great pride for the Azorean people,” stated Maria João Carreiro. The Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing, and Employment praised a “new generation of artisans willing to embrace authenticity and uphold Azorean craft know-how in their work, infusing it with innovation and raising its profile both nationally and internationally. They are transforming tradition into a source of identity, culture, and economic value.” Maria João Carreiro also assured the Regional Government’s full commitment to “continue promoting the conditions for craft creation and production,” specifically through the Crafts and Design Centre of the Azores (CADA), a “public service of excellence that works continuously to promote artisans and their craft productions.” FIA Lisboa, the largest handicraft exhibition in the Iberian Peninsula, is taking place until Sunday, July 5, at Parque das Nações, and features 10 craft production units registered with CADA. Azorean craftspeople are exhibiting works featuring figurative ceramics, corn husks, fish scales, "lapinha" (sea-themed) nativity scenes, pottery, textiles, papercraft, and costume jewellery, thereby raising the profile of products certified under the "Azorean Handicrafts" collective brand.
Nota de Imprensa
July 2, 2026 Regional Government and financial institutions halve interest rates on purchase of agricultural land The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, presided over the signing of the cooperation agreement between the Government of the Azores, through IROA, S.A., and two regional financial institutions. This measure, which is part of the Incentive Scheme for the Purchase of Agricultural Land (RICTA), reiterates the Azorean Government’s commitment to agricultural activity in the Region. The protocol was signed by Caixa de Crédito Agrícola Mútuo dos Açores and Caixa Económica da Misericórdia de Angra do Heroísmo, making them the first banking institutions to sign this updated cooperation agreement. The signing takes place precisely in the month marking the 18th anniversary of the publication of the Regional Legislative Decree no.23/2008/A of July 24, the legislation governing the incentive scheme for the purchase of agricultural land, commonly known as RICTA. In view of developments in the financial market since 2011, the Regional Government considered it appropriate to renew the protocols entered into with financial institutions. The aim is to reduce the spread applicable to transactions for the purchase of agricultural land covered by the support schemes managed by IROA. Consequently, the spread has been reset at 1.5%, as opposed to the 3% previously applied. This reduction also enables the IROA to increase its financial resources available to approve new applications under the agricultural land acquisition scheme. During the ceremony, António Ventura emphasised that the partnership with Caixa de Crédito Agrícola Mútuo dos Açores and Caixa Económica da Misericórdia de Angra do Heroísmo is “a clear sign of confidence on the part of financial institutions in the dynamics of Azorean agricultural entrepreneurs and the strategic importance of the agricultural sector for wealth generation and economic development in the Autonomous Region of the Azores.” The government official also stressed that facilitating access to credit “is essential for the progress of agrifood production, making the land the key asset for the economic viability and sustainability of agricultural holdings.” The Regional Secretary also pointed out that “the Azores are now producing more food from their own land, which is boosting the Region’s food security and contributing to increased self-sufficiency in food production for the local population." So far, 490 applications have been approved under the Credit Support Scheme for Land Acquisition (SICATE) and the Incentive Scheme for the Purchase of Agricultural Land (RICTA), covering a total area of 2,578.58 hectares. António Ventura also highlighted the role of IROA, S.A., particularly its President, Pedro Ribeiro, in implementing these support mechanisms and carrying out land management and structuring policies in the Region. “IROA, S.A. has been a key partner for Azorean farmers, ensuring close support, technical guidance and solutions that help improve the organisation of agricultural land and promote a more efficient and sustainable use of available resources,” he said. With this protocol update and the reduction in the financial costs associated with the acquisition of agricultural land, the Regional Government is strengthening its strategy towards modernisation, restructuring and sustainability of agricultural holdings, whilst promoting generational renewal and adding value to regional agrifood production.
July 2, 2026 Regional Government and financial institutions halve interest rates on purchase of agricultural land The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, presided over the signing of the cooperation agreement between the Government of the Azores, through IROA, S.A., and two regional financial institutions. This measure, which is part of the Incentive Scheme for the Purchase of Agricultural Land (RICTA), reiterates the Azorean Government’s commitment to agricultural activity in the Region. The protocol was signed by Caixa de Crédito Agrícola Mútuo dos Açores and Caixa Económica da Misericórdia de Angra do Heroísmo, making them the first banking institutions to sign this updated cooperation agreement. The signing takes place precisely in the month marking the 18th anniversary of the publication of the Regional Legislative Decree no.23/2008/A of July 24, the legislation governing the incentive scheme for the purchase of agricultural land, commonly known as RICTA. In view of developments in the financial market since 2011, the Regional Government considered it appropriate to renew the protocols entered into with financial institutions. The aim is to reduce the spread applicable to transactions for the purchase of agricultural land covered by the support schemes managed by IROA. Consequently, the spread has been reset at 1.5%, as opposed to the 3% previously applied. This reduction also enables the IROA to increase its financial resources available to approve new applications under the agricultural land acquisition scheme. During the ceremony, António Ventura emphasised that the partnership with Caixa de Crédito Agrícola Mútuo dos Açores and Caixa Económica da Misericórdia de Angra do Heroísmo is “a clear sign of confidence on the part of financial institutions in the dynamics of Azorean agricultural entrepreneurs and the strategic importance of the agricultural sector for wealth generation and economic development in the Autonomous Region of the Azores.” The government official also stressed that facilitating access to credit “is essential for the progress of agrifood production, making the land the key asset for the economic viability and sustainability of agricultural holdings.” The Regional Secretary also pointed out that “the Azores are now producing more food from their own land, which is boosting the Region’s food security and contributing to increased self-sufficiency in food production for the local population." So far, 490 applications have been approved under the Credit Support Scheme for Land Acquisition (SICATE) and the Incentive Scheme for the Purchase of Agricultural Land (RICTA), covering a total area of 2,578.58 hectares. António Ventura also highlighted the role of IROA, S.A., particularly its President, Pedro Ribeiro, in implementing these support mechanisms and carrying out land management and structuring policies in the Region. “IROA, S.A. has been a key partner for Azorean farmers, ensuring close support, technical guidance and solutions that help improve the organisation of agricultural land and promote a more efficient and sustainable use of available resources,” he said. With this protocol update and the reduction in the financial costs associated with the acquisition of agricultural land, the Regional Government is strengthening its strategy towards modernisation, restructuring and sustainability of agricultural holdings, whilst promoting generational renewal and adding value to regional agrifood production.
Nota de Imprensa
July 2, 2026 Azores takes on leading role in preparation of National Nature Restoration Plan The Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, through the Regional Directorate for the Environment and Climate Action, held on Wednesday the second meeting of the Working Group set up in the Autonomous Region of the Azores for the presentation of the Region’s contributions to the National Nature Restoration Plan. The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, praised the work carried out by the Regional Directorate for the Environment and Climate Action and the various bodies involved in the process. He noted that “the main results of a wide-ranging and technically demanding project, carried out over recent months, have been presented. This has enabled the Autonomous Region of the Azores to play a leading role in the preparation of the national proposal arising from Regulation (EU) 2024/1991 of the European Parliament and of the Council of June 24, 2024, on Nature Restoration.” According to Alonso Miguel, “the Azores have made a very significant contribution to the development of the National Nature Restoration Plan, establishing themselves as a benchmark for the technical quality of the work done, their capacity for institutional coordination, and their mobilisation of a wide range of regional entities and experts.” The government official emphasised that the Regional Director for the Environment and Climate Action, Ana Rodrigues, coordinated the process. It was conducted in close collaboration with the government departments responsible for agriculture, rural development, forestry, maritime policy, fisheries and spatial planning, as well as with local authorities, representative associations, scientific institutions and civil society organisations. “From the very outset, we have sought to ensure a participatory and rigorous approach tailored to the reality of the Azores, drawing on scientific knowledge, experience gained on the ground, and the ecological, geographical and socio-economic specificities of the archipelago,” he said. Within the regional context, the work was organised into nine thematic sub-groups, covering areas such as terrestrial, marine, urban, agricultural and forest ecosystems, as well as pollinators and natural connectivity. This has led to the identification of specific restoration measures and the development of a solid contribution to the National Nature Restoration Plan. Among the key results achieved are the definition of specific measures for the Autonomous Region of the Azores, the adaptation of assessment and planning methodologies to the island context, and the confirmation of the great potential of the Azorean agricultural and forestry systems for carbon sequestration, soil conservation and the protection of biodiversity. Alonso Miguel also noted that “the Azores did not merely follow the national process, but made a decisive contribution to a solid, technically consistent and territorially tailored proposal, capable of addressing the challenges of nature conservation, climate change adaptation and the improvement of ecosystem services.” By 2050, the National Nature Restoration Plan envisages interventions across more than 1,000 square kilometres of protected habitats, agricultural, urban and forest ecosystems, and habitats essential for pollinators, as well as across about 300 square kilometres of marine habitats. The targets set at EU level include the restoration of 30% of degraded habitats by 2030, 60% by 2040 and more than 90% by 2050, as well as the gradual improvement of scientific knowledge regarding the conservation status of these habitats. The regulation also sets out specific targets for urban ecosystems, the recovery of pollinator populations and the improvement of ecological indicators in agricultural and forestry systems. Alonso Miguel explained that “the plan comprises 324 nationwide restoration measures, which also apply to the Azores, in addition to 56 measures specifically designed for the archipelago. These include actions to control and eradicate invasive species, the creation of nurseries for the production of indigenous and native species, the restoration of peatlands and other sensitive habitats, as well as passive restoration interventions in marine ecosystems through the regulation of activities in Marine Protected Areas.” The Regional Secretary emphasised that “the implementation of these measures represents an opportunity to bolster biodiversity conservation, increase the resilience of the Azorean territories to climate change and promote the sustainable management of natural resources, for the benefit of current and future generations.” The National Nature Restoration Plan will shortly be put out for public consultation, with a view to collecting input from civil society. It will subsequently be submitted to the European Commission by September 1, 2026, for technical assessment. The final version of the document is expected to be completed and submitted by September 1, 2027.
July 2, 2026 Azores takes on leading role in preparation of National Nature Restoration Plan The Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, through the Regional Directorate for the Environment and Climate Action, held on Wednesday the second meeting of the Working Group set up in the Autonomous Region of the Azores for the presentation of the Region’s contributions to the National Nature Restoration Plan. The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, praised the work carried out by the Regional Directorate for the Environment and Climate Action and the various bodies involved in the process. He noted that “the main results of a wide-ranging and technically demanding project, carried out over recent months, have been presented. This has enabled the Autonomous Region of the Azores to play a leading role in the preparation of the national proposal arising from Regulation (EU) 2024/1991 of the European Parliament and of the Council of June 24, 2024, on Nature Restoration.” According to Alonso Miguel, “the Azores have made a very significant contribution to the development of the National Nature Restoration Plan, establishing themselves as a benchmark for the technical quality of the work done, their capacity for institutional coordination, and their mobilisation of a wide range of regional entities and experts.” The government official emphasised that the Regional Director for the Environment and Climate Action, Ana Rodrigues, coordinated the process. It was conducted in close collaboration with the government departments responsible for agriculture, rural development, forestry, maritime policy, fisheries and spatial planning, as well as with local authorities, representative associations, scientific institutions and civil society organisations. “From the very outset, we have sought to ensure a participatory and rigorous approach tailored to the reality of the Azores, drawing on scientific knowledge, experience gained on the ground, and the ecological, geographical and socio-economic specificities of the archipelago,” he said. Within the regional context, the work was organised into nine thematic sub-groups, covering areas such as terrestrial, marine, urban, agricultural and forest ecosystems, as well as pollinators and natural connectivity. This has led to the identification of specific restoration measures and the development of a solid contribution to the National Nature Restoration Plan. Among the key results achieved are the definition of specific measures for the Autonomous Region of the Azores, the adaptation of assessment and planning methodologies to the island context, and the confirmation of the great potential of the Azorean agricultural and forestry systems for carbon sequestration, soil conservation and the protection of biodiversity. Alonso Miguel also noted that “the Azores did not merely follow the national process, but made a decisive contribution to a solid, technically consistent and territorially tailored proposal, capable of addressing the challenges of nature conservation, climate change adaptation and the improvement of ecosystem services.” By 2050, the National Nature Restoration Plan envisages interventions across more than 1,000 square kilometres of protected habitats, agricultural, urban and forest ecosystems, and habitats essential for pollinators, as well as across about 300 square kilometres of marine habitats. The targets set at EU level include the restoration of 30% of degraded habitats by 2030, 60% by 2040 and more than 90% by 2050, as well as the gradual improvement of scientific knowledge regarding the conservation status of these habitats. The regulation also sets out specific targets for urban ecosystems, the recovery of pollinator populations and the improvement of ecological indicators in agricultural and forestry systems. Alonso Miguel explained that “the plan comprises 324 nationwide restoration measures, which also apply to the Azores, in addition to 56 measures specifically designed for the archipelago. These include actions to control and eradicate invasive species, the creation of nurseries for the production of indigenous and native species, the restoration of peatlands and other sensitive habitats, as well as passive restoration interventions in marine ecosystems through the regulation of activities in Marine Protected Areas.” The Regional Secretary emphasised that “the implementation of these measures represents an opportunity to bolster biodiversity conservation, increase the resilience of the Azorean territories to climate change and promote the sustainable management of natural resources, for the benefit of current and future generations.” The National Nature Restoration Plan will shortly be put out for public consultation, with a view to collecting input from civil society. It will subsequently be submitted to the European Commission by September 1, 2026, for technical assessment. The final version of the document is expected to be completed and submitted by September 1, 2027.
